Where the homemade dressing love all began!

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 and the one I always turn to. (Like this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken!)

Back when I was in dental school and had zero extra energy for extravagant meal planning, I made a simple 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 for up to 2 weeks so you can double or triple the batch and have it ready to go whenever you need it!

If you’re looking for a more condensed and sauce-like consistency, try out this Balsamic Glaze recipe.

I love how easy this is and so tasty. Thank you for the recipe 😀

– Kerri
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A healthy and easy balsamic vinaigrette dressing being poured onto a spinach salad with cranberries.
A mason jar is full of a homemade balsamic vinaigrette as a spoon scoops some up.

3 Simple Ingredients You Need

For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.

Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, maple syrup, and salt as ingredients in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipe.
  • 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.
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Step-by-step Instructions

Full directions and ingredient amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Add ingredients together.

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

Pro Tip: A NutriBullet blends and emulsifies everything 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.

Blend, whisk, or shake to mix!

Blend, whisk or shake until the ingredients are well incorporated. This should take 20-30 seconds in a blender or processor.

With a mason jar, you really need to shake it hard to ensure the oil and vinegar mix fully.

Hand mixing will work, but the dressing will not be as smooth and emulsified.

For storage: Pour into an airtight container such as a glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temp and shake well before serving.

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

FAQs

What is balsamic vinaigrette made of?

This simple dressing consists of balsamic vinegar, oil, and a sweetener. It’s perfect for everyday salads.

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?

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!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 15 votes

Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

By: London Brazil
This 3-ingredient Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is my all-time favorite homemade salad dressing! A quick mix of a good quality olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of sweetener will elevate any salad in just 5 minutes. Plus, it stores wonderfully for up to 2 weeks!
A small spoon scooping out a serving of a homemade balsamic salad dressing.
Yield 6 servings
Prep 5 minutes
Total 5 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons 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.  
    ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, Pinch of salt
  • 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.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 15 votes

Video

Notes

  • Serving Size: Each serving is roughly 2 tablespoons of dressing.
  • Ingredients: Higher quality ingredients will result in the tastiest balsamic salad dressing!
  • Processor vs. Jar: 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. 

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 23mg, Sugar: 5g, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!

More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes

Ever since making my own vinaigrettes from scratch, I’ve learned there’s so many other delicious combos to try! Here are some of my favorites:

5 from 15 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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Comments

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Sounds tasty. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply

    1. 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!

      Reply

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Allan! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!

      Reply

    1. 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!

      Reply

    1. 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!

      Reply

  7. 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?

    Reply

    1. Yes! You absolutely can store it in the pantry, but just know it will shorten the shelf life slightly. Thanks for your question, Shawna!

      Reply

    1. You’re so welcome, Kerri! Glad to hear you enjoyed the dressing so much. Thanks for your comment and rating 🙂

      Reply