Quick and Easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Jul 27

A Flavorful Dressing in Minutes!

This quick and easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Made with just 7 ingredients in less than 5 minutes, it’s never been easier to whip up your own dressing!

For more delicious homemade salad dressing recipes, try my Creamy Avocado Ranch, Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing (paired with a chopped salad), and this Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing (paired with a market salad) next!

Jump To the recipe

Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Never run out of balsamic vinaigrette dressing again! Store-bought salad dressings may be convenient, but they have so many hidden preservatives, sugars, and inflammatory oils packed in them. By making your own dressing at home, you can not only remove those yucky ingredients, but you can elevate any bowl or salad you add the dressing to with the amazing flavor!

Why I Like Making My Own Salad Dressing

Customizable. With this homemade balsamic vinaigrette recipe, you determine the ingredients and the quality. If you like using extra virgin olive oil, you can use the best quality. If you want to use honey or maple syrup instead of processed sugar, that’s your prerogative!
Save Money. Making your own dressing is cost-effective. Sometimes it takes me 15 minutes to find a store-bought salad dressing that I am happy with the ingredients, only to find that it cost $12 a bottle, and I’ll use it only a few times! You can make this with the pantry staples you already have.
Better Tasting. Homemade tastes way better than store-bought dressing because you can use fresh ingredients and enhance the flavor to your liking.
Allergen-Friendly. Many store-bought dressings contain dairy, corn, soy and wheat. By making it at home, you can make sure it doesn’t contain any of the allergens. My recipe is free of dairy, corn, soy, and wheat. It is gluten-free and vegan!

Jazz holding a jar full of Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients

Balsamic vinegar: This is the foundation of flavor. It’s rich, sweet, and tangy.
Extra virgin olive oil: This emulsifier enriches the flavor and helps the dressing adhere to whatever food its served with.
Dijon mustard: This adds a bold, zesty flavor.
Garlic clove: Use fresh minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder, if you’re in a pinch.
Honey or maple syrup: Add a sweetener to balance out the other flavors.
Seasoning: Season simply with salt and pepper to taste.

What You’ll Need

Measuring spoons and cups
Mason jar with a lid

How to Make Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

In a small mason jar or a container with a lid, add the balsamic balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and optional honey or maple syrup. Whisk or shake to combine the ingredients together. Then gradually add in the oil while whisking.

Taste to make any modifications. Add more salt, pepper, vinegar, or sweetener to balance out the flavors how you prefer.

Enjoy the dressing on your favorite salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats!

Jazz holding a jar of homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

Tips for the Best Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Some salad dressing recipes use a blender to mix all the ingredients. That’s not necessary but know that if you do add these ingredients to a blender, the consistency will be a bit thicker.
This recipe is very straightforward and simple, with just a few ingredients. Use high-quality ingredients because it really does make a difference. The taste and the texture will be much better!
If you prefer sweeter vinegar, use aged balsamic vinegar. The older it is, the sweeter and more mild the taste.

Recipe Variations

Balsamic vinegar: Swap this for any vinegar on hand. Try white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, rose vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
Olive Oil: Swap the olive oil with avocado oil.
Sweetener: Instead of maple syrup or honey, try agave.
Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs for an additional hint of freshness. Add amazing flavor with fresh or dried herbs like parsley, dill, tarragon, or thyme.
Citrus: Add lemon juice for a bright flavor!

Balsamic Vinegar Uses

Salad Dressing: Add it to a simple green salad for some pizzazz. It also tastes amazing when paired with a salad that features fruit, like this Copycat Chick-Fil-A Market Salad.
Marinades: It contains all the ingredients you need for a delicious marinade. Add it to raw chicken and let it sit for at least 4 hours in the fridge.
Glazes: Add it to desserts for a pop of savory flavor. It would taste amazing drizzled over grilled peaches and mascarpone cheese. I’ve even seen it added to cocktails! The possibilities are endless.

Storing Leftovers

Keep the vinaigrette stored in an airtight mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. As it sits, the ingredients will settle. Just give the jar a good shake before you use it.

FAQ

How long does homemade balsamic vinaigrette last?

When properly stored, this lasts up to 5 days.

Does homemade balsamic vinaigrette need to be refrigerated?

For extended shelf life, refrigerate your dressing.

What is balsamic vinaigrette dressing made of?

There are 4 components to this dressing: balsamic vinegar, oil, dijon mustard, and a sweetener.

Is there a difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinaigrette?

Balsamic vinegar is essentially just vinegar. Vinaigrette is balsamic vinegar that is mixed with oil and sugar.

Balsamic vinegar is just vinegar (grape must), whereas a balsamic vinaigrette is made by combining balsamic vinegar with oil, sugar and other seasonings. In general, if you're looking for a super healthy option for salad dressing, you can stick to just oil and vinegar, which won't have any added sugar or salt!

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS HOMEMADE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE RECIPE! IF YOU LOVE IT, LET ME KNOW ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK.