Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

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! Double the batch and store this homemade dressing for later—it can last for weeks.

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (1)

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Have you ever made a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing?

This 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 qualities that make THIS recipe so spectacular:

  • It takes only 3 pantryingredients and 5 minutes.
  • It stores for an INCREDIBLY long time!
  • It can be used as a salad dressing or as a sauce for your favorite steak or chicken recipe.

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

If you can’t get enough of the freshness of homemade salad dressing, don’t stop at this recipe! Try this Honey Mustard Dressing, Caesar Salad Dressing, Peanut Butter Dressing, Ranch Dressing, and these other Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes.

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

Table of Contents

  • Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
  • 17 Simple Salad Dressings e-Book
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make a Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • FAQs
  • Recipe Tips
  • What to Serve with Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 17 Simple Salad Dressings e-Book
  • More Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes
  • Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (2)
Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (3)

17 Simple Salad Dressings e-Book

An e-cookbook full of quick vinaigrettes and creamy dressings that are ready in under 5 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 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 forOttavio,Alessi,Bertolli,Roland, orMazzettifor 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 Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette

Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

1. Measure the Ingredients

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!

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (4)

2. Mix the Dressing

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.

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (5)

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 thestore-bought stuffas 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.
Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (6)

What to Serve with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Now that you’ve made your own homemade balsamic vinaigrette recipe, it’s time to enjoy! Try it in thisBlueberry Salador in any of the following recipes.

Some of my favorites are aChopped Kale Salad with Cranberries,Arugula Fig Salad,Chopped Mixed Greens Salad, orFall Harvest Salad with Apples.

It’s a great marinade for grilled chicken.

Or, serve it with aCaprese SaladorCaprese Skewers.

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (7)

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 recipesnext.

And check out these other Healthy Salad Dressings!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 9 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!

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (8)

Yield 6 servings

Prep 5 minutes mins

Total 5 minutes mins

Print Pin Comment

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.

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 9 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!

    Categorized as:
    Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Lunch, Nut-Free, Paleo, Recipes, Refined Sugar-Free, Salads, , Side Dishes, Soy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

    You May Also Like

    DFGFLCV

    Chopped Kale Salad with Cranberries

    20 mins

    DFGFPASF

    Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad

    50 mins

    DFGFLCPA

    Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese

    45 mins

    DFGFLCSF

    Mini Quiche Recipe

    45 mins

    Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (13)

    Thanks for
    Stopping By!

    I’m London! Join me as we cook up nourishing meals for you and your loved ones and learn a few healthy cooking tips and tricks!

    Read More About Me

    Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

    FAQs

    What are some common mistakes to avoid when making vinaigrette? ›

    12 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Making Homemade Vinaigrette
    • Estimating measurements for all ingredients. inspiredbyart/Shutterstock. ...
    • Using the wrong oil. ...
    • Using the wrong vinegar. ...
    • Leaving out the emulsifier. ...
    • Skipping the mustard. ...
    • Forgetting to check expiration dates. ...
    • Not using fresh herbs. ...
    • Using vinaigrette only on salad.
    Aug 18, 2022

    What is a substitute for balsamic vinaigrette dressing? ›

    For every 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, substitute 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus ½ tsp. sugar.

    How long will homemade balsamic vinaigrette last? ›

    How Long Does Homemade Vinaigrette Last? Traditional vinaigrettes, like the balsamic version listed below, will last longer—sometimes up to a few weeks. However, anything with fresh garlic should be consumed within a few days, as the combination of garlic and oil can form harmful bacteria over time.

    What's the difference between balsamic dressing and vinaigrette? ›

    Balsamic vinegar is pure vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is dark brown in color and has a very robust, slightly sweet flavor. Balsamic vinaigrette is a mixture made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and/or other spices. It is typically used as a salad dressing but has other uses in the kitchen as well.

    What is the best emulsifier for vinaigrette? ›

    Emulsifiers mix easily with both oil and water and act as the glue that keeps your vinaigrette from separating. Common ingredients used as emulsifiers in vinaigrettes include Dijon mustard, honey, egg yolks, tomato paste or even roasted garlic (some are better emulsifiers than others).

    What are two ingredients that can be used to help emulsify a vinaigrette? ›

    The most common emulsifiers in your kitchen are likely egg yolks, mayonnaise, prepared mustard (preferably Dijon), honey, and tomato paste (though I'm not a fan of raw tomato paste, the flavor works quite well in a vinaigrette). For a more neutral flavor, use mayonnaise.

    What is the best oil for oil and vinegar dressing? ›

    The Basic Vinaigrette Formula

    Using this basic formula, there are almost endless variations. For instance, you could use one tablespoon of cider vinegar and three tablespoons of olive oil. Or you could make a big batch of dressing and use 1/4 cup of vinegar mixed with 3/4 cups olive oil.

    What happens if you don't refrigerate balsamic vinaigrette? ›

    Sims notes that unless your vinaigrette is a mixture of just oil and vinegar, refrigeration is your best bet from a food-safety standpoint. "If you add in vegetables and/or herbs, the potential growth for Clostridium botulinum becomes a factor," she said.

    Is balsamic vinegar good after 10 years? ›

    We can say that aged balsamic vinegar has an indefinite shelf life. However, it would be convenient to use the product once opened, within two to three years, and the one that has yet to be opened, within five years. After that time, its color may change, and the flavor will no longer be as bright and fresh as before.

    What is the healthiest salad dressing? ›

    8 Simple and Healthy Salad Dressings
    1. Sesame ginger. This simple salad dressing doubles as an easy marinade for meat, poultry, or roasted veggies. ...
    2. Balsamic vinaigrette. ...
    3. Avocado lime. ...
    4. Lemon vinaigrette. ...
    5. Honey mustard. ...
    6. Greek yogurt ranch. ...
    7. Apple cider vinaigrette. ...
    8. Ginger turmeric.
    Jul 27, 2023

    What is the healthiest vinegar for salad dressing? ›

    Balsamic vinegar contains beneficial antioxidants, no fat, and very few calories. (You can read more about its health benefits here.) It packs a lot of flavor into a small amount, so it goes a long way on salads.

    What to avoid in salad dressing? ›

    5 Ingredients To Avoid
    • Palm Oil. Palm oil can pop up in both creamy and oily dressings, and it's a top ingredient that Taub-Dix said to avoid. ...
    • Sugar (but it's rarely called sugar) ...
    • Salt. ...
    • Monosodium glutamate (MSG) ...
    • Coconut oil.
    Jan 24, 2024

    How do you know if homemade vinaigrette is bad? ›

    According to Reader's Digest, oil-based salad dressings, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing, tend to last longer than mayo-based dressings. In general, these dressings can last for up to a few weeks (via Know Your Pantry). However, once they've expired, they will give off a noticeable rancid smell.

    What ingredients in a vinaigrette help the vinegar stay suspended in the oil longer? ›

    However, in the absence of emulsifiers, this unstable emulsion breaks down within minutes, and the oil forms a layer on top of the vinegar. For centuries, cooks have added natural emulsifiers, such as egg yolk, mustard, or honey, to help prevent this separation.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Cheryll Lueilwitz

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5834

    Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

    Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Cheryll Lueilwitz

    Birthday: 1997-12-23

    Address: 4653 O'Kon Hill, Lake Juanstad, AR 65469

    Phone: +494124489301

    Job: Marketing Representative

    Hobby: Reading, Ice skating, Foraging, BASE jumping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Kayaking

    Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.