Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This classic balsamic vinaigrette is a simple and flavorful dressing perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, or marinades. Its balance of tangy vinegar, sweet honey, and robust garlic creates a versatile sauce you can whip up in minutes.

A small clear glass jar filled halfway with thick, dark brown sauce with a slightly glossy texture, sitting on a light wooden cutting board that rests on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon stands inside the jar, its handle sticking out at the top. To the left of the jar, there is a whole garlic bulb with papery white skin and some loose garlic skin nearby, next to a folded kitchen towel with blue stripes on a white background. The background behind the jar is plain and light gray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove (grated)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. Alternatively, place all ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until combined.

Tips & Variations

  • Use maple syrup instead of honey to make the vinaigrette vegan.
  • Adjust the garlic amount to suit your taste or substitute with garlic powder for a milder flavor.
  • Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage

Store the balsamic vinaigrette in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before each use, shake or whisk well as separation may occur. Bring to room temperature briefly if the olive oil solidifies.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled about halfway with thick dark brown sauce, the texture smooth but dense, with a spoon partially inside the jar. Next to the jar is a whole garlic bulb, off-white in color with papery skin and some cloves visible. The jar and garlic sit on a light wooden cutting board with a neutral cloth that has blue stripes on the edge. All this is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft light background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the flavor will be less sweet and more tart.

How long does the dressing last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, the vinaigrette will stay fresh for about one week.

Print

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

A simple and delicious homemade balsamic vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil. This versatile dressing is perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately ¾ cup (serves 6-8) 1x
  • Category: Dressing
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Vinaigrette Ingredients

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Mix the base ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful base for the vinaigrette.
  2. Emulsify the dressing: Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to combine everything thoroughly and achieve a smooth, emulsified dressing. Alternatively, place all ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until well combined.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and mustard to taste for a milder or more pungent flavor.
  • Store the vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week, shaking before each use.
  • This vinaigrette can also be used as a marinade for chicken or vegetables.

Keywords: balsamic vinaigrette, homemade salad dressing, easy vinaigrette, balsamic vinegar dressing, healthy dressing

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