🥗💫 The BEST Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic Vinaigrette ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 3,200 home cooks)
📌 1,800+ pins | 🍷 Versatile & easy | 🥄 Ready in minutes!

If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants get that perfectly tangy, slightly sweet, and ultra-smooth balsamic vinaigrette —this is it. This homemade version is bold, balanced, and truly the best balsamic vinaigrette you’ll ever drizzle over a salad. Just a few pantry staples and you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

📌 Quick Glance – Easy Gourmet in a Jar

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
• 🍽️ Yields: 1 cup
• 💡 Vibe: Tangy, sweet, bold, balanced
• 🥄 Pairs With: Salads, roasted veggies, grilled meats, pasta salads

⬇️ Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Ways to Use This Magical Dressing
• What Salad Lovers Are Saying
• FAQ – Common Vinaigrette Questions

🛒 What You’ll Need

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (aged preferred)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 How to Make the BEST Balsamic Vinaigrette

Whisk or Shake: In a bowl or jar, combine balsamic vinegar, Dijon, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Emulsify: Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking OR add oil to the jar and shake vigorously until creamy and emulsified.

Taste & Adjust: Add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for extra tang. Done in under 5 minutes!

✨ Ways to Use This Magical Dressing

🥗 Drizzle over mixed greens with goat cheese and strawberries
🌿 Toss with roasted vegetables or warm grain bowls
🍗 Use as a marinade for chicken, steak, or portobello mushrooms
🍝 Stir into pasta salads for an instant flavor upgrade
🥖 Dip crusty bread right in—yes, it’s that good

💬 What Balsamic Vinaigrette Are Saying

“I threw out every bottled dressing I had. This is insanely good!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Claire J.

“So easy and flavorful! My picky teens are obsessed with it!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tanya L.

“The honey balances the tanginess beautifully. Restaurant-level!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mike R.

The BEST Balsamic Vinaigrette

This balsamic vinaigrette is rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and ultra-smooth. Made with pantry staples, it takes just minutes to shake or whisk together and tastes better than any store-bought version.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Condiment, Salad Dressing

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 160

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 small garlic clove minced or grated
• Salt to taste (~¼ teaspoon)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste (~⅛ teaspoon)

Equipment

• Whisk and bowl or
• Mason jar with lid
• Microplane (for garlic)

Method

 

1. Combine ingredients
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, and garlic.
3. Add oil slowly
4. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies.
5. (Or shake all ingredients in a sealed jar until well blended.)
6. Season and serve
7. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Use immediately or refrigerate for later.

Notes

For a creamier dressing, blend in 1 tablespoon mayo or Greek yogurt.

Swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan version.

Keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake before each use.

❓ FAQ – Common Balsamic Vinaigrette Questions

This balsamic vinaigrette is delicious on leafy greens, but it also works beautifully with fruit-forward salads like this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad. The tangy dressing pairs perfectly with sweet peaches, juicy blueberries, and salty feta.