Whisk together vinegar, shallot, mustard, honey, salt and pepper until blended. Slowly whisk in olive oil.

Variations:

Keep the basics of the vinaigrette the same, but vary the oil and vinegar for different combinations. Adding an herb or spice will also change the flavors.

1. Sweet-and-Mild Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar and replace Extra Virgin Olive Oil with the same amount of Extra Light Olive Oil.

2. Bright-and-Zesty Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with sherry vinegar and replace Extra Virgin Olive Oil with the same amount of Robusto Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

3. Herb-and Citrus-Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with 3 tbsp lemon juice and add 1/2 tsp dried oregano.

4. Sweet-and-Tangy Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar and replace honey with 1 tsp maple syrup. Replace Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

5. Bright Herb Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar and add 1 tsp chopped fresh tarragon. Replace Extra Virgin Olive Oil with the same amount of Delicato Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

6. Everyday Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with white vinegar and add 1/2 tsp paprika. Replace Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Extra Light Olive Oil.

6 Ethnic vinaigrette variations

1. French Vinaigrette: Increase Dijon mustard to 2 tsp. Add 1 tbsp chopped chives and 2 tsp chopped fresh tarragon.

2. Tex-Mex Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with 3 tbsp fresh lime juice and add 1/2 tsp ground cumin.

3. Mediterranean Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with lemon juice and add 2 tsp tahini paste.

4. Asian Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with rice wine vinegar. Replace salt with 1 tbsp soy sauce and add 2 tsp grated fresh gingerroot.

5. Italian Vinaigrette: Substitute cracked black pepper for ground pepper. Add 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning and 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese.

6. Spanish Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with sherry vinegar and add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.