All you ever wanted to know about vinaigrettes

Fascinating article on vinaigrette, complete with experiments and photos! Answer your most burning questions: What is a surfactant? Which is the best one to use? Is vinegar the culprit when the leaves of my salad turn all funky once dressed? How can I ensure balanced flavor in every mouthful of salad? How important is emulsification? Blender, whisk, or shaker?

Here's a lovely photo from the article to inspire you to vinaigrette perfection:

via Serious Eats' Food Lab