How to Make Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette is the way to go—because let’s be honest, store-bought dressings can be kinda blah. They’re often packed with added sugar, preservatives, and low-quality oils. Making your own means you control the ingredients, the flavor, and the freshness—in just minutes!
This homemade balsamic vinaigrette recipe is made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It has the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and richness, making it a staple for green salads, pasta salads, and even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Once you start making your own dressing, you won’t want to go back to the store-bought stuff! This is the perfect dressing to drizzle on the Strawberry and Walnut Salad with Feta recipe!
Why Make Your Own Balsamic Vinaigrette?
Making your own balsamic vinaigrette isn’t just about avoiding unnecessary ingredients—it’s also about the best flavor! When you use high-quality oils and vinegars, the difference is noticeable.
- Healthier – No added sugar, preservatives, or unhealthy fats.
- Customizable – You can adjust the flavors to your liking.
- More flavorful – Made with good quality oils, vinegars, and spices.
- Cost-effective – A little goes a long way compared to expensive store-bought options.
Basic Ingredients for a Homemade Balsamic Dressing
A great balsamic vinaigrette comes down to basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Aged balsamic vinegar – The base of the dressing. Balsamic vinegar has a rich, deep flavor that makes a huge difference.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Use extra virgin olive oil for the best results. Parts oil to part vinegar is key to a balanced vinaigrette.
- Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard – Adds a touch of sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Maple syrup or honey – A natural sweetener that balances the acidity. You can also use less honey if you prefer a more tangy flavor.
- Fresh garlic or garlic powder – A key ingredient that gives the dressing a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential for bringing out the best flavor.
How to Make the Best Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
The process for making a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing is super simple. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a small whisk, a mason jar, or a small bowl will do!
- In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together aged balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup (or honey) until well blended.
- Stir in fresh garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper.
- Slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil, whisking continuously to help the dressing emulsify. If using a food processor, blend until smooth.
- If you want more acidity, add extra vinegar. If you need more zing, add a little more mustard.
- Transfer to an airtight jar, glass jar, or airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.
A Good Shake is Key!
Before using, always give your vinaigrette a good shake! The oil and vinegar will naturally separate since homemade vinaigrettes don’t contain emulsifiers like store-bought dressing. A tight-fitting lid on a mason jar makes it easy to shake up your dressing whenever needed.
How to Store Your Homemade Dressing
Your homemade balsamic vinaigrette will last for about a week in the fridge. Always keep it in an airtight container and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, as the oil may solidify when chilled.
Ways to Use Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
This easy balsamic vinaigrette recipe isn’t just for green salads—it’s incredibly versatile! Here are some ways to use it:
- Drizzle over green salads – Try it on a simple spinach salad, kale salads, or your favorite green salad.
- Use it in pasta salads – A great way to add flavor to weeknight dinners.
- Caprese salad – This dressing pairs beautifully with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
- Goat cheese salad – Balsamic vinaigrette is perfect with blue cheese, goat cheese, and red onion.
- Dipping sauce for crusty bread – Just like at an Italian restaurant!
- Marinade for meats and veggies – Works well on grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables.
Customizing Your Dressing
One of the best parts of making your own balsamic vinaigrette is that you can tweak it to your liking.
- Want more acidity? Add more red wine vinegar or lemon vinaigrette.
- Prefer a smoother dressing? Use a food processor to blend everything.
- Need a bit more sweetness? Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey.
The best balsamic vinaigrette recipe is the one you customize to suit your tastes. Once you start making homemade salad dressings, you’ll never want to return to the grocery store versions. Combining simple ingredients like aged balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup (or honey) creates a delicious balsamic vinaigrette.
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together aged balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup (or honey) until well blended.
- Stir in fresh garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper.
- Slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil, whisking continuously to help the dressing emulsify. If using a food processor, blend until smooth.
- If you want more acidity, add extra vinegar. If you need more zing, add a little more mustard.
- Transfer to an airtight jar, glass jar, or airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.
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About Sarah
Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.
I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.
