This balsamic vinaigrette recipe is perfectly balanced and has a million applications!
With its rich and tangy flavor, it will be your go-to dip, sauce, and dressing all year long!
Simple to make and ready in minutes, this recipe is a winner!
An Easy Dressing or Marinade
- This is an balsamic dressing with tangy homemade flavor.
- Five ingredients and five minutes are all you need.
- This recipe has no additives or preservatives like commercial brands and is so easy to make!
Ingredients for Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
‘Foundation’ dressings require an acid, a fat, and an emulsifier to keep them from separating. Vinegar, oil, mustard, and honey are good basics for any vinaigrette.
Balsamic Vinegar – Most commonly used, balsamic vinegar has a bold tangy flavor and white or dark balsamic will work in this recipe.
Oil – Use a neutral oil like vegetable oil, canola, or regular/light olive oil (Extra Virgin might be too strong in flavor for this dressing.
Sweetener – Honey or maple syrup sweeten this dressing but they also help keep it from separating.
Seasonings – Dijon mustard adds great flavor and it also is an emulsifier (keeps the dressing together). Stone ground also work and feel free to mix in some Italian herbs, or a dash of soy sauce for a more umami flavor.
How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Mince the garlic according to the recipe below.
- Add all ingredients to a jar.
- Shake until the ingredients are combined.
Ways to Use Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic adds next-level umami flavor to so many foods, it’s a must-have in the kitchen!
- As a marinade: Brush onto grilled vegetables, chicken kabobs, and pork chops.
- With veggies: Balsamic vinaigrette has the perfect balance of flavor when added to a strawberry spinach salad, on bruschetta toast, or over caprese skewers.
- For bread: Dip homemade focaccia or artisan bread into this vinaigrette.
Storage
Store the prepared dressing in the fridge. Balsamic vinaigrette with fresh garlic should be consumed within 2 to 3 days. Switch out the fresh garlic for garlic powder and the dressing will last up to a week in the refrigerator, however.
More Favorite Dressing Recipes
Sesame Ginger Dressing
Greek Salad Dressing
Easy Coleslaw Dressing
Did you make this Balsamic Vinaigrette? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil or light tasting olive oil
- 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a small jar with a tight fitting lid.
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Shake well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dressing, Salad, Sauce
Cuisine American, Italian, Mediterranean
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WARNING!!! Mixing garlic into oil creates a low oxygen environment which allows botulism to grow from the garlic. It’s extremely dangerous if you don’t use the dressing right away and should not be kept to use later. Store bought vinaigrettes and other dressings infused with garlic have proper amounts of citric acid in them to kill the botulism.
Botulism poisoning is extremely serious and can result in death. Please please please use caution and be sure to make a point of posting a warning disclaimer with any recipe that uses ground grown produce such as garlic or potatoes that can contain botulism and pose a huge health risk if not handled properly.
Thank you.
Thank you for the very important reminder, Patrick. Our research indicates that 2-3 days in the refrigerator is safe for a homemade dressing and we added this to the recipe notes.
We love this recipe and use it often. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome Kendall! Glad to hear!
I thought this was a bit odd. If you are making Balsamic vinaigrette then why are you adding Balsamic vinegar to it?
A vinaigrette is a salad dressing made of oil, vinegar, and seasoning. The vinegar in this salad dressing is balsamic. Hope that helps and that you really enjoy the vinaigrette Sharon!
why it is so hard to get to your recipe
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Perfect! Super quick and easy! This was great on the spinach strawberry salad. Thank you so much for sharing! … You were with me in spirit for dinner tonight. Oven pork ribs, spinach salad, balsamic dressing AND the easy brownie recipe! ….all your recipes. You sure made me look good! lol… Thank you!
That makes us so happy to hear that Chey! Glad you enjoyed our recipes :)