Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

Name: Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ½ cup olive oil (extra virgin); ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup (or honey); Pinch of salt (optional)

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Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing can be made in just 5 minutes with only 3 ingredients! Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and your favorite natural sweetener are quickly mixed together and can be stored for months. Drizzle this easy recipe on top of vegan salads, or as a healthy marinade for chicken, steak, or veggies.

A mason jar full of balsamic and maple syrup salad dressing with two salads in the background.

Have you ever made a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing?

We are big fans. One of our favorite ways to use it is in a spinach salad with toasted pecans and cranberries. (We ate this salad every day for a YEAR while in dental school!!)

You would think that after a while we would get tired of it, but no!

That sweet and tangy dressing is so easy to make and tastes incredible. Plus, it’s so much healthier for you to make at home versus buying it from the store.

There are a few spectacular qualities about this recipe:

It can be used as a salad dressing or pour it over your favorite steak or chicken recipe.
3 ingredients and 5 minutes is all it takes.
It stores for an INCREDIBLY long time!

If you can’t get enough of the freshness of homemade salad dressing, don’t stop at this recipe! Try this Honey Mustard Dressing, Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing, Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette, and these other Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes.

And if you want a more condensed and sauce-like consistency, try out this Balsamic Reduction recipe.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make this easy balsamic vinaigrette dressing include:

Balsamic Vinegar. As the star of the show, you want to make sure you choose a high quality vinegar. Read more about what type below.
Oil. Select a better quality olive oil for the best results. 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.
Salt. This isn’t necessary but can improve the taste. Be cautious not to overdo it, as a little bit goes a long way!
Optional Add-ins. Enhance the flavor with fresh rosemary or thyme, a clove of crushed garlic, pepper, or even lemon juice.

Best Balsamic Vinegar

Since there are so few ingredients in this recipe, each individual ingredient plays a HUGE role… especially the balsamic vinegar.

While yes, you can opt for a cheaper one (totally guilty here!) you might need to add a little extra sweetener to balance out the bitterness. However, I would advise that you spring for a mid to higher-quality balsamic vinegar to get the best taste.

A few brands to try:

Ottavio
Alessi
Bertolli
Roland
Mazzetti

How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette

The basic steps for making a balsamic vinaigrette are simple to follow. Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

Measure the Ingredients

Add everything to a High Speed Blender, Mini Food Processor, bowl, or mason jar.

A NutriBullet is the easiest way as it blends and emulsifies everything up beautifully and is super quick to clean.

A small blender with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey showing you how to make balsamic vinaigrette at home.

Mix the Dressing

Blend, process, whisk or shake until the ingredients are well incorporated.

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.

Serve or Store

Pour into an airtight container such as a mason jar. Store at room temperature if not fresh herbs or garlic were used, or in the refrigerator if they were. Shake well before serving.

An easy balsamic vinaigrette recipe being poured into a clear mason jar.

Meal Prep and Storage

To Prep-Ahead: This dressing is great for making completely in advance so it’s always ready to go.
To Store: Seal in an airtight container like these cute glass mason jars in the refrigerator. If only oil, vinegar, and honey or maple syrup are used it will last for 3-4 months. If perishables are added, it will keep for up to 2-4 weeks.
To Freeze: It is not recommended as the ingredients will separate.

FAQs

Is balsamic vinaigrette healthy?

Yes. Homemade balsamic vinaigrette is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan. Check the label on store-bought as gluten or animal products may be used.

What is balsamic vinaigrette made of?

This simple dressing consists of balsamic vinegar, oil, and a sweetener.

Is there a difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinaigrette?

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.

What do you use balsamic vinaigrette for?

There are many uses for this flavorful dressing. In addition to topping salads, you can use it as a marinade, or drizzle over chicken, steak, fish, or even roasted veggies.

A healthy and easy balsamic vinaigrette dressing being poured onto a spinach salad with cranberries.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use high end. Better quality ingredients will result in the tastiest results.
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 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.

What to Serve with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Now that you’ve made your own homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it’s time to enjoy! Try it in this Blue Berry Salad or in any of the following recipes:

A small spoon scooping out balsamic vinaigrette dressing from a jar.

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