Basic Vinaigrette

Basic Vinaigrette
Yield About 3/4 cup

Time 5 minutes

Mark Bittman

Ingredients
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons or more good vinegar -- wine, sherry, rice, balsamic, etc.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 large shallot (about 1 ounce), peeled and cut into chunks

Method
1. Combine all ingredients but the shallot in a blender and turn the machine on; a creamy emulsion will form within 30 seconds. Taste and add more vinegar a teaspoon or two at a time, until the balance tastes right.

2. Add the shallot, and turn the machine on and off a few times until the shallot is minced within the dressing. Taste, adjust seasoning and serve. This is best made fresh but will keep a few days refrigerated; bring back to room temperature and whisk briefly before using.

Summary
Vary this however you like: with herbs, with garlic (roasted is very nice), with a tiny bit of soy sauce and sesame oil, with lemon juice in place of the vinegar, with hazelnut oil, with spices . . . you name it, in moderation it will work. You can also just beat the ingredients in a bowl with a fork, or shake them in a jar; it won't be as creamy, but it will still taste delicious.

Source: The New York Times

You can obviously do this without the shallot, usng an onion or red onion or garlic or nothing. You can add whatever spices or spice blend you have handy (Mrs. Dash).