Creamy Thyme Vinaigrette and Dressing
A creamy thyme vinaigrette recipe that's milder and earthier than a tarragon version, good for heartier salads, grains, and roasted vegetables.
This creamy thyme vinaigrette rounds out the herb-vinaigrette lineup alongside our sharper tarragon version, offering a milder, earthier dressing that works well on heartier salads and roasted vegetables.
Creamy Thyme Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 minutes | Makes: about 3/4 cup
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot, very finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp honey (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, shallot, thyme, and mayonnaise or sour cream until smooth.
- While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to form a thick emulsion. If using a jar, add everything except the oil, then add the oil and shake vigorously with the lid on.
- Stir in the honey if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes if you have time, to let the thyme and shallot mellow into the dressing.
Notes
This vinaigrette keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for about a week. It will thicken when cold - let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and shake well before using.
How This Differs From the Tarragon Vinaigrette
Thyme's milder, earthier flavor makes this a more versatile everyday dressing than the sharper, more assertive tarragon version, which works better on lighter, more delicate salads. This thyme version, especially with the creamy base from mayonnaise or sour cream, holds up well against heartier ingredients like roasted vegetables, grains, or grilled chicken.
What to Dress With It
Beyond a basic green salad, this dressing works well on a grain salad (farro, quinoa, or wild rice), roasted or grilled vegetables, or drizzled over thyme roast chicken for an extra hit of herb flavor.
Variations
- Fully creamy version: Increase the mayonnaise or sour cream for a thicker, more dip-like consistency, good for serving alongside raw vegetables.
- Lighter version: Skip the mayonnaise or sour cream entirely for a simpler, lighter vinaigrette, closer in style to the tarragon version.
- Garlic version: Add a small minced garlic clove along with the shallot for more depth.
For more everyday ways to use thyme, see the complete thyme guide.
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