Salad dressings are a great place to start making your own. Not only will you save money, but using fresh ingredients will taste even better. Even better, you can avoid vegetable oils and other additives found in commercial dressings.
This balsamic vinaigrette is one of my favorite homemade salad dressings. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home and tastes amazing!
High quality homemade balsamic vinaigrette
Balsamic vinegar was both an acquired taste and a love story for me. I didn’t like it at all when I was younger, but now it’s one of my favorite foods. It also has an incredibly unique history.
Real balsamic vinegar is aged for over 12 years. It is made by reducing unfermented, cooked, or concentrated grape juice. The balsamic vinaigrette is aged in up to five different barrels, many of which are more than half a century old. It can only be produced in the Modena and Reggio regions of Italy.
Balsamic vinegars made according to these strict guidelines can obtain the label “Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale” in Italy and are considered prize vinegars.
Most balsamic vinegars on store shelves are made using a similar process, but aged for a shorter period of time. These are also made with reduced grape juice, but are only aged for at least three years. This type of balsamic vinegar is easy to find in most places.
Some products labeled as “balsamic vinegar” in stores are actually apple cider vinegar or other inexpensive vinegars that have been colored to look like real balsamic vinegar. Some may contain artificial colors and fragrances, so check labels to avoid these and look for high-quality brands.
balsamic dressing ingredients
Turn a bottle of commercial salad dressing upside down and you’ll find ingredients like soybean oil, corn syrup, and even food coloring. This recipe is simple and much tastier than other brands’ recipes. Start with balsamic vinegar (of course!) to add acidity, and honey to balance it out. Some recipes use sugar or maple syrup as a sweetener instead.
Other common ingredients include herbs such as oregano and shallots for flavor. I use chopped basil and garlic. Dijon mustard adds extra flavor and a hint of spiciness, while heart-healthy olive oil forms the base of the dressing.
How to use balsamic vinaigrette dressing
There’s a classic green salad, but balsamic vinaigrette isn’t just for lettuce. A spinach salad with goat cheese, strawberries, and pecans would be amazing. It is also ideal for marinating meat. Add flavor to roasted or sautéed vegetables. It can also be used as a sauce for pasta salad. Use rice pasta for a delicious gluten-free option.
No matter how you use it, balsamic vinaigrette is an easy and delicious way to dress up a meal.
balsamic vinaigrette recipe
This simple balsamic vinaigrette can be made in minutes to spice up salads and vegetables.
Mix all ingredients in a small jar, cover, and shake until mixed.
Please use it for salads, vegetables, meat marinades, etc. according to your preference.
Nutritional information table
balsamic vinaigrette recipe
Amount per serving (1 TBSP)
Calories 74 Calories from fat 63
% daily value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated fat 1g6%
1g polyunsaturated fat
5g monounsaturated fat
Sodium 83mg4%
Potassium 11mg0%
Carbohydrate 2g1%
Dietary fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 0.1g0%
Vitamin A 1IU0%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 4mg0%
Iron 0.2mg1%
*Percent daily intake is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Not just salad! Try this vinaigrette over roasted vegetables.
See more salad dressing recipes
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What is your favorite way to use balsamic vinaigrette? Let us know by leaving a comment.
