Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Fresh, tangy, and perfectly balanced flavor
Great for salads, vegetables, and marinades
Customizable to suit your taste
No preservatives or artificial ingredients
Stores well in the refrigerator
More flavorful than most bottled dressings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

In a small bowl or jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until thoroughly combined.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
Alternatively, place all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 (about 2 tablespoons per serving)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

Garlic Lover’s Vinaigrette: Add an extra clove of garlic.
Herb Vinaigrette: Stir in fresh basil, parsley, thyme, or oregano.
Maple Balsamic Dressing: Replace honey with pure maple syrup.
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette: Add 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt.
Lemon Balsamic Dressing: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
Spicy Vinaigrette: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Shallot Vinaigrette: Substitute finely minced shallots for garlic.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container or sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary. If the olive oil solidifies in the refrigerator, let the dressing sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes and shake well before using.

FAQs

What is balsamic vinaigrette made of?

Traditional balsamic vinaigrette is made from balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings such as mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Why is Dijon mustard included?

Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing, keeping the oil and vinegar blended together.

Can I use white balsamic vinegar?

Yes. White balsamic vinegar creates a lighter-colored dressing with a slightly milder flavor.

How long does homemade balsamic vinaigrette last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last up to 2 weeks.

Can I make it without honey?

Yes. Maple syrup can be substituted, or the sweetener can be omitted entirely.

Why did my dressing separate?

Oil and vinegar naturally separate over time. Simply shake or whisk before serving.

What salads pair well with balsamic vinaigrette?

Mixed greens, spinach salads, strawberry salads, arugula salads, and Mediterranean-style salads all pair beautifully with this dressing.

Can I use this as a marinade?

Absolutely. It works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, steak, vegetables, and seafood.

What type of olive oil should I use?

Extra-virgin olive oil provides the best flavor, but regular olive oil can also be used.

Is balsamic vinaigrette healthy?

Yes. It contains heart-healthy fats from olive oil and is generally lower in additives than many bottled dressings.

Conclusion

Balsamic Vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful dressing that belongs in every home cook’s recipe collection. With its perfect balance of tangy balsamic vinegar, rich olive oil, and savory seasonings, it effortlessly enhances salads, vegetables, grain bowls, and marinades. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this homemade vinaigrette is a fresh and delicious staple you’ll reach for again and again.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

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Balsamic Vinaigrette is a classic homemade dressing made with balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and simple seasonings. Fresh, tangy, and perfectly balanced, it pairs beautifully with salads, vegetables, grain bowls, and marinades.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dressing
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

In a small bowl or jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until thoroughly combined.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
Alternatively, place all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing and keeps it well blended.
Fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, thyme, or oregano can be added for extra flavor.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
If the olive oil solidifies in the refrigerator, allow the dressing to sit at room temperature before serving.
Shake or whisk before each use as natural separation may occur.
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg