Balsamic Vinaigrette is a light, tangy vinaigrette that is perfect on salads and as a chicken marinade.

You can make this homemade vinaigrette in just a few minutes by whisking together or shaking a blend of herbs, spices, oil and vinegar.

Balsamic vinaigrette in a glass bottle, pouring over an arugula salad.
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A delicious and easy homemade salad dressing recipe that is better than store-bought? Balsamic Vinaigrette is made with just a few simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

It’s perfect for drizzling over fresh greens, pasta salads, and so much more!

  • Easy – Combine and shake or whisk!
  • Quick – You only need a few minutes to make this delicious homemade dressing!
  • Better Than Store-Bought – This classic balsamic vinaigrette is free of preservatives and artificial dyes and full of flavor!
A mason jar salad dressing dispenser full of homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

Ingredients and Substitutions

See the printable recipe card for ingredients and instructions.

  • Olive Oil – Use a high quality olive oil like extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Balsamic Vinegar – Authentic, traditional aged balsamic vinegar is made from grapes grown in Italy that have been fermenting for at least 12 years!
  • Dijon Mustard – A little Dijon adds a lot of flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.  Mustard seeds give it a little added texture.
  • Shallot – Shallots are similar to onion but pack even more amazing flavor.
  • Garlic – Minced garlic or fresh whole cloves, minced. Learn How to Mince Garlic here.
  • Salt and Pepper – Fresh cracked salt and pepper, to taste.
Balsamic vinaigrette in a glass bottle, next to a plate of salad.

How To

  1. Prep – Slice shallots. Combine ingredients in a shakeable jar or food processor
  2. Serve – Refrigerate for 30+ minutes to allow ingredients to marinate. Give it a good shake when you’re ready to serve!

Tips

  • To make this balsamic vinaigrette recipe creamy, blend mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt into your dressing. You’ll need to match the amounts of the oil or vinegar – so try starting with 1/4 cup of yogurt or mayonnaise and add more as needed.
  • Oil and vinegar may separate during storage. Shake to mix before serving.
  • You can either shake the ingredients together in a mason jar or whisk them together in a small bowl.

Serving Suggestions

  • Cheeses – Pair with blue cheese, parmesan, and or sharp cheddar.
  • Fruits – Pair with apples, pears, peaches, and grapes as well.
  • Greens – Any leafy greens, including spinach, lettuce, and kale.
  • As a Marinade – This balsamic vinaigrette also makes an excellent marinade for grilled or baked chicken breast.
Balsamic vinaigrette in a glass bottle, pouring over a salad.

How to Store

  • Room Temperature – Keep at room temperature up to two hours.
  • Refrigerate – This healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe lasts up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 
Balsamic vinaigrette in a glass bottle, pouring over a salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a large batch of the homemade balsamic vinaigrette recipe and save it for later use?

Yes! If you use a lot of dressing throughout the week or have a larger family, making a large batch is a great idea!

Does it matter if I use aged balsamic vinegar or regular balsamic vinegar?

Aged is preferred as it adds a depth of flavor, but just use whatever you have on hand!

Can I adjust the ratio of oil to vinegar in the recipe to make it more or less tangy?

Yes! If you prefer a more balanced flavor, you can add more oil. If you prefer more tang, add more vinegar. You can also add an extra touch of Dijon mustard for even more tang!

Is fresh garlic a key ingredient in homemade balsamic vinaigrette, or can I use garlic powder instead?

Fresh is always preferred, but you can use garlic powder if you don’t have any fresh garlic. You can also use garlic that comes in a glass jar!

Can I add lemon juice or other fresh herbs to this balsamic salad dressing?

Absolutely! This homemade balsamic dressing recipe is completely customizable to your personal preference. Some examples of fresh herbs you can add are parsley, oregano, or rosemary!

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use dry mustard powder, yellow mustard, or spicy brown mustard! The mustard acts as a binding agent to bring the oil and vinegar together and add a little kick, so just use whatever you have!

Balsamic vinaigrette in a glass bottle, pouring over an arugula salad.

More Vinaigrette Recips

15 Easy Vinaigrette Recipes
Balsamic vinaigrette in a glass bottle, pouring over a salad.
5 from 1 vote

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette – a classic salad dressing, easy marinade for chicken and so much more!
Prep: 5 minutes
Refrigerate: 30 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
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Ingredients  

  • cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard with seeds
  • ½ shallot chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • In a jar or food processor, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, chopped shallot, minced garlic, salt and ppper.
  • Shake or process until well combined. Toss with fresh greens or use as a marinade.

Julie’s Tips

To make this balsamic vinaigrette recipe creamy, blend mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt into your dressing. You’ll need to match the amounts of the oil or vinegar – so try starting with 1/4 cup of yogurt or mayonnaise and add more as needed.
Serving: 6g | Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

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