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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

    Published: Mar 19, 2018 · Modified: Apr 13, 2022 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 596 words. · About 3 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe
    Balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipe.
    Balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipe.
    Balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipe.

    Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic oil and vinegar salad dressing. Tangy, flavorful, and ready in minutes with a handful of simple ingredients.

    A glass jar filled halfway with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

    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

    Ingredients on a counter top.
    • Olive oil - Any neutral tasting oil works well in a vinaigrette. 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.
    • Garlic - One clove of garlic can be substituted with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
    • Salt & pepper

    Vinaigrette ratio

    To make a vinaigrette, you'll need three parts oil to one part vinegar, or a 3:1 ratio. After that, add 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard for every ½ cup of dressing.

    If you enjoy a tangy dressing, try making your dressing with more of a 2:1 ratio of oil to vinegar.

    Making balsamic vinaigrette in a glass bowl versus a glass jar.

    Make in a mason jar

    Did you know that salad dressing can be made in a mason jar? Add your ingredients, seal tightly with a lid, and shake until your ingredients are incorporated.

    Store your dressing in the mason jar in your refrigerator - no cleanup needed!

    Can I sweeten my vinaigrette?

    One of my favorite parts about balsamic vinaigrette is that it's sugar free. However, if the dressing is a bit too tart for your liking, it can be sweetened. Try adding up to a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or sugar.

    This recipe is gluten-free and vegan as written. By adding honey, your dressing would no longer be vegan.

    Glass jar of balsamic vinaigrette with a spoon.

    Customizing your vinaigrette

    Homemade vinaigrette is easily customized to suit your tastes. Here are a few ways to customize your salad dressing:

    • Play with the 3:1 oil to vinegar ratio. Try adding more vinegar for a tangier, more acidic dressing.
    • Substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for an apple cider vinaigrette. Or, lemon juice for a lemon vinaigrette.
    • Sweeten your dressing by adding a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or sugar. If adding granulated sugar, give it time to dissolve before serving.
    • Add ½ teaspoon of your favorite spice blend, like Italian seasoning.
    • Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt for a creamy vinaigrette.
    • Substitute garlic with minced shallots.
    A glass jar filled halfway with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
    Print Recipe
    4.50 from 4 reviews

    Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

    Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic oil and vinegar salad dressing. Tangy, flavorful, and ready in minutes with a handful of simple ingredients.
    Prep Time5 minutes
    Total Time5 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, add all ingredients.
    • Secure lid and shake until all ingredients are fully combined. Alternatively, add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk until combined (or add to a blender and blend until combined).

    Equipment Recommendations

    • 8 ounce Ball Mason Jars with lids
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cups
    • OXO Metal Balloon Whisk

    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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    1. Megan

      November 30, 2020 at 9:19 pm

      So 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

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    Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

    Hi, I'm Heather of The Toasty Kitchen. I love cooking with real, unfussy ingredients, and I want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

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