Add some zing to salads—and all kinds of meals—with this Easy Balsamic Dressing, a simple, healthy, and delicious choice
Like a lot of people, I haven’t always been in love with my waistline. It’s even more of a challenge when all the tastiest foods pack a high-calorie punch. Enter this balsamic dressing. It adds a delicious zing to salads but also all kinds of foods, from Baked Chicken to Beef Stew to strawberries and antipasto.
Because I’m a bit of a trivia buff, I like knowing some background on key ingredients. Did you know that traditional Balsamic vinegar comes from the juice of freshly harvested white grapes? Then the vinegar is fermented and stored for a minimum of 12 years. Yup, you read that right. This vinegar shares the aging process with other fine beverages like bourbon and wine. In fact, while it’s aging, some of the liquid evaporates; this is called the “angels’ share.” I’m glad they get their due because the share that’s left is pretty heavenly, too, especially as the main ingredient of this dressing.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
The key to this recipe is how the ingredients balance Balsamic vinegar’s tartness. The Dijon mustard gives a spicy pop, and the honey offers a whisper of sweetness. What I love the most is the taste, but the ease of creating is a welcome bonus. All you need is a whisk and some pantry basics.
Ingredients
You’ll be ready to dress up your salads in no time! In fact, you probably have all these ingredients in your kitchen already!
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (ground)
How to Make – The Steps
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a large bowl.
Step 2: Blend with a whisk until they are completely combined.
Step 3: Pour the dressing into a jar to store.
Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Balsamic Dressing
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Whisk the ingredients well until they are fully emulsified. You’ll need to shake or stir again each time you use it.
- Dressing Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the quantity of honey and Dijon mustard according to your taste preference for sweetness and tanginess.
- After you make it, let the dressing sit for at least an hour to enhance the flavor.
FAQs
To be honest, it doesn’t. This is WAY better! With no preservatives or added sugars, this homemade version is healthier. Plus, it’s budget-friendly.
Sure. Just swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Country mustard, honey mustard, or even a little dry mustard powder will still give you the tangy twist if you’re out of Dijon mustard.
I’m glad you asked! You can add in some crushed garlic or Italian herb mixture. You can also swap half the balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar or add some crushed fresh raspberries for a refreshing raspberry vinaigrette.
Serving Suggestions
Salads will love you—and you’ll love them—with this balsamic dressing. But you can also be creative and drizzle it over grilled vegetables or chicken, brush it on a pizza crust, or use it as a marinade. The sky’s the limit!
Make Ahead and How to Store
You can make this dressing ahead of time (in fact, it’s even better if it’s had some time to chill before serving). Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Shake before using it.
Another plus: this recipe is also easy to expand to serve at bigger events. Just double (or triple!) as needed!
Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper ground
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a large bowl.
- Blend with a whisk until they are completely combined.
- Add the dressing to a jar to store or keep.
Nutrition
