This Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is my all-time favorite, and it was the first salad dressing I ever made from scratch! Its simplicity elevates any salad with just 3 ingredients, and it stores beautifully for up to 2 weeks. Perfect for meal prep and busy schedules, you’ll love how easy and delicious this dressing is!

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

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.

Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, maple syrup, and salt as ingredients in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipe.
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3 Simple Ingredients You Need

Notes about the ingredients needed for this Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe are belowJump to recipe for the exact measurements.

  • 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 OttavioAlessiBertolliRoland, 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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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!

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

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.

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

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

Is balsamic vinaigrette healthy?

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.

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.

Recipe Tips

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

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 CranberriesArugula Fig SaladChopped Mixed Greens Salad, or Fall Harvest Salad with Apples.

It’s a great marinade for grilled chicken.

Or, serve it with a Caprese SaladCaprese Skewers, or in this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken!

A cover, table of contents, and recipe page for the 17 healthy salad dressings e-book.

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.

And check out these other Healthy Salad Dressings!

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5 from 11 votes

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

With just 3 simple ingredients and less than 5 minutes, you can have a Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe that's packed with flavor and ready to drizzle on your favorite salads, pasta salad, or even use as a marinade!
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 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.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 11 votes

Video

Notes

Each serving is roughly 2 tablespoons of salad dressing.
Recipe Tips
  • 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

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!
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Comments

    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!

    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!

  1. 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?

    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!

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