Introduction

Something about a good salad dressing is so magical in that everything about the dressing is the ability of it to transform an average-looking bowl of greens into something that reminds you of receiving a vacation.

My dressing is the Riviera Dressing Recipe. Each time I shake it, I get in a makeshift restaurant near the French Riviera where the air is faintly redolent of olive trees, lemon peel, and, finally, the sea.

It is light and full-flavored, simple and elegant – just what a dress should be in a Mediterranean-oriented dressing. And in case you have never had Riviera dressing, why, you can look forward to a treat.

It is bottle sunshine – golden olive oil, vinegar tang, Dijon mustard, and herbs being lovely together in a wonderfully harmonious dance.

It is a kind of recipe that leaves me with the feeling that I am in my small kitchen by the shore, whisking, when people are laughing, somebody takes a piece of baguette to have it dipped in a bowl before dinner.

What Is Riviera Dressing?

The Riviera Dressing Recipe is a lively, tangy vinaigrette which embodies the flavor of the Mediterranean coast of cooking. They say it was invented in the south of France, especially the Riviera, where ingredients are fresh and simple.

Imagine it as a French vinaigrette with an Italian dressing of herbs. It is made out of extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a mix of aromatic herbs, such as thyme, oregano, and basil.

This is because some of them have a slightly lemony touch, others have a little more savory touch, but they all have that same coastal taste.

The difference between it and other vinaigrettes is in the balance; it is neither too acidic nor oily, and, thus, herbal enough to make each bite refreshing. It can be drizzled upon crisp greens, roasted vegetables, or grilled fish, but it brings a dose of sunshine to all that is eaten.

Equipment List

The Riviera Dressing Recipe is easy to prepare: you will need only a few ingredients:

A mixing bowl or a glass jar that has a cover.
A whisk (or fork when you grow old-fashioned).
Measuring spoons and cups
A fine grater or garlic press
A funnel (not requisite, when kept in a bottle)

That’s it! Before your lettuce even gets dry under the tap, you will be through.

Ingredients

The following will be required to make this sunshine-filled dressing work with you:

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard- the foundation of the whole Mediterranean. Use the best you can find.
3 tbs red wine vinegar- to add a zesty balance.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – to provide creaminess and richness.
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed – as garlic is everything.
1 teaspoon honey- also only enough to smooth the acidity.
1 teaspoon dried oregano -what gives it the Riviera touch.
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme – barely noticeable, but necessary.
1/2 teaspoon of dried basil – adds a sweet, light flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to taste.
Signature: fresh lemon juice squeezer, optional, to make it really bright.

Instructions

Step 1: Start with the base

Whisk together the Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, red wine vinegar and the minced garlic in a small bowl.

Step 2: Add the magic

Add your herbs oregano, thyme, basil, as well as a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Whisk it all together

Gradually add the olive oil whilst constantly whisking it until it becomes an emulsified creamy dressing.

Step 4: Taste and adjust

Sip a bit of lettuce or bread before you set it on it (you are entitled to a nibble). If you feel like it has a tangier taste, add a bit of vinegar, or if you feel like it has a gentler taste, be it of honey.

Step 5: Store or serve.

Set the dressing in a small glass jar or bottle and keep it in the refrigerator for no more than one week. Shake before each use.

Flavor Profile: What makes Riviera Dressing So Irresistible?

The Riviera Dressing Recipe is the most beautiful because it is not complicated. Olive oil is used to make it dressy in the mouth, vinegar is used to give it a refreshing taste of brightness, and the herbs used are used to make it a symphony of funny olfactory Mediterranean flavors.

It is light and not heavy like the creamy dressings, and it matches many dishes. To finish it, you will see how the mustard holds it all together, combining the oil and vinegar such that it would not separate.

The initial savor is tangy and spicy and a little sweet, like a post-rain French garden.

How to Use Riviera Dressing

You will find yourself beginning to put this dressing on everything as soon as you have this dressing ready. Seriously. My top methods of using it are the following:

1. Classic Salad Dressing

Pour it over fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Include feta or goat cheese and a couple of olives – perfection.

2. Bread Dip

Pour a little in a shallow bowl, add a little Spanish sea salt and red pepper, and toast hazelnut slices of baguette. Instant happiness.

3. Grilled Fish or Shrimp

Brush over seafood just before serving to finish herbally.

4. Chicken or Veggie Marinade.

Soak your proteins or veggies in it overnight, and then grill them as the flavors sink in very well.

5. Potatoes drizzle over roasted potatoes.

Yes, trust me on this. The meaty dressing with crispy potatoes? Pure joy.

The Reasons You Will Fall in Love with this Recipe.

Because it’s:

Simple and quick to make
New, juicy, and all-round.
Natural and prepared with natural foodstuffs.
Savors of summer with each bite.

This Riviera Dressing Recipe is so good that once you make this dressing, you will never go back to the store again. That is a touch of French refinement that makes daily meals seem special.

Final Thoughts

There is a recipe that all chefs keep in mind why they have fallen in love with cooking, and this Riviera Dressing Recipe is one of such recipes for me. It is a reminder that the most memorable dishes are the ones made with the simplest ingredients.

And therefore bring out your whisk, and pour out a glass of wine, and do a little magic in your kitchen today. Bon appétit!

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