Being that this was my very first salad dressing to ever make from scratch, it’s no surprise that it’s also my all-time FAVORITE!
Back when I was in dental school and had zero extra energy for extravagant meal planning, I made a spinach salad with cranberries, pecans, and yes, you guessed it, a homemade balsamic vinaigrette for lunch EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
It was so simple to throw 3 ingredients into a jar, give it a good shake, and go! Plus, it also stores beautifully for up to 2 weeks so you can double or triple the batch and have it ready to go whenever you need it!
And if you want a more condensed and sauce-like consistency, try out this Healthy Balsamic Glaze recipe.
Table of Contents
3 Simple Ingredients You Need
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Balsamic Vinegar. As the star of the show and one of the main ingredients, you want to make sure you choose a high quality, aged balsamic vinegar. While yes, you can opt for a cheaper one, you might need to add a little extra sweetener to balance out the bitterness. Look for Ottavio, Alessi, Bertolli, Roland, or Mazzetti for the best results.
- Oil. Select a better quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. Avocado oil will also work great in this recipe.
- Sweetener. Either honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can all be used in equal amounts. You can also substitute a few drops of liquid stevia extract if you’re on a low-carb or keto diet.
- Optional Add-ins. Enhance the flavor and increase the health benefits with fresh rosemary or thyme, garlic clove, pepper, Italian seasoning, or even lemon juice.
How to Make a Balsamic Vinaigrette at Home
Below you’ll find the simple steps to make this Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe. Jump to recipe for the printable instructions.
1. Add ingredients together.
Add everything to a High Speed Blender, Mini Food Processor, bowl, or mason jar.
A NutriBullet blends and emulsifies everything up beautifully and is super quick to clean. But a mason jar works just as well!
2. Blend or shake until combined.
Blend, process, whisk or shake until the ingredients are well incorporated. With a mason jar, you really need to shake it hard to ensure the oil and vinegar mixes well.
This should take 20-30 seconds in a blender or processor. Hand mixing will work, but the dressing will not be as smooth and emulsified.
3. Serve or Store
Pour into an airtight container such as a glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Bring to room temperature and shake well before serving.
FAQs
Yes. Homemade balsamic vinaigrette is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan. Check the label on the store-bought stuff as gluten or animal products may be used.
This simple dressing consists of balsamic vinegar, oil, and a sweetener. It’s perfect for everyday salads.
Yes. Vinegar is pretty tart and acidic tasting and is simply made from grapes. Vinaigrette is a salad dressing that features balsamic vinegar as a key ingredient along with oil and oftentimes some type of sweetener.
In addition to topping salads, you can use balsamic vinaigrette as a marinade, or drizzle over chicken, steak, fish, or even roasted veggies.
What to Serve with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Now that you’ve made your own homemade balsamic vinaigrette recipe, it’s time to enjoy!
Some of my favorite ways are in a Chopped Kale Salad with Cranberries, Arugula Fig Salad, Chopped Mixed Greens Salad, or Fall Harvest Salad with Apples.
It’s a great marinade for grilled chicken.
Or, serve it with a Caprese Salad, Caprese Skewers, or in this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken!
17 Simple Salad Dressings e-Book
An e-cookbook full of quick vinaigrettes and creamy dressings that are ready in under 5 minutes!
More Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes
It’s so quick and easy to whip up your own dressing. Skip the store-bought salad dressing and try any of these delicious recipes next.
- Cobb Salad Dressing
- Greek Salad Dressing
- Italian Dressing
- Lemon Vinaigrette
- Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Honey Mustard Dressing
- Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
And check out these other Healthy Salad Dressings!
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Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
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Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or honey
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Add ingredients to a 16-ounce mason jar and shake until well combined. Alternatively, you can add the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend for 20-30 seconds, or until smooth.
- Use immediately or store balsamic vinaigrette dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks between servings. Bring to room temperature and shake well before using.
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Video
Notes
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- Use high-end. Better quality ingredients will result in the tastiest balsamic salad dressing.
- Go low-carb. Substitute liquid stevia extract for honey, maple syrup, or agave.
- Blend on high. Using a food processor or blender will make a smoother dressing than simply a good shake with hand mixing.
- Add flavor. Toss in some fresh herbs, garlic, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Do more than salad. Marinate chicken, or drizzle over grilled steak or veggies with this balsamic dressing recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious, but I used date syrup as the sugar /maple syrup/honey .
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Sounds tasty. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!
I absolutely love this mix I make it for my family a lot
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! It’s such an easy and tasty dressing. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Excellent
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Allan! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Yum! I will pass this along to friends, thank you and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Happy New Year to you, too! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
This dressing is my favorite! Thank you for sharing!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! It’s one of mine, too! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
This is great, trying to make more things homemade instead of store bought.
So happy you could try this recipe Mary! Let me know how you like it.
It’s delicious and easy to make but because of the liquid honey it’s solidifying in the fridge and I have to keep thawing it out under hot water. Can this be stored in the pantry since all 3 ingredients don’t need to be refrigerated?
Yes! You absolutely can store it in the pantry, but just know it will shorten the shelf life slightly. Thanks for your question, Shawna!
I love how easy this is and so tasty. Thank you for the recipe 😀
You’re so welcome, Kerri! Glad to hear you enjoyed the dressing so much. Thanks for your comment and rating 🙂
easy,peasy and delish!
Yay! So happy you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for your comment and rating 🙂