A vinaigrette is a simple sauce based on oil and vinegar, often supplemented with herbs, spices and other flavorings such as mustard or garlic. It is usually used as a salad dressing.

The name “vinaigrette” is derived from the French word “vinaigre,” meaning vinegar. This is because vinegar is one of the main ingredients in a classic vinaigrette. The addition of “ette” gives it a diminutive, meaning “little vinegar sauce” in French.

A dressing is a general term for sauces used to flavor salads, vegetables or other dishes. Dressings can range from simple vinaigrettes to creamy sauces such as ranch or caesar dressing.

Yes, a vinaigrette is a type of dressing. It is one of the most widely known and used dressings because of its simple ingredients and versatility.

Not necessarily. A vinaigrette is a type of dressing specifically based on oil and vinegar or lemon juice. But not all dressings are vinaigrettes; they can also be creamy or yogurt-based.

Yes, you can make a vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Shake or stir well before use, as ingredients may separate during storage.

You can vary with different types of vinegar (e.g., balsamic, wine vinegar), citrus juices (e.g., orange, lime), and flavorings such as honey, mustard, herbs and garlic.