This Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is perfect. You heard me correctly. Perfect. And I don’t use that word lightly.
The recipe I’m sharing with you today is truly worthy of that descriptor. You don’t think I’d call something the “best” if I didn’t mean it, do you?
I’ve tried numerous recipes for balsamic vinaigrette over the past few years and while they have been decent, they were not quite what I was searching for.
Some homemade vinaigrettes would end up a little too oily, while others were too sweet for my tastes. This dressing has the perfect balance of tang and sweetness, vinegar, and oil.
After a lot of experimentation, trial and error, I am thrilled to be sharing this balsamic vinaigrette recipe with you today. I found this winning recipe for Balsamic Vinaigrette over at Chinese Grandma.
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
I served this balsamic vinaigrette last week on a salad while we had family visiting us. Everyone who tried the dressing immediately requested the recipe. It’s miles better than any store-bought salad dressing and as easy as whisking together a few ingredients.
There’s a reason I consider this particular Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing recipe the absolute hands-down best. The dressing has plenty of tartness and bite from a generous portion of balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and garlic with just a touch of sweetness and honey flavor to balance it all out.
With enough extra virgin olive oil to coat every bite of your salad with rich flavor without making the salad too greasy, oil or soggy; it’s everything you could want in a vinegar-oil based dressing!
While I whisk the vinegar, oil, dijon mustard, garlic, and olive oil by hand with a sturdy kitchen whisk, you could also use a blender if you prefer. Mixing the ingredients with a blender gives the recipe a slightly thicker consistency.
I prefer the consistency of the dressing when mixed by hand but feel free to experiment with both methods to figure out what you prefer.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
This Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing is so versatile, I serve it on salads, on roasted vegetables and drizzled on chicken in a wrap. It’s a wonderful addition to whatever dish I’ve used it on.
There are so many ways to enjoy this dressing that you’ll always want to keep a jar or two handy for whenever the craving strikes.
The sourness of the balsamic is such a great complement to salads with apples, oranges, grapes, peaches, pears, and berries. It absolutely sings on Fuji Apple Chicken Salad and Strawberry Spinach Salad and would make a lovely addition to a Mixed Green, Pear and Goat Cheese Salad, too.
Of course, it also elevates everyday salads into the realm of extra tastiness. Toss your favorite garden salad in this dressing, try it on a Simple Spinach Salad, or drizzle it over a fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad.
Try it on pasta salad or in your favorite wrap for a way to jazz up your lunch staples.
Storing Balsamic Vinaigrette
Because vinegar-based salad dressings like this one have such a high acidity content, they keep for a good long while if stored correctly. After preparing the dressing, pour it into a mason jar and secure the lid tightly.
Store the dressing in the refrigerator where it should keep for several months. Of course, you’ll find yourself reaching it for it so often that it’s bound to be gone long before then.
The oil and vinegar may separate during storage so just give the jar a nice shake to get everything all mixed together again before using.
If you have a leftover bottle from store-bought salad dressing, you can totally wash and reuse it as a vessel for your homemade dressing!
Balsamic Dressing
While this is truly a perfect go-to salad dressing recipe for any food that calls for a vinaigrette, I’ve made tons of variations on the recipe for different types of salads.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette is a take on balsamic vinaigrette that uses white balsamic and light olive oil that I love on an Orange Parsley Salad. When I’m in the mood for a slightly sweeter take on this recipe, I make Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette and for garlic lovers try Garlic and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette, and spice lovers must give my recipe for Honey Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette try.
The BEST Balsamic Vinaigrette is a staple recipe you must add to your cooking repertoire. It’ll never steer you wrong and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Kitchen Tip: I use this whisk and this jar to make this recipe.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Add the oil and whisk thoroughly to combine. Continue whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- Store in a jar with a lid and refrigerate. Shake well before serving.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly crushed black pepper finely ground
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic. Add the oil and whisk thoroughly to combine. Continue whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- Store in a jar with a lid and refrigerate. Shake well before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 3/22/12 – recipe notes updated 3/12/21}
Keesh Sparkles says
Can I use balsamic glaze in place of balsamic vinegar?
Mary Younkin says
You can substitute balsamic glaze in a pinch. If you use balsamic glaze, keep in mind that the vinaigrette will be sweeter and slightly thicker. Enjoy!
Kathy O'Malley says
This has become my absolute favorite dressing! I love to cut up chicken or steak on my salad and this dressing is the best. It is also good when on the dash diet because I can substitute salt alternative.![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
This vinaigrette is great for chicken salad, Kathy. Glad to hear that you’ve been loving it so much.
Marilyn says
Is the serving size 1 tablespoon? Just wanting to clarify the nutrition. Thank you.
Mary Younkin says
Yes.
Bernadette Dickson says
Excellent as is, didn’t change a thing. Thank you!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
You’re welcome, Bernadette. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the vinaigrette so much.
Sharon says
This is a simple but excellent dressing. So easy to mix and is delicious.![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying it, Sharon!
Claire says
I added about two tablespoons of seedless blackberry puree. And I used an immersion blender. Absolutely delicious.![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
mmmm, I bet that was awesome, Claire.
Nancy says
We love this dressing it is wonderful. The question I have is can you use this as a marinade on chicken![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
Sure thing, Nancy.
Linda Mason says
I lost a large sense of taste a while back, so I like strong flavors. I tried this recipe using 1/2 cup oil, and only one tablespoon honey. To my tastes, it was delicious. Thank you!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like the dressing, Linda!
rainbow sparkle rocket says
it is good to eat on pasta salad and is delicious.![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you’re enjoying the dressing!
Bcooking says
Easy and yummy!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
Glad it’s a hit!
Isabell says
This is a great recipe. Just the right balance of flavors and easy to put together. A new favorite!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad it’s a hit, Isabell!
Regan says
Oh my! This is delicious and so easy. I made in a jar and used an immersion blender. So much tastier and healthier than what I can buy! Thank you!!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like it, Regan!
Caitlin says
This is the BEST dressing I’ve ever tasted. I keep coming back to this and giving it as gifts. I am obsessed is an understatement. My only question is: can I leave it out and not refrigerate it? When I refrigerate it, it turns to a solid and then I have to remember to take it out a while before I’m wanting to use it and I would like it to just be ready to grab!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
YES! I used to refrigerate it out of habit, but it will keep nicely at room temperature too.
John Oliver says
Simple ingredients with an extraordinary taste!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Thank You!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you’re enjoying the dressing, John.
Kim says
Very good and tasty. I will make it lots more.![4 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad it’s a hit, Kim.
Megan says
I am obsessed with this recipe. Hands-down the best vinaigrette I’ve ever had. It is so easy to make that I keep some in my fridge at all times.
Play with the balsamic vinegar to see what works next for you. I’ve found a mid-grade one works best for me. Too fancy and the resulting vinaigrette is too thick. It is best to make it with an immersion blender, otherwise it never quite comes together correctly and tends to separate a bit in the fridge.
This si best served on feuilles de chêne salade greens that are in season in France right now. Delicious!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like it, Megan.
Kathy says
By far the best balsamic vinaigrette I have had! My husband loves it as well! This is the only salad dressings we will use. I have shared this recipe with many of my family members as well! Thank you!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you love it, Kathy!