The Best (And Simplest) Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

What is Balsamic Vinaigrette?

Balsamic vinaigrette is a popular salad dressing that's super simple but packs a punch of flavor. It's made by blending balsamic vinegar with olive oil, and often includes a bit of mustard, honey or sugar, and seasonings like salt and pepper. This dressing combines the rich, slightly sweet depth of balsamic vinegar with the smooth, fruity taste of olive oil, creating a perfectly balanced topping that can elevate any salad, from a basic garden salad to more elaborate dishes with fruits and nuts. It’s not only delicious but also super versatile, making it a favorite go-to for adding a quick zing to greens or even as a marinade for meats.

Why you’ll love this Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe

Ideal for drizzling over your favorite salads, marinating delicious meats, or even as an invigorating dip, this vinaigrette is not only versatile but also incredibly easy to whip up with just a few pantry staples.

Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

1. Simplicity at Its Best - You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment. Just mix together some basic components you likely already have in your kitchen, and voilà, your dressing is ready to impress!
2. Flavorful Versatility - Whether it's a crisp garden salad, a steaming bowl of roasted vegetables, or a hearty grilled chicken, this vinaigrette adds a delightful depth of flavor. Its rich, tangy essence with a hint of sweetness makes it a crowd-pleaser in any setting.
3. Customizable - Love garlic? Add a bit more. Prefer a sweeter tone? A dash more honey will do the trick. This balsamic vinaigrette is a perfect base for you to tweak and tailor according to your taste preferences.
4. Always Ready - Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Having this vinaigrette on hand means you’re always just moments away from elevating any meal.

The ingredients you will need to make Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar is the star of this dressing. Its rich, complex flavors bring a wonderful depth to the dressing, making it a favorite for drizzling over salads, vegetables, and even meats.

Honey or Maple Syrup: The sweetness of these ingredients mellows the acidity of the mustard and balsamic vinegar.

Garlic and Mustard: Garlic adds a sharp and savory flavor. If you like garlic, you can add an extra clove. And mustard adds a great tangy flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Make sure to add to bring all of the ingredients together.

Olive Oil: Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Another key ingredient for this dressing is olive oil, so make sure that you don’t use just any old olive oil.

How to make Balsamic Vinaigrette

This dressing is super simple to make and you can make it 2 ways.

Make it in a bowl - Just whisk all of the ingredients accept the olive oil together. Once they are mixed, slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.

Make in a jar - Add all the ingredients (oil included!), and secure the lid. Shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified.

Top Tips

You can make a large batch and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Ways to use Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic vinaigrette isn't just for salads! This versatile dressing can add a zing to many dishes, making it a must-have in your kitchen. Here are some delightful ways to use balsamic vinaigrette that might surprise you:

1. Marinade Magic: Give your meats a makeover by using balsamic vinaigrette as a marinade. It's perfect for chicken, beef, or pork. The acidity tenderizes the meat, and the sweetness adds a rich flavor, making your grilled or roasted dishes come alive.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle it over vegetables before roasting them in the oven. It works wonders on carrots, brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, giving them a caramelized, glossy finish.
3. Dipping Delight: Mix it up with some olive oil and perhaps a sprinkle of your favorite herbs, and voilà! You've got yourself a delicious dip for bread, fresh veggies, or cheese.
4. Pasta Perfection: Toss it in pasta salads. Whether it’s a warm pasta dish or a cold pasta salad, balsamic vinaigrette adds a lovely depth of flavor that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
5. Savory Sandwiches: Spread some on your bread before building your sandwiches. It soaks into the bread, giving every bite a burst of flavor. It's especially great in vegetable or Italian-style sandwiches.
6. Zesty Rice and Grains: Stir a little into cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs especially well with dishes that include vegetables or nuts.
7. Glaze Away: Reduce it in a pan until thickened, and you've got a wonderful glaze to brush on meats or drizzle over grilled fruits like peaches and pineapples for a delightful dessert or side dish.

Balsamic Vinaigrette: FAQ

Does Balsamic Vinaigrette go bad? How long does it last in the fridge?

• Balsamic vinaigrette can go bad, but the good news is that it generally has a pretty decent shelf life, especially if you store it in the fridge.

• Typically, a store-bought balsamic vinaigrette can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator after opening, sometimes even longer if it's kept in ideal conditions—cool and away from direct sunlight.

• For homemade balsamic vinaigrette, the shelf life is a bit shorter, usually around 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge. The key ingredients, such as olive oil and vinegar, are naturally preservative. However, any fresh ingredients added, like garlic or herbs, can shorten its lifespan.

• To ensure your vinaigrette stays fresh as long as possible, make sure the container is tightly sealed and give it a good shake before each use. If it starts to smell off or the texture changes significantly, it’s a good idea to toss it out and whip up a fresh batch.

How do I store Balsamic Vinaigrette?

Storing balsamic vinaigrette is super easy and doing it right helps keep its flavor fresh and delicious. Here’s how you can store it:

1. Choose the Right Container: If your vinaigrette didn't come in a glass bottle, transferring it to a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid is a great idea. Glass is non-reactive and won’t absorb any flavors.
2. Keep It Cool: Store your balsamic vinaigrette in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh and slows down the degradation of the oil and vinegar.
3. Shake Well Before Use: Ingredients in vinaigrettes tend to separate when they sit. Just give it a good shake before you drizzle it on your salads or dishes to mix all the flavors nicely.
4. Note the Shelf Life: Homemade vinaigrette can last about 1-2 weeks in the fridge, while store-bought ones might last longer due to added preservatives. Always check for any changes in smell or appearance before using.
   

Is Balsamic Vinaigrette gluten-free?

Generally, balsamic vinaigrette can be gluten-free, but it really depends on the specific ingredients used in the dressing. Balsamic vinegar itself is typically gluten-free, but sometimes additives or other ingredients like thickeners or flavorings in the vinaigrette could contain gluten.

Is Balsamic Vinaigrette keto?

The ketogenic diet focuses on low carbs, and sometimes balsamic vinaigrette can be a bit tricky. Although balsamic vinegar adds a delicious zing to salads, it does contain some natural sugars, which means it has a few more carbs than other vinegars.

Does Balsamic Vinaigrette have dairy in it?

Typically, balsamic vinaigrette is a dairy-free dressing. It's usually made from a blend of balsamic vinegar, oil, herbs, and sometimes a bit of mustard or sweetener, none of which contain dairy.

What is the difference between Balsamic Vinaigrette and balsamic vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar is a concentrated, dark, and intensely flavored vinegar that originates from Italy. It's made from grape must (crushed grape juice that includes the skins, seeds, and stems), which is fermented and aged for several years, sometimes even decades! This process gives balsamic vinegar its rich, slightly sweet flavor that's perfect for drizzling over salads, strawberries, or even vanilla ice cream.

On the other hand, balsamic vinaigrette is a salad dressing that includes balsamic vinegar as one of its main ingredients. It’s typically made by mixing balsamic vinegar with oil (like olive oil) and often includes other ingredients such as mustard, garlic, and sometimes sweeteners like honey to balance the acidity. It’s lighter and more diluted than straight balsamic vinegar, making it ideal for dressing leafy greens without overpowering them.

The Best (And Simplest) Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

• ¼ cup DeLallo Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 2 teaspoons DeLallo Dijon Mustard
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Whisk together the vinegar, honey, garlic, mustard, salt, and several grinds of pepper in a small bowl.
2. Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking and continue to whisk until the dressing is emulsified. Alternatively, combine everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to combine.

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