This red wine vinaigrette recipe is better than any store-bought salad dressing! Energetic, bright and balanced, it is easy to prepare in 5 minutes.
Check out my favorite red wine vinaigrette recipe! Made with basic ingredients like olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, this 5-minute salad dressing has a deliciously balanced flavor. It’s spicy, tasty and a little sweet.far better than any bottled dressing you can get at the store.
I have been slowly perfecting this red wine vinaigrette recipe over the past few years. When I started making it, I used too much vinegar, which gave the dressing too sour a touch. I gradually tempered it with more oil, honey, and mustard to create a smooth, emulsified texture and complex flavor that I love.
These days, this red wine vinaigrette recipe is on repeat in my kitchen. I drizzle it over any and all salads, use it as a marinade, and more. I hope you like having it in your back pocket too!

Ingredients for red wine vinaigrette
Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic red wine vinaigrette recipe:
- Extra virgin olive oil – Gives the dressing body, richness and depth of fruity flavor.
- red wine vinegar – Adds a bold and spicy flavor. I also love a variation made with half lemon juice and half vinegar.
- Honey – Its sweetness balances the spiciness of the vinegar. If you are vegan, you can substitute maple syrup or sugar.
- Dijon mustard – Emulsifies the dressing giving it a very slightly creamy texture. It also adds a spicy flavor and brings out the acidity of the vinegar.
- Garlic – For an intense and tasty flavor.
- dried oregano – Adds a lovely herbaceous note. Other dried herbs would be great here too. Feel free to substitute dried thyme or Italian seasoning. You could even use finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary!
- And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors stand out!
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to make a red wine vinaigrette
This red wine vinaigrette dressing comes together in less than 5 minutes!
Simply combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until well combined. Another option is to place the ingredients in a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake until well combined. So easy!
Before using the dressing, taste it and adjust the proportions to your taste. Add more vinegar to make it spicier or more oil or honey if you find it too spicy.
- Advice: Try trying it on a lettuce leaf or other salad ingredient. This will give you a better idea of what the dressing will taste like on your salad than if you tasted it directly with a spoon.

How to use this red wine vinaigrette
With its bold, sweet and tangy flavor, this homemade red wine vinaigrette is delicious with many different types of salads! Try it…
You can also use it in fillings for sandwiches and wraps. Try it instead of Caesar dressing in these Caesar Salad Wraps!
I also love it drizzled over grilled and grilled vegetables. For a delicious summer side dish, place it on top of these roasted tomatoes and top with grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese and some fresh parsley or basil.
How do you like to use this dressing? Let me know in the comments!
How to store
Store this red wine vinegar dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
The olive oil will solidify in the refrigerator. Don’t worry if you see this: it’s totally normal and doesn’t mean the bandage has gone bad! Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes and it will be liquid again. Quickly shake or whisk the dressing to fully combine the ingredients before using.
More Homemade Salad Dressings to Try
If you love this easy red wine vinaigrette, try one of these homemade salad dressing recipes below:

Red Wine Vinaigrette
serves 4
This red wine vinaigrette recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients like olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, and garlic. It comes together in minutes and is so much better than a store-bought dressing. Try it on salads, vegetables, sandwiches and more!
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and some ground pepper. Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake to combine.
Recipe makes about 1/2 cup dressing