Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (2024)

Published: by Justin Coit

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You won’t believe that this easy Balsamic Vinaigrette only needs seven simple ingredients to make. This classic homemade dressing is tangy, delicious, and a staple in my kitchen. It takes next to no time to whip this together with pantry staples.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (1)

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Ditch the store-bought bottled dressing and make a batch of this homemade balsamic vinaigrette instead the next time you need a salad dressing. It’s bright, tangy, and zingy and not just for salads! Drizzle this balsamic dressing over grilled meats, grilled vegetables, pasta salads, and more.

You can easily scale this recipe up or down to fit your needs, and you’ll never have a collection of half-used, almost expired bottles of dressing taking up room in your fridge again!

Key Ingredients You Need

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (2)
  • Olive oil — Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil as this is the base of the balsamic vinegar dressing. Extra virgin olive oil that is first cold-pressed has flavor and texture differences with more nutrition than low-quality olive oil pressed multiple times.
  • Balsamic vinegar — Again, I suggest using high-quality balsamic vinegar. A little goes a long way, so you want to avoid the cheaper giant bottles. Those large bottles tend to be more bitter or acidic.
  • Dijon mustard — Not only does Dijon mustard add to the tangy flavor of the dressing, it also helps with the emulsion process of the dressing.

How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (3)

Step 1: To a bowl, add the olive oil.

Step 2: To the same bowl, add freshly minced garlic.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (4)

Step 3: Add balsamic vinegar to the bowl.

Step 4: Add Dijon mustard to the bowl.

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Step 5: Finish off with honey, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (6)

Tips For This Recipe

  • If you do not have olive oil, I recommend using another light-tasting oil such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil in its place.
  • Use a larger bowl than you feel is necessary. You want to be able to whisk everything together quickly and vigorously, so the olive oil and balsamic vinegar will emulsify together. You’ll end up with some spillage if you use a small bowl.
  • If you want extra added flavor to this, you can add some dried or fresh herbs.
  • For a smoother consistency, you can add the ingredients to a blender to blitz the garlic up.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (7)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this last?

You can store homemade balsamic vinaigrette in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. The olive oil may start to solidify when in the refrigerator, but not to worry, it’ll turn back into liquid once the dressing is back to room temperature. Shake the dressing or whisk it again before using.

Can this be frozen?

While the dressing can technically be frozen, I would advise against it. The balsamic dressing will not thaw well, and the ingredients will separate. Once separated, it’ll be difficult to get the ingredients back together after being frozen. Luckily, this recipe only takes a couple of minutes to whip together that you can make it in a pinch.

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If you’ve tried this recipe, then don’t forget to leave me a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (13)

Print Recipe

4.75 from 4 votes

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

You won’t believe that this easy Balsamic Vinaigrette only needs seven simple ingredients to make. This classic homemade dressing is tangy, delicious, and a staple in my kitchen. It takes next to no time to whip this together with pantry staples.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time0 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 268kcal

Author: Justin Coit

Ingredients

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Store in a jar or airtight container in refrigerator.

Video

Notes

  • If you do not have olive oil, I recommend using another light-tasting oil such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil in its place.
  • Use a larger bowl than you feel is necessary. You want to be able to whisk everything together quickly and vigorously, so the olive oil and balsamic vinegar will emulsify together. You’ll end up with some spillage if you use a small bowl.
  • If you want extra added flavor to this, you can add some dried or fresh herbs.
  • For a smoother consistency, you can add the ingredients to a blender to blitz the garlic up.

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Sodium: 323mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

*Nutrition Disclaimer

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (14)Joseph says

    Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (15)
    Nice flavour, but my dressing came out very thick and pasty. Any ideas as to why?

    Reply

    • Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (16)Justin Coit says

      Hi- That's interesting, usually it is quite loose and easy to drizzle. Did you make any substitutions to the ingredients? Thanks

      Reply

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Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is balsamic vinaigrette dressing made of? ›

Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients

Balsamic vinegar: Of course, you'll need balsamic vinegar. Honey: A teaspoon of honey lends subtle sweetness. Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds complex, bold flavor. Shallot and garlic: You'll need to mince a clove of garlic and a shallot.

How to make balsamic vinegar from scratch? ›

The classic balsamic fermentation: the grapes are fermented, after a few days the juice is pressed and thickened to a certain sugar content. Then a short alcoholic fermentation takes place, followed by fermentation to vinegar. Particularly important is the subsequent storage in different wooden barrels over many years.

What's the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinaigrette? ›

Balsamic vinegar is pure vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is dark brown in color and has a very robust, slightly sweet flavor. Balsamic vinaigrette is a mixture made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and/or other spices. It is typically used as a salad dressing but has other uses in the kitchen as well.

Is balsamic vinegar dressing healthy for you? ›

Balsamic vinegar is fantastic for gut health. In fact, it's one of the best foods you can eat if you have digestive disorders or problems with food intolerances. The enzymes in balsamic vinegar help with digestion and absorption of nutrients, making this an excellent addition to any diet plan.

What is the healthiest salad dressing? ›

8 Simple and Healthy Salad Dressings
  1. Sesame ginger. This simple salad dressing doubles as an easy marinade for meat, poultry, or roasted veggies. ...
  2. Balsamic vinaigrette. ...
  3. Avocado lime. ...
  4. Lemon vinaigrette. ...
  5. Honey mustard. ...
  6. Greek yogurt ranch. ...
  7. Apple cider vinaigrette. ...
  8. Ginger turmeric.
Jul 27, 2023

What type of balsamic vinegar is best for salad dressing? ›

Colavita Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

This bargain find is readily available in most stores and is great for adding a touch of acidity to a hearty tomato sandwich or a veggie-packed salad.

What should be the first ingredient in balsamic vinegar? ›

As mentioned, traditional balsamic vinegar (a.k.a. "aceto balsamico tradizionale") is made from "grape must" which is the juice from freshly pressed grapes. Grape must is the only ingredient in traditional balsamic vinegar.

What are the rules for balsamic vinegar? ›

While traditional balsamicos contain nothing but cooked and acetified grape must, Aceto Balsamico di Modena is required to contain at least 10% aged wine vinegar of unspecified origins and may contain up to 2% caramel coloring.

What is the mother of the balsamic vinegar? ›

Mother of vinegar is a biofilm composed of a form of cellulose, yeast, and bacteria that sometimes develops on fermenting alcoholic liquids during the process that turns alcohol into acetic acid with the help of oxygen from the air and acetic acid bacteria (AAB).

How long does homemade balsamic vinaigrette last? ›

Since this homemade dressing does not contain stabilizers and preservatives, you should only keep it refrigerated for about four to five days. The fresh garlic and dried herbs contain natural yeasts and molds that can cause spoilage.

Does balsamic vinegar go bad? ›

We can say that aged balsamic vinegar has an indefinite shelf life. However, it would be convenient to use the product once opened, within two to three years, and the one that has yet to be opened, within five years. After that time, its color may change, and the flavor will no longer be as bright and fresh as before.

What is the closest dressing to balsamic vinegar? ›

Mix equal parts lemon juice, molasses, and soy sauce. This will give you a good flavor (and color) approximation and doesn't require any fancy ingredients. Pull a few things from your pantry and fridge and you're in business!

Is it okay to eat balsamic vinegar every day? ›

Is it OK to eat balsamic vinegar every day? Consuming balsamic vinegar daily in moderate amounts is generally safe and can even be part of a healthy diet. However, like any condiment, moderation is key. Balsamic vinegar's intense flavor means a little goes a long way, so avoid overusing it.

What brand of balsamic vinegar is best? ›

Our top pick, Giuseppe Giusti Balsamic Vinegar, is a gourmet choice with a classic design and enriched with bold flavor. So, come along with us as we explore all of the flavorful options to sweeten your cooking experience!

Is balsamic vinegar an inflammatory food? ›

Last but not least, consuming balsamic vinegar can have an anti-inflammatory effect as well. Long-term, high levels of inflammation can be extremely detrimental to your health, and research shows inflammation plays a role in whether you develop chronic conditions, diseases, and even cancer.

What is the main ingredient of balsamic vinegar? ›

Balsamic vinegar (Italian: aceto balsamico) is a dark, concentrated, intensely flavoured vinegar originating in Modena, Italy, made wholly or partially from grape must: freshly crushed grape juice with all the skins, seeds and stems.

What is balsamic vinegar sauce made of? ›

Balsamic glaze is also called a “balsamic reduction.” It is essentially a reduction of balsamic vinegar. Additional sweeteners like honey or sugar can be added. The balsamic vinegar is simmered in a saucepan until it has reduced down and thickened to a maple-syrup consistency.

Is balsamic vinaigrette healthier than Italian dressing? ›

1) Balsamic Vinaigrette: “This is probably the healthiest, especially when it's truly just balsamic vinegar and olive oil,” Hunnes explains. Studies suggest that balsamic vinegar, in addition to containing very few calories and being fat-free, contains antioxidants that may lower cholesterol and promote healthy skin.

Why is balsamic vinaigrette so good? ›

Balsamic vinegar is thicker than regular vinegar and sweet-tart. It's a strong fruity but tart taste, similar to black vinegar (though without the smoky flavor) or pomegranate molasses (though not as fruity). It's sweet enough that it tastes good sampled plain.

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