This vinaigrette has that sweet-zesty balance that pulls everything together just like the ones you know so well from Subway!
The trick is to combine red wine vinegar with a bit of sugar and dried oregano—it’s simple, but it nails the flavor balance.
I like using a neutral oil like canola or light olive oil so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Don’t skip the garlic powder and just a pinch of onion powder—they round things out without needing fresh ingredients.
The ratio that works best for me is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar, then I shake it well in a jar.
I like how this dressing gives even plain lettuce a boost without needing a long list of ingredients!
How to Make Subway’s Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Pour olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey into a medium bowl or a big measuring cup.
Step 2:
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3:
Whisk everything together with some energy until the vinaigrette looks creamy and blended. Don’t be shy with the whisking—it helps!
Step 4:
If you want a silkier texture, dump the mixture in a mason jar and shake it hard for about 30 seconds. It really does the trick.
Step 5:
Taste it. Add a bit more salt or honey if you want extra sweetness or a bigger kick.
Step 6:
Let the vinaigrette rest for 5-10 minutes so the flavors can mellow and mingle a bit.
Step 7:
Drizzle over salads or use as a sandwich dressing, Subway-style. Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use high-quality oil
Good olive oil makes a big difference here, so pick one you actually like the taste of.
Adjust the seasoning to taste
Taste as you go. Sometimes a pinch more salt or honey is what you need to make it hit just right for you.
Whisk or shake for best texture
If you’re in a hurry, just toss everything in a jar with a tight lid and shake until it comes together and looks a bit creamy.
Let it sit before serving
Letting the vinaigrette rest for a few minutes helps the flavors blend, so don’t skip this step if you want the best taste.
Mix in fresh herbs if you have them
If you have fresh oregano or basil, use them instead of dried. The flavor is even brighter—just chop the herbs up fine.
What to Serve with Subway Vinaigrette Recipe
Classic Crispy Fries
Honestly, crispy fries go with almost anything, but they’re especially good with something topped with Subway vinaigrette.
Fries bring that familiar crunch and balance the tangy vinaigrette. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little garlic powder or Italian herbs on them after frying.
Fresh Tossed Salad
Pair your vinaigrette with a crisp salad—always a safe and tasty move.
Try tossing together mixed greens, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes. It’s a refreshing side or a quick lunch. Give the salad an extra splash of vinaigrette right before serving. Trust me, it makes the veggies pop.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Roasted cauliflower steaks might sound odd, but they soak up vinaigrette beautifully and add a hearty touch to your meal.
If I have leftover vinaigrette, I’ll brush it on the cauliflower before roasting for a flavor boost.
Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Chickpea salad sandwiches are an unexpectedly great match for Subway vinaigrette. The creamy chickpeas and crunchy veggies work so well with the dressing.
Load the chickpea mix onto whole grain bread and drizzle with vinaigrette for extra zing. I love this for lunch meal prep—it just fits the vibe.
Grilled Peach Slices
Grilled peaches? Sounds a little wild, but the sweetness totally pops with the tangy vinaigrette.
Grill peach slices until they get a bit of char, serve them warm, and drizzle with vinaigrette. It’s fun, a little unexpected, and people always ask what you did differently.
Variations and Substitutions
You can swap out the red wine vinegar for white balsamic, apple cider, or even plain white vinegar if that’s all you’ve got.
Sometimes I use extra virgin olive oil instead of the usual vegetable oil for a richer flavor. It blends in nicely.
Adding a little honey or maple syrup can help if your vinegar is too sharp, especially on days you want a touch of sweetness.
Herb and Spice Options
If you want a different flavor, try fresh herbs instead of dried—just chop them up small.
Switching out the dried oregano for Italian seasoning gives it a new twist.
You can skip the onion powder or add extra garlic powder, depending on what your crew likes. Don’t be afraid to play around.
Making It Vegan or Allergy Friendly
Check your Dijon mustard label if you need it vegan—some brands sneak in non-vegan stuff.
For anyone avoiding soy, swap in avocado oil or canola oil. Both work great and keep the texture and flavor on point.
How to Store Leftover Subway Vinaigrette
Keep It Fresh
Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container or mason jar to keep out fridge odors.
Stick it in the fridge as soon as you can after making it. That keeps it tasting best and safe to eat.
Shelf Life and Storage Time
It’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week, though honestly, mine never lasts that long.
If you made a big batch, check for freshness before each use, especially after a few days.
Shake Before Serving
Vinaigrette separates in the fridge, so shake the container well each time before using.
If the oil solidifies, let it sit at room temp for about 10 minutes, then shake it up again. A good shake brings it right back to life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Right Vinegar
Using a super sharp vinegar like plain distilled white can throw off the balance and make the vinaigrette too harsh.
Go with red wine vinegar for that subtle tang. It really nails the Subway flavor.
Overdoing the Mustard
Too much Dijon mustard can overpower everything. Stick with a small spoonful and whisk it in. I always taste before adding any more—sometimes less is more here.
Not Emulsifying Properly
If you skip whisking or rush through blending the oil, your vinaigrette just separates and slides off the salad instead of coating it.
I usually pour the oil in a thin stream and whisk as I go. That way, everything comes together smooth and actually sticks to the greens!
Subway Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Pour olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey into a medium bowl or a big measuring cup.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk everything together with some energy until the vinaigrette looks creamy and blended. Don’t be shy with the whisking—it helps!
- If you want a silkier texture, dump the mixture in a mason jar and shake it hard for about 30 seconds. It really does the trick.
- Taste it. Add a bit more salt or honey if you want extra sweetness or a bigger kick.
- Let the vinaigrette rest for 5-10 minutes so the flavors can mellow and mingle a bit.
- Drizzle over salads or use as a sandwich dressing, Subway-style. Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge.