My easy red wine vinegar dressing is the perfect all-purpose salad accompaniment. Simply shaken together in a jar and loaded with flavor from fresh thyme, garlic, Tamari, Dijon mustard, and a hint of sweetness. This creamy vegan salad dressing comes together in just minutes! Similar to my liquid gold salad dressing and garlic scape dressing, this recipe comes together in about 10 minutes.
Red wine vinegar and oil dressing is a classic to have in your cooking repertoire! I make a double batch of this creamy vegan salad dressing every other week or so for pouring over green salads. I find that red wine vinegar is one of the best options for salad dressing.
The key players in this homemade dressing:
- Red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. The base is simple and pantry-friendly! I like to use a higher ratio of vinegar to oil than typical (2:3) because I prefer a tangy dressing with a bit more punch.
- Vegan mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Both ingredients help to emulsify the dressing and contribute a โcreamyโ texture. A small amount is used, but it makes a huge difference in the final outcome.
- Agave nectar or cane sugar. I prefer a slightly sweet red wine vinegar dressing that balances the tart aspects.
- Tamari soy sauce. A teaspoon gives the dressing mouthwatering umami depth.
- Fresh garlic and thyme. The punchy flavor of garlic is a perfect match here and the herbaceous notes of fresh thyme work so well. There is no substitute for either!
Once the garlic and thyme are minced up finely (I use a Microplane for the garlic), you just shake everything else up in a jar. Simple! This easy go to salad dressing will keep in your fridge for up to two weeks.ย
Creamy Red Wine Vinegar Dressing with Thyme
Ingredients
- scant ยฝ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons agave nectar/fine cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Tamari soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced with a Microplane
- sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- ยพ cup olive oil
Notes
- Fresh thyme makes a huge difference here and gives the dressing so much of its herbaceous flavour. I donโt think that dried thyme is an adequate substitute.
- For a little extra kick, sometimes I like to add 2 tablespoons of pepperoncini or pickled jalapeรฑo pepper brine.
Instructions
- In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the red wine vinegar, thyme, vegan mayonnaise, agave nectar, Dijon mustard, Tamari, garlic, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid on top of the jar and give it a good shake. Open up the jar and add the olive oil. Seal the lid back on and give it another shake. Store in the fridge.
- This red wine vinegar dressing will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
I have been trying to replicate a delicious double chopped Italian salad from an upscale pizza place, and this dressing recipe is exactly what I needed! One of the best dressing recipes I have found! Iโm going to try subbing champagne vinegar for red wine vinegar next time for a slight mix up.
So good! My (very picky) 6yo and I just sat there dipping spinach and arugula in the dressing and chowing down! Thanks!
Appreciate a new and delicious salad dressing recipe! Makes it easier to more consistently eat salads throughout the busy work week :) I used the last of the dressing as a marinade for some cherry tomatoes and it was great!