Make a condiment - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Make a condiment

Make a simple herb vinaigrette using oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs; measure, whisk, taste, and learn how flavors combine with adult supervision.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a simple herb vinaigrette

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What you need

Small bowl, measuring spoons, measuring cup, whisk or fork, olive oil, vinegar such as apple cider or wine vinegar, mustard such as dijon or yellow mustard, fresh herbs like parsley or basil, salt and pepper, clean tasting spoon, small piece of bread or a few salad leaves for tasting, adult supervision required

Step 1

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Step 2

Ask an adult to stay with you and help while you make the vinaigrette.

Step 3

Put the small bowl on a clean flat table or counter.

Step 4

Measure and pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil into the bowl.

Step 5

Measure and pour 1 tablespoon of vinegar into the bowl.

Step 6

Add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard into the bowl.

Step 7

With the adult, chop one teaspoon of fresh herbs on a cutting board then add the chopped herbs to the bowl.

Step 8

Add a small pinch of salt and a small pinch of pepper to the bowl.

Step 9

Whisk the mixture briskly for about 20 seconds until it looks shiny and mixed.

Step 10

Smell the vinaigrette and notice which scent is strongest to you.

Step 11

Taste a tiny spoonful using the clean tasting spoon and notice if it tastes more sour or more oily.

Step 12

If you want it milder ask your adult to add 1 teaspoon of oil or if you want it tangier ask your adult to add 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar.

Step 13

Ask your adult to whisk the vinaigrette again for 15 seconds after any change.

Step 14

Share a photo or description of your finished vinaigrette on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use instead of olive oil, vinegar, mustard, or fresh herbs if those aren't available?

If you don't have olive oil use a mild oil like canola or avocado for the 3 tablespoons, swap the 1 tablespoon vinegar for 1 tablespoon lemon juice, replace 1/2 teaspoon mustard with 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder or a small dollop of mayonnaise, and use about 1/4 teaspoon dried herbs instead of the chopped teaspoon of fresh herbs.

The vinaigrette stayed oily and didn't look shiny after whisking—what should we try?

If the mixture isn't emulsifying after the 20-second whisk in step 8, ask your adult to whisk more vigorously and slowly add the optional extra 1 teaspoon of oil or 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar while whisking to help it come together.

How can we adapt the steps for younger or older children?

For toddlers have the adult do the measuring, chopping on the cutting board, and whisking while the child does the pinches of salt/pepper, smells step 9, and tastes step 11, and for older children (6+) let them measure the 3 tablespoons oil and 1 tablespoon vinegar, chop the teaspoon of herbs with supervision, and adjust flavor by adding the extra oil or vinegar themselves.

How can we extend or personalize the vinaigrette activity after finishing the basic recipe?

To personalize the vinaigrette try different vinegars (balsamic or apple cider), add a small minced garlic clove or 1 teaspoon honey before whisking, put the dressing in a small jar to shake instead of whisking, and take the photo for DIY.org with a creative label.

Watch videos on how to make a simple herb vinaigrette

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4 Videos

Facts about basic kitchen skills for kids

🥗 Vinaigrette comes from the French word for vinegar (vinaigre) — it's basically a "little vinegar" dressing!

⚗️ Oil and vinegar naturally separate — whisking or adding mustard helps form an emulsion that holds them together.

🥄 A classic vinaigrette ratio is about 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar, but you can tweak it to taste.

🌿 A tiny handful of fresh herbs (parsley, chives, basil, or tarragon) can change a vinaigrette's flavor completely.

👩‍🍳 Tasting and adjusting salt, acid, and a bit of sweetness while you mix is how cooks make a dressing just right.

How do I make a simple herb vinaigrette with my child?

To make a child-friendly herb vinaigrette, use a 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio (three parts oil to one part vinegar). Have your child measure and pour oil and vinegar, add a teaspoon of mustard, a pinch of salt and pepper, and chopped fresh herbs. Whisk together in a bowl or seal and shake in a jar until combined. Let the child taste with a clean spoon and help adjust seasoning. Supervise any cutting and tasting.

What materials and ingredients do I need to make a kid-safe herb vinaigrette?

You’ll need oil (olive or neutral), vinegar (apple cider, white wine, or lemon juice), Dijon or whole-grain mustard, fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or chives), salt and pepper. Tools: measuring spoons and cups, a small bowl or jar with a lid, a whisk or fork, a child-safe knife and cutting board for herbs, and a tasting spoon. Optional: a little honey for sweetness and a towel for spills.

What ages is making a vinaigrette suitable for?

Toddlers (2–3) can help smell herbs, stir, and pour supervised; preschoolers (3–5) can measure, add ingredients, and shake a jar with close guidance. School-age children (6–10) can chop soft herbs with a kid-safe knife, whisk, and adjust flavors with adult oversight. Older kids (11+) can follow the full recipe more independently. Always supervise cutting, measuring, and tasting for allergies or choking risks.

What are safety tips and fun variations for a child-made herb vinaigrette?

Safety: supervise knife use, keep tasting spoons clean, check for allergies, and wipe up spills to avoid slips. Teach proper handwashing and careful measuring. Variations: swap vinegars (lemon, balsamic), try different herbs (tarragon, dill), add a touch of honey or minced garlic, or use flavored oils. Turn it into a tasting lesson—make small batches with different herbs so kids can compare and describe flavors.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Make a condiment

Make a simple herb vinaigrette using oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs; measure, whisk, taste, and learn how flavors combine with adult supervision.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a simple herb vinaigrette

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Make Smoothies With Simple Ingredients | Smoothie Making For Beginners | Activities For Kids

What you need

Step 1

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Step 2

Ask an adult to stay with you and help while you make the vinaigrette.

Step 3

Put the small bowl on a clean flat table or counter.

Step 4

Measure and pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil into the bowl.

Step 5

Measure and pour 1 tablespoon of vinegar into the bowl.

Step 6

Add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard into the bowl.

Step 7

With the adult, chop one teaspoon of fresh herbs on a cutting board then add the chopped herbs to the bowl.

Step 8

Add a small pinch of salt and a small pinch of pepper to the bowl.

Step 9

Whisk the mixture briskly for about 20 seconds until it looks shiny and mixed.

Step 10

Smell the vinaigrette and notice which scent is strongest to you.

Step 11

Taste a tiny spoonful using the clean tasting spoon and notice if it tastes more sour or more oily.

Step 12

If you want it milder ask your adult to add 1 teaspoon of oil or if you want it tangier ask your adult to add 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar.

Step 13

Ask your adult to whisk the vinaigrette again for 15 seconds after any change.

Step 14

Share a photo or description of your finished vinaigrette on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use instead of olive oil, vinegar, mustard, or fresh herbs if those aren't available?

The vinaigrette stayed oily and didn't look shiny after whisking—what should we try?

How can we adapt the steps for younger or older children?

How can we extend or personalize the vinaigrette activity after finishing the basic recipe?

Watch videos on how to make a simple herb vinaigrette

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to make quick and easy slime at home! | Science experiments for kids | #doitwithdiy

4 Videos

Facts about basic kitchen skills for kids

🥗 Vinaigrette comes from the French word for vinegar (vinaigre) — it's basically a "little vinegar" dressing!

⚗️ Oil and vinegar naturally separate — whisking or adding mustard helps form an emulsion that holds them together.

🥄 A classic vinaigrette ratio is about 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar, but you can tweak it to taste.

🌿 A tiny handful of fresh herbs (parsley, chives, basil, or tarragon) can change a vinaigrette's flavor completely.

👩‍🍳 Tasting and adjusting salt, acid, and a bit of sweetness while you mix is how cooks make a dressing just right.