Easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Our classic balsamic vinaigrette recipe is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory in a dressing your whole family will love!

It’s fresh, it’s bright, and it puts every store-bought bottle to shame. If you’re tired of dressings that fall flat or separate the second you set the bottle down, you’re going to love this recipe.

Our easy balsamic vinaigrette will become your go-to salad dressing. It’s light yet flavorful, with tangy balsamic vinegar, a touch of honey, smooth Dijon, just enough garlic, and a light olive oil that will let the flavors shine through.

Traditional balsamic vinegar dates back to Modena, Italy, where slow-aged grape must transforms into a syrupy, complex vinegar prized by chefs. When paired with fruity olive oil, Dijon, and honey, it evolved into the dressing we all love.

If you enjoy making homemade dressings, try our Classic Caesar and Creamy Italian dressing recipes; they’re two of my favorites.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients to prepare our homemade balsamic vinaigrette recipe. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its Place.”

Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand to make the recipe.

Recipe Variations

Red Wine Vinaigrette: Substitute red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a lighter flavor.

Herb-infused Vinaigrette: Add Italian seasoning or dried basil for a herby touch.

Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette: Add a little sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise to the dressing.

Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette: Blend in roasted garlic for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

White Balsamic Vinaigrette: Use white balsamic for a lighter, fruity flavor profile.

Spicy Vinaigrette: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

For a deeper, richer flavor, use aged balsamic vinegar, which adds natural sweetness and complexity. Swap honey for maple syrup or fig jam for a gourmet twist.

How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette

Follow along with my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make a balsamic vinaigrette recipe in your home kitchen.

Add the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper to a large bowl or container. 

Whisk together to combine the ingredients. 

Add the olive oil to the balsamic mixture and whisk until fully combined.

For optimal results, refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate. Shake well before serving. 

Chef Tips

Use high-quality balsamic vinegar of Modena and olive oil; the better the ingredients, the better the flavor. 

Whisk or shake constantly before serving to re-emulsify.

For an extra-smooth, glossy finish, blend your vinaigrette in a small food processor. This breaks down the garlic and mustard, creating a silky texture that clings beautifully to greens.

Homemade balsamic vinaigrette is one of those simple pleasures that transform a salad into something special. Store-bought doesn’t even come close to capturing the rich, bright flavors of homemade.

Make a jar, keep it in the fridge, make a salad, and you’ll understand why restaurant salads always taste better.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle over mixed green salads, roasted vegetables, Caprese salad, or pasta salad.

Works beautifully as a marinade for chicken or pork.

Try it on a roasted beet and goat cheese salad, drizzle over grilled peaches, or use it to finish seared tuna.

How to Store

Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 7 days. Shake or whisk before serving. If the olive oil has solidified, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using.

Recipe FAQs

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