Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
I used to never make homemade dressings. I thought they were too much work, I didn’t know what I was doing with them, and I needed something that could last a while in my fridge. But then this Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe changed my life!
Since then, I’ve been testing and perfecting this recipe for years and can honestly say I have this thing down! I make it almost weekly, keep it in my fridge, and it’s ready to add to anything. This balsamic dressing is great for salads (like this The BEST Lemon Balsamic Lentil Salad), sandwiches, roasted veggies, or you can even use it for marinating meats or dipping bread!
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- 6 Ingredients – That’s it! 6 simple, healthy ingredients that you likely already have in stock.
- Make It in a Shaker – Just put all of the ingredients into a salad dressing shaker or mason jar and shake until smooth!
- 5 Minutes – Literally 5 minutes to make this recipe from beginning to end. So quick and easy.
- Store for a Week (or longer!) – This Balsamic Vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Dijon Mustard
- Minced Garlic
- Honey (or agave syrup)
- Salt
How to Make Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
In just 5 minutes, you can have a healthy balsamic vinaigrette that can be stored all week! Here’s how to make this easy recipe:
- Place all of the ingredients in a shaker or mason jar.
- Shake together until smooth (about 30-45 seconds).
- Pour over your favorite salad and enjoy or store it for later!
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Variations
Lemon Balsamic Dressing – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. SO good!
White Balsamic Dressing – Swap out the Balsamic Vinegar for White Balsamic Vinegar, which has a brighter flavor!
Creamy Vinaigrette Dressing – This dressing is already creamy, but you can add an even creamier texture by adding a bit more Dijon mustard and slowly mixing in a little bit of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
Tips For Making This Recipe For Balsamic Vinaigrette
- If you want an even smoother texture, feel free to blend the ingredients in a small cup blender!
- Use High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar for the best flavor.
- Choose a good quality cold-pressed, unfiltered extra virgin olive oil.
- You can also whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl.
How to Store Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Balsamic Vinaigrette is best stored in the refrigerator! Place the vinaigrette in an airtight container, such as a mason jar with a tight lid or a dressing container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks!
When ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for several minutes, then shake it or whisk it together again (as it will have likely separated). Then pour, enjoy, and put any leftovers back in the fridge.
Ways to Enjoy Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Crispy Chili Lime Chickpea Salad
- Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad
- Fig & Goat Cheese Salad
- Moroccan Chickpea Carrot Salad
- Chili Mango Zesty Quinoa Salad
Or try it on this Honey Balsamic Chicken & Veggies recipe!
FAQ
Since Balsamic Vinaigrette includes ingredients like Dijon mustard and freshly minced garlic, it will go bad after a few weeks in the refrigerator.
Absolutely! While what is considered “healthy” is relative and unique to every person,
No! All of the ingredients in a classic balsamic vinaigrette recipe are gluten-free and dairy-free. The recipe can also easily be made vegan!
A balsamic vinaigrette is a thinned out dressing, made with olive oil and perfect for going over salads. A balsamic glaze is actually a balsamic reduction sauce made with balsamic vinegar and some sort of sweetener (often sugar or honey). It’s darker, thicker, and much sweeter, making it perfect for adding to pizza, bruschetta, fresh fruit, cheese, and some desserts!
More Dressings & Vinaigrettes You’ll Love
- Southwest Salad Dressing
- Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
- Easy Classic Lemon Vinaigrette
- Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing
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Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons honey (or agave syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, garlic, honey, and salt in a salad dressing shaker or mason jar.
- Add the lid and shake for about 30-45 seconds, or until the dressing is smooth.
- Pour over salads and enjoy, or store for later!
Maureen O'Brien says:
I was looking for something that could replace my store bought dressing and I think this fits the bill quite nicely
Jar Of Lemons replied:
So glad this works for you! Enjoy!!