Looking to do more recipe-free cooking but wondering where to start? Try experimenting with vinaigrettes.

A basic vinaigrette is a reliable kitchen workhorse, dressing salads, marinating tofu, brightening up a bowl of grains or a salad of smoked fish. But that doesn't mean it has to be boring. Once you have mastered the basic recipe, vinaigrettes are a flexible, inexpensive way to play around with bold flavors. Fresh herbs, grilled citrus, garlic confit and bacon are just a few of the add-ins found in the recipes below.

VINAIGRETTE RECIPES
• How To Make a Basic Vinaigrette
• How To Make a Basic Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Honey Pepper Vinaigrette
• Two-Minute, Creamy Salad Dressing
• Sherry Vinaigrette
• Grilled Lemon Vinaigrette
• Garlic Confit Vinaigrette

RECIPES WITH UNUSUAL VINAIGRETTES
• Quick Salmon & Couscous with Cilantro Vinaigrette
• BLT Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette
• Wheat Berry Salad with Blood Oranges, Feta & Red Onion Vinaigrette
• Grilled Cabbage Wedges with Spicy Lime Dressing

MORE VINAIGRETTE TIPS
• Food Science: Why Vinaigrettes Separate
• Do I Really Need To Refrigerate Vinaigrettes?
• Edible Gift Idea: Homemade Vinaigrette
• Try This! Vinaigrettes With Pureed Fruit

What are your favorite vinaigrette variations?

Related: Fruit Vinegar: The Easiest Way to Preserve Summer Fruit

(Image: Leela Cyd Ross)