Quick and Easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
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!
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 control the ingredients and their quality. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, and choose honey or maple syrup instead of processed sugar!
Save Money. Making your own dressing is cost-effective. Often, store-bought dressings are overpriced, and you might only use them a few times. You can create this delicious dressing with pantry staples you already have.
Better Tasting. Homemade dressing tastes better than store-bought because you use fresh ingredients and can adjust the flavor to your liking.
Allergen-Friendly. Many store-bought dressings contain dairy, corn, soy, and wheat. By making it at home, you can avoid these allergens. This recipe is free of dairy, corn, soy, and wheat. It is also gluten-free and vegan!
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients
Balsamic Vinegar: The foundation of flavor—rich, sweet, and tangy.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Acts as an emulsifier to enrich the flavor and help the dressing adhere to your food.
Dijon Mustard: 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: Adds a sweetener to balance out the other flavors.
Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.
What You’ll Need
How to Make Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
In a small mason jar or container with a lid, add the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and optional honey or maple syrup. Whisk or shake to combine the ingredients.
Gradually add the oil while whisking.
Taste and adjust as needed. Add more salt, pepper, vinegar, or sweetener to balance out the flavors to your preference.
Enjoy the dressing on your favorite salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats!
Jazz's Tips for the Best Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Blender Option: Some recipes use a blender to mix all the ingredients. While not necessary, blending will give you a thicker consistency.
Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ingredients for the best taste and texture.
Sweetness: For sweeter vinegar, use aged balsamic vinegar.
Recipe Variations
Balsamic Vinegar: Swap for any vinegar on hand, such as white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, rose vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil.
Sweetener: Try agave instead of maple syrup or honey.
Fresh Herbs: Add herbs like parsley, dill, tarragon, or thyme for added freshness.
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.
How To Make Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
⅛ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions:
In a small mason jar or container with a lid, combine balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and optional honey or maple syrup. Whisk or shake to mix.
Gradually add oil while whisking.
Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, vinegar, or sweetener if needed.
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.
Delicious Salad Dressing Recipes to Try Next:
Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing (paired with a chopped salad)
Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing (paired with a market salad)
FAQ
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When properly stored in an airtight container, this homemade balsamic vinaigrette lasts up to 5 days in the fridge. For best results, keep it in a glass jar to maintain its flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator. Shake well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
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Balsamic vinegar is a single ingredient—vinegar made from grape must. Balsamic vinaigrette is a mixture of balsamic vinegar and oil, with added ingredients like Dijon mustard and sweeteners to enhance flavor.
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For a touch of sweetness, you can add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup. Adjust according to your taste to achieve the perfect balance.
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Absolutely! This versatile vinaigrette is perfect for pasta salad, caprese salad, or any favorite green salad. It adds a delightful touch of flavor to a variety of dishes.
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High-quality balsamic vinegar has a dark brown color, rich flavor, and a slightly sweet taste without added sugar. Look for balsamic vinegar of Modena for the best possible way to ensure quality.
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Yes, refrigerate your homemade balsamic vinaigrette to extend its shelf life. If left at room temperature, it may spoil more quickly.
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Balsamic vinaigrette is versatile. It’s perfect for drizzling over a spinach salad or a basic salad. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for crusty bread, a marinade for meats, or a topping for roasted vegetables. The best part is that it pairs well with various product types, from salads to grilled dishes.
Creating your homemade vinaigrettes with basic recipe ingredients not only saves money but also allows for customization to suit your personal taste. This balsamic dressing recipe is a perfect way to elevate your dishes and enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought salad dressing.
Quick and Easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- 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.
- Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy the dressing on your favorite salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats!
