Simple Fresh Tarragon Vinaigrette

Fresh tarragon, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup come together in minutes to create this tangy, flavorful Tarragon Vinaigrette.

Have you made a recipe with tarragon before? If not, I’ve got the perfect Tarragon Vinaigrette for you to try, so you can experience this unique and somewhat uncommon (at least in the United States) herb firsthand.

What is Tarragon?

Tarragon is a perennial herb that, believe it or not, actually belongs to the sunflower family. Native to Europe, it has spread across Asia and North America, and it’s especially popular in French cooking. With its long, slender leaves and aromatic, slightly woody scent, tarragon is often a staple in the herb garden of any cook who enjoys adding depth and complexity to their dishes.

What Does Tarragon Taste Like?

Tarragon is known for its distinct flavor, which is often described as a mix of licorice, anise, and subtle hints of pepper. While its aniseed flavor is reminiscent of licorice, it’s much milder and sweeter, without any bitterness. Even for those who aren’t fans of traditional anise flavors, tarragon is enjoyable. Trust me, I’m not a fan of licorice personally. But I truly enjoy the nuanced flavor of tarragon, especially in this delicious dressing.

What Pairs Well With Tarragon?

• Vegetables: Tarragon is great with earthy, sweet vegetables like beets (like in my Beetroot and Lentil Salad), asparagus, green beans, potatoes (including potato salad), and carrots. Try tossing roasted veggies in this Tarragon Vinaigrette for an added layer of flavor. It’s also fantastic in a green salad, or on leafy greens and cooked leeks, which allow the herb to shine without being overwhelmed by stronger flavors.

• Proteins: Tarragon is a classic pairing with fish (especially salmon and white fish), chicken (like in my Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches), and even eggs. 

• Mustard: I can’t talk about tarragon without mentioning one of its best friends: Dijon mustard. The sharp, tangy taste of Dijon perfectly complements the herbal, slightly sweet notes of tarragon. This flavor pairing is part of the inspiration behind this tarragon mustard vinaigrette. It’s an homage to the delicious combination of mustard and tarragon I first encountered in a recipe for chicken breasts with Dijon mustard sauce years ago.

Why Tarragon in a Vinaigrette?

Tarragon’s herbal and slightly sweet flavor makes it an excellent base for vinaigrettes like this one. It’s great at balancing the acidity of vinegar and the richness of olive oil. It’s also an easy addition to add more complex flavor to your standard salad dressing.

Other Important Ingredients

In addition to fresh tarragon, for this Tarragon Vinaigrette you will need:

• Red Wine Vinegar: I love using red wine vinegar in this dressing because of its subtle sweetness and mild acidity, which allows the tarragon’s flavor to shine. However, feel free to experiment with other vinegars like apple cider vinegar, champagne vinegar, or white wine vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: For a richer, more complex flavor, I always reach for Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. It adds depth to the vinaigrette, but any olive oil will work just fine.

• Maple Syrup: When it comes to sweetening my vinaigrettes, maple syrup is my go-to. It dissolves seamlessly into the oil and vinegar, unlike granulated sugar or honey.

• Dijon Mustard: As I noted above, Dijon mustard and tarragon are a match made in heaven. The mustard not only brings some sharpness but also acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar come together into a smooth, cohesive dressing.

• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The finishing touches – salt and freshly ground black pepper – help round out the vinaigrette’s flavors. Freshly ground pepper provides a sharper, more pronounced flavor than pre-ground pepper, giving the dressing an extra layer of depth.

Recipe FAQs

Related Recipes

If you haven’t tried it already, this vinaigrette recipe is a perfect pairing with my Beetroot Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts. 

Or maybe you are looking for another recipe to use up some of the leftover tarragon you just purchased? My Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches also use this unique herb and are incredibly delicious.

If you are interested in some other homemade dressings definitely check out:

• Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Shortcut Caesar Dressing

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