My Favorite Salad Dressing of the Moment: Creamy Tarragon Dijon Vinaigrette

By Jeannette Ordas of Everybody likes Sandwiches


Sometimes you have to clarify these things. I love eating salads and I make homemade dressings all the time, so I'm always coming up with a favorite combination. Right now, though, this is The One. It's got everything I love: the bright tang of lemon, the herbal goodness from some fancy tarragon dijon mustard and a good dose of creaminess thanks to a dollop of mayonnaise. And of course, lots of garlic. This is something you make with good friends and share with good kissers.


Normally, I tend to shy away from mayo-based dressings, but when our jar was almost finished I shook up the rest of the mayo along with some standard vinaigrette ingredients. The results were delicious and I've been shaking up a batch every week now. Salad greens from our CSA get tossed with a variety of local vegetables and sometimes a boiled egg. Lunch, there it is! Part of a dinner plate? Yes, please! Fill up on your greens and pour on this dressing because things are going to get addictive.

Can't find tarragon dijon? Just use regular dijon mustard and add in some fresh herbs - whatever you have around. May I suggest tarragon? Though I also think dill would be excellent too.


Creamy Tarragon Dijon Vinaigrette
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large tablespoon of mayonnaise
1 large teaspoon of tarragon dijon
juice of 1 lemon

1 really fat clove of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
1 large pinch of kosher salt
a good grind of black pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a small jar with a tightly fitting lid. Shake, shake, shake! Give it a taste. Does it need more salt? Lemon? Honey? Or maybe it's a bit thick. If so, add in a teaspoon of water and shake again. Pour over your favorite salad.