Here’s a basic, all-purpose dressing for salads, slaws, and marinating. Increase the proportion of vinegar if your prefer a more pungent taste.

Makes: about 1 cup

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 to /1/3 cup balsamic or apple cider vinegar, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1 tablespoon natural granulated sugar or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Combine all ingredients in a tightly lidded bottle and shake thoroughly. Shake well before each use.

Good with: Green salads; grain and/or bean salads; pasta salads; lentil salads; corn salads. Use for marinating vegetables before roasting or grilling; or for marinating tofu that has been very well drained, blotted and diced to use as a feta cheese substitute.

• See VegKitchen’s selection of Classic Salad Dressings. ^[1]