Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of tangy and slightly sweet
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in just minutes
- Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free
- Versatile for salads, vegetables, and marinades
- Tastes fresher than store-bought dressings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
balsamic vinegar
extra virgin olive oil
Dijon mustard
honey
garlic
salt
black pepper
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion.
- Continue whisking until the dressing is fully blended and slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes about 3/4 cup (approximately 6 servings)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Maple Version: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
- Herb Balsamic: Add chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
- Creamy Twist: Whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for a thicker texture.
- Shallot Option: Substitute finely minced shallot for garlic.
- Low-Sugar: Reduce or omit honey for a sharper vinaigrette.
Storage/Reheating
Store balsamic vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Olive oil may solidify when chilled; allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes and shake or whisk well before serving.
This dressing does not require reheating. Simply mix well before each use.
FAQs
How long does homemade balsamic vinaigrette last?
It stays fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is the ideal oil-to-vinegar ratio?
A common ratio is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar, but you can adjust to taste.
Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, but Dijon provides a smoother texture and deeper flavor.
Why is my vinaigrette separating?
Oil and vinegar naturally separate. Shake or whisk before serving.
Can I make this vinaigrette vegan?
Yes, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Can I use white balsamic vinegar?
Yes, white balsamic creates a lighter color and slightly milder flavor.
How can I thicken balsamic vinaigrette?
Add a little more Dijon mustard or reduce the vinegar slightly.
Is balsamic vinaigrette healthy?
It is generally considered a light dressing made with simple ingredients like olive oil and vinegar.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it works well as a marinade for chicken, steak, or vegetables.
What salads pair best with balsamic vinaigrette?
It pairs beautifully with mixed greens, spinach salads, caprese-style salads, and roasted vegetable salads.
Conclusion
Balsamic Vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful dressing that brings depth and brightness to a variety of dishes. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a fresh, homemade dressing that enhances salads, vegetables, and more. Keep this versatile recipe on hand for an easy way to elevate everyday meals.
PrintBalsamic Vinaigrette
A classic balsamic vinaigrette made with rich balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard, delivering a perfectly balanced tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 3/4 cup)
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion.
- Continue whisking until the dressing is fully blended and slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before serving.
Notes
- Shake or whisk well before each use as natural separation may occur.
- If refrigerated, allow the dressing to sit at room temperature briefly if the olive oil solidifies.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Add fresh herbs for additional depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
