Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe: The Perfect Homemade Dressing for Salads, Chicken, and More
Balsamic vinaigrette is a simple yet delicious addition to your meals, whether you’re dressing up a salad, drizzling it over chicken, or using it as a marinade for pork.
A homemade balsamic vinaigrette can elevate your dish with vibrant flavors, making your meals fresh and appetizing.
This recipe is easy to make and uses everyday pantry ingredients to create a dressing that’s far better than store-bought options.
Why Balsamic Vinaigrette is the Ultimate Dressing
Balsamic vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor to any dish, whether it’s a fresh spinach salad, a light dressing for chicken, or even a sauce for your favorite pork recipe.
When you make this dressing at home, you can control the quality of ingredients and adjust it to your liking. Plus, homemade vinaigrettes are often healthier, free from preservatives and unnecessary additives.
Ingredients for the Best Balsamic Vinaigrette
Making this balsamic vinaigrette requires just a few key ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Each ingredient serves a purpose in balancing out the flavors and creating that perfect tangy and sweet taste.
Balsamic vinegar brings acidity, honey adds a touch of sweetness, and Dijon mustard not only enhances flavor but also helps emulsify the dressing.
How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure all ingredients are measured and ready. This recipe comes together quickly, and having everything prepped will make the process smoother.
Step 2: Whisk It All Together
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until fully blended.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil Slowly
This is where the magic happens—emulsifying your dressing. To do this, drizzle the olive oil into the bowl very slowly while whisking vigorously.
This will help the oil break down into tiny droplets and blend with the other ingredients, creating a smooth, cohesive dressing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Emulsification
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The taste of the oil plays a major role in the final flavor of your vinaigrette, so choose an olive oil specifically made for dressings and marinades. Look for extra virgin olive oil.
- Emulsify Slowly: Pour the oil in small amounts while whisking continuously to create a well-emulsified dressing that won’t separate.
- Mini Food Processor: For a quicker emulsification, you can use a mini food processor to blend the ingredients.
The Key to a Well-Emulsified Dressing
One of the challenges of making vinaigrette is preventing the oil from separating from the other ingredients.
The Dijon mustard in this recipe is essential because it acts as an emulsifying agent, allowing the oil and vinegar to stay combined for longer periods.
However, even the best emulsified dressings can separate after sitting for a while. In that case, simply shake or whisk the dressing again before serving.
Using Balsamic Vinaigrette for More Than Just Salads
While this dressing is a fantastic option for salads, it’s also versatile enough to be used in various other recipes. Try drizzling it over:
- Grilled chicken for a burst of tangy flavor
- Pork chops as a marinade
- Bruschetta chicken for a fresh, flavorful twist
- Caprese salad for a balanced, vibrant dressing
The options are endless, making this balsamic vinaigrette a pantry staple you’ll want to keep around.
Pro Tips for Storing and Serving
- Storage: Keep your balsamic vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. If the dressing separates, give it a good shake before serving.
- Olive Oil Cloudiness: Don’t worry if your olive oil solidifies or turns cloudy when refrigerated. This is natural and will clear up once it reaches room temperature. Simply shake the vinaigrette before use, and it’ll be as good as new.
Add Balsamic Vinaigrette to Your Meal Plans
This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes. We love serving it with a spinach salad, and it works perfectly with fresh summer salads.
For more exciting meal ideas, consider trying it with these dishes:
- Greek Pasta Salad: A tangy balsamic twist on a classic pasta salad.
- Bruschetta Chicken: Drizzle the vinaigrette over this Italian favorite.
- Chickpea Salad: A great way to add depth and flavor to a simple, protein-packed salad.
- Caprese Chicken: Use the vinaigrette as a light sauce to enhance the flavors of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
FAQs About Balsamic Vinaigrette
What is balsamic vinaigrette made of?
Balsamic vinaigrette is typically made from a combination of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How long does homemade balsamic vinaigrette last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, balsamic vinaigrette can last up to one month.
Can I substitute ingredients in balsamic vinaigrette?
Yes, you can customize this recipe! Substitute honey with maple syrup or use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger flavor.
How do I prevent my vinaigrette from separating?
The key to keeping your vinaigrette from separating is to emulsify it properly by adding the olive oil slowly while whisking continuously. Using an ingredient like Dijon mustard also helps.
Can I make this balsamic vinaigrette vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, simply replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup.
Conclusion: Why You Should Always Have Balsamic Vinaigrette On Hand
Balsamic vinaigrette is a versatile, flavorful dressing that enhances just about any dish. Its combination of tangy vinegar, sweet honey, and rich olive oil makes it a go-to option for salads, marinades, and more.
Plus, the ease of making it at home allows you to enjoy fresher, healthier ingredients without any preservatives.
By mastering this balsamic vinaigrette recipe, you’re adding a useful tool to your culinary toolbox—one that’s quick to prepare and enhances a wide range of dishes.
Whether you’re tossing it with a simple spinach salad or drizzling it over grilled chicken, you can’t go wrong with this classic dressing.