Description
Vinaigrette is an emulsion of vinegar and a form of oil, such as soybean oil, canola oil, olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, or grape seed oil, and sometimes flavoured with herbs, spices, and other ingredients. It is used most commonly as a salad dressing, but also as a cold sauce or marinade. Vinaigrette generally consists of 3 parts of oil to 1 part of vinegar whisked into an emulsion. Salt and pepper are often added. Herbs and shallots are added, especially when it is used as a sauce for cooked vegetables, grains, and the like.Vinaigrette may be made with a variety of oils and vinegars. Olive oil and neutral vegetable oils are most common.
In northern France, it may be made with walnut oil and cider vinegar and used for Belgian endive salad. In the United States, vinaigrettes may include a wide range of novelty additions such as lemons, truffles, raspberries, egg white, sugar, garlic and cherries. Cheese, often blue cheese, may also be added. Commercially bottled versions may include emulsifiers such as lecithin. In Southeast Asia, rice bran oil and white vinegar are used as a foundation with fresh herbs, chilli peppers, nuts, and lime juice.
Common vinaigrette dressing available in market is generally made of oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. This dressing can be prepared in variations by mixing with some other ingredients and sauces in proportions as desired.

How to select
Choose from the different brands available in market and always check for expiry dates and seal of the packs. You can also choose from varieties of vinaigrette dressings available in flavours and tastes.

Culinary uses
• This dressing is commonly used in salad dressings to perk up the taste of veggies and fruits.
• It can also be used in french and Italian cuisines to enhance the flavour of some dishes.
• Sweet vinaigrette like raspberry vinaigrette is used to garnish ice-creams, muffins and various desserts as well.

How to store
Store the dressing in a cool and dry place. Once opened, its advisable to keep it refrigerated and use before expiry date. Always shake the dressing well before use.

Health Benefits
• Pouring vinaigrette over your vegetables or a salad of leafy greens can make it easier for you to increase your vegetable intake by making them taste better.
• In addition, the fats found in oils can help you better absorb the fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants found in the vegetables you eat.
• Vinegar can also help you keep your blood sugar levels more stable and make you feel fuller longer between meals.
• However, one should be careful with high sodium content of the readymade dressing available in market.
• Olive oil used in the dressing contains high amount of vitamin E and other health protecting antioxidants.