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Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic oil and vinegar salad dressing. It's tangy, flavorful, and ready in minutes with a handful of simple ingredients.
Balsamic vinaigrette is a simple, flavorful dressing. It's perfect for side salads, drizzling over cooked meats like fish or chicken, or tossing into a pasta salad. It can even be used as a marinade!
Every vinaigrette starts with olive oil and vinegar. Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper are added for a simple, tangy flavor.
The best part about making balsamic vinaigrette is that it's not fussy. You are welcome to eyeball your ingredients instead of pulling out the measuring cups. Yes, this recipe is very forgiving and easy!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Olive oil - If you don't have extra virgin olive oil on hand, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil are good substitutes.
- Balsamic vinegar - Can be substituted with just about any vinegar you have on hand. Apple cider vinegar (like in my apple cider vinaigrette), lemon juice, and red wine vinegar are a few great choices.
- Dijon mustard - Regular yellow mustard will work in a pinch. Mustard is added not only for flavor, but as an emulsifier. It helps stabilize the other ingredients and create a cohesive dressing.
- Garlic - One clove of garlic can be substituted with ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Salt & pepper - Adds flavor to the dressing. Red pepper flakes can be added for a little extra heat.
Tips and tricks
3:1 ratio - This recipe follows the classic 3:1 vinaigrette ratio, which is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar.
Use a whisk- If you're mixing your dressing in a bowl, use a whisk. The dressing ingredients need to be combined thoroughly to incorporate the Dijon mustard, which acts as an emulsifier.
Use a jar - Alternatively, add your ingredients to a 16 ounce mason jar, secure tightly with a lid, and shake until your ingredients are combined.
For tangier dressing - If you prefer a less oily, more tangy dressing, increase the ratio to more like 2:1 oil to vinegar. This is totally up to personal taste.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sweeten my vinaigrette?
Yes, try adding a tablespoon or more of honey, maple syrup, or sugar. Keep in mind that by adding honey, your dressing will no longer be vegan.
What's the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinaigrette?
Balsamic vinegar is pure vinegar, a single ingredient. Balsamic vinegar is needed to make balsamic vinaigrette, a salad dressing made with vinegar, oil, and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper.
Is balsamic vinaigrette dairy-free?
Yes, balsamic vinaigrette is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
How do I customize my balsamic vinaigrette?
Substitute balsamic vinegar with other acids, like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Sweeten your dressing by adding a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or sugar. Add ½ teaspoon of your favorite spice blend, like Italian seasoning. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt for a creamy vinaigrette.
Recommended
- Light Honey Mustard Dressing
- Greek Yogurt Poppy Seed Dressing
- Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Tahini Dressing
📖 Recipe
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4.55 from 11 reviews
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic oil and vinegar salad dressing. It's tangy, flavorful, and ready in minutes with a handful of simple ingredients.
Prep Time5 minutes minutes
Total Time5 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 187kcal
Author: Heather
Ingredients
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
In a jar or a bowl, add all ingredients.
Secure lid and shake until ingredients are fully combined. Or whisk until fully combined.
Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- To sweeten your vinaigrette, add up to 1 tablespoon of sweetener, like honey, maple syrup, or sugar.
- Homemade vinaigrette dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month in a tightly sealed container.
Nutrition Estimate
Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
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Reader Interactions
Comments
MeganSo tasty! This took a split second to make and all the ingredients most people have in their cupboards. I will make this again soon!
Reply
4.55 from 11 votes (10 ratings without comment)
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