Tangy French Vinaigrette Recipe: A Splash of Parisian Magic

Summer salads transform with this zesty French vinaigrette recipe bursting with tangy flavor.

Classic French culinary techniques shine through each vibrant ingredient.

Chefs worldwide recognize vinaigrettes as the cornerstone of fresh, light dressings.

Dijon mustard and aged red wine vinegar create a harmonious blend of sharp and smooth notes.

Fresh herbs add unexpected brightness to this simple yet elegant sauce.

Each drizzle brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate.

You’ll want to toss this vinaigrette with crisp greens, roasted vegetables, or as a delectable marinade.

How to Whisk Up a French Vinaigrette That Shines

• Combine Fresh Ingredients

Toss corn kernels, sharp cheddar, vibrant bell peppers, and sliced green onions into a spacious mixing bowl. These colorful components will create a zesty salad base.

• Blend Creamy Dressing

Stir in creamy mayonnaise and sprinkle chili powder for a subtle kick. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Chill and Develop Flavors

Refrigerate the mixture for half an hour, allowing the ingredients to mingle and intensify their taste. This resting period helps marry the different flavors together.

• Add Crunchy Topping

Right before serving, gently fold crushed Fritos into the salad. The crispy corn chips will provide a delightful textural contrast and keep their signature crunch.

• Serve and Enjoy

Present the salad immediately, showcasing its vibrant colors and enticing textures. This crowd-pleasing dish works perfectly as a side or light meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Flavor Variations for Your Next French Vinaigrette

• Use fresh corn kernels for the brightest flavor and crisp texture, preferably right off the cob during summer months.
• Prepare the base salad a day ahead, but add Fritos just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
• Adjust chili powder to match your heat preference – start with a pinch and gradually increase for personal taste.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter, alternative version that preserves the creamy texture.
• Boost nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, black beans, or diced shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete meal.

Ways to Use French Vinaigrette Beyond Just Salad

• Festive Party Platter: Spread the corn mixture on a large serving tray and surround with extra Fritos for dipping. Guests can scoop up the creamy blend with crispy chips at gatherings or game day events.
• Fresh Taco Topping: Use this zesty corn mixture as a delicious filling for soft tortillas or as a vibrant topping for grilled chicken or fish tacos. The cheesy, crunchy elements add fantastic texture and flavor.
• Summer Picnic Side: Pack the chilled corn salad in a portable container for outdoor meals. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, and works wonderfully as a refreshing side dish during warm weather gatherings.
• Lettuce Wrap Delight: Serve the corn mixture inside crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option. This approach creates a fun, handheld appetizer that's both nutritious and satisfying for health-conscious guests.

Storage Tips for Keeping Vinaigrette Fresh

• Store this corn salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the Fritos separate to maintain their crunch.
• Mix all ingredients except Fritos up to a day before serving. Add crushed chips just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Avoid freezing this salad, as mayonnaise and fresh vegetables will separate and lose texture when thawed.
• Best enjoyed chilled, so keep the salad refrigerated until the moment you're ready to serve. The cold temperature enhances the flavors and keeps the dish refreshing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients That Make French Vinaigrette Pop

• Corn: Sweet and crisp kernel that provides a delightful texture and natural sweetness to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that adds rich, tangy flavor and smooth consistency.
• Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetable bringing fresh crunch and vibrant flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Zesty aromatic ingredient that introduces a mild onion kick and beautiful green color.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy sauce that helps blend and hold all ingredients together smoothly.

• Chili Powder: Optional spice that creates a warm, slightly smoky depth to the overall taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing the dish's natural flavors.
• Fritos: Crunchy corn chips that provide a satisfying textural contrast and salty finish.

• Choose fresh, crisp corn kernels for maximum sweetness.
• Select sharp cheddar cheese for more intense flavor.
• Pick firm, brightly colored bell peppers without blemishes.
• Use green onions with bright green tops and white bases.
• Opt for quality mayonnaise with clean, smooth texture.
• Select Fritos that are crisp and not stale.

Tools That Help You Mix French Vinaigrette Right

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing all ingredients together smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping bell peppers and green onions.
• Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable cutting.
• Measuring spoons: Help accurately season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
• Spatula or spoon: Perfect for folding ingredients and mixing gently.
• Refrigerator: Allows corn salad to chill and develop flavors.

Zesty French Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty French Vinaigrette dances with classic Parisian flair, whisking together tangy mustard and bright herbs. Crisp salads and rustic vegetables find new life when drizzled with this simple yet sophisticated French dressing that elevates any plate.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cans (15 oz or 425 g) whole kernel corn, drained
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 1 bag (9.25 oz or 262 g) chili cheese or original Fritos, crushed slightly
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine corn, cheddar cheese, bell pepper, green onions, and mayonnaise in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Seasoning: Enhance the mixture with chili powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
3. Chilling: Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste.
4. Final Touch: Gently fold in crushed Fritos just before serving to maintain their signature crunch and textural contrast.
5. Serving: Present the corn salad immediately, showcasing its vibrant colors and tantalizing combination of ingredients.

Notes

• Crush Fritos right before serving to maintain their crispy crunch and prevent them from getting soft in the salad.
• Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate and blend flavors thoroughly.
• Adjust chili powder quantity based on personal spice preference, starting with a small amount and tasting before adding more.
• Prepare the base salad (without Fritos) up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator to develop richer taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Drinks, Salads
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg