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Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is sweet and tangy and while it is delicious on almost any salad, it pairs especially well with salads that contain fruit.
I made it the first time to serve with this Blueberry Apple Walnut Salad, but it also works really well with the Strawberry Spinach Salad, and The Ultimate Winter Salad.
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
I’m particular about the dressings I put on my salad. Since homemade dressings are so easy to make, I rarely reach for the bottled store-bought stuff anymore.
The BEST Balsamic Vinaigrette has been one of my go-to homemade dressings for a while now. I’ve enjoyed creating spins on that recipe for different salads. Spicy Tomato Vinaigrette added so much flavor to a simple cucumber salad and Strawberry Grape Vinaigrette worked wonders on a spicy spinach salad.
For salads that contain fruit, I like my dressings to have a nice balance between sweet and tangy. When I was looking for the right dressing for a salad with blueberry, apples, and walnuts, the idea of a honey-based dressing came to mind.
I’ve never been a fan of super sweet salad dressings so a lot of honey vinaigrette dressings just don’t do it for me. This Honey Balsamic Dressing, thought? It’s as perfect as it gets.
Honey Vinaigrette
With olive oil, balsamic vinegar and just a couple spoonfuls of honey, Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is a light and refreshing dressing. It’s so good on any salad containing fruit, but I think it would also taste delicious on a simple garden salad, too.
I like to use light olive oil for this recipe. The milder flavor of this oil pairs well with the bolder taste of the vinegar and honey. That said, I’m sure it would taste good with whatever kind of olive oil you have in your cupboard!
Like I mentioned before, I prefer my salad dressings be on the tangier side without too much sweetness. If you like a sweeter dressing, feel free to add a bit more honey.
Start with the amount listed in the recipe, taste and add a half-teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired sweetness. That’s the benefit of homemade salad dressing; you can easily tinker with the recipe to suit your preferences.
Fruit Salad
Don’t forget to grab the new salad recipe I created to serve with the Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette!
The Blueberry Apple Walnut Salad pictured here is loaded with apples, blueberries, goat cheese, and walnuts. A generous sprinkling of parsley adds a bright fresh taste. This salad is so good, I made it several days in a row after I shot the photos. It is now in my regular rotation.
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette will keep nicely at room temperature for a couple of weeks. You can also store in the refrigerator if that’s more your style. Just let the dressing come to room temp and shake well before drizzling it over your salad.
Honey Balsamic Dressing
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette brings rich honey and bright flavor to whatever you put it on. Try it on Strawberry Chicken Salad or this Irresistible Mandarin Broccoli Salad for a refreshing lunch or light dinner.
Once you get in the habit of mixing together your own salad dressings, you’ll be hooked. Homemade dressings have so much more flavor than the typical bottled dressing and save you some money, too!
Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe
We have dozens of salad dressing recipes I love to pair with different types of salads.
If you like creamy dressings on your salad, check out this Homemade Ranch Dressing, Poppyseed Dressing, and Bacon Chipotle Ranch Dressing.
Vinaigrette dressings are a favorite around here. You’ll love this White Balsamic Vinaigrette and this Honey Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette for something with a little kick. Champagne Vinaigrette tastes amazing on anything, especially a Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Everyone loves Orange Citrus Vinaigrette and this Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette on a warm winter salad as well.
Orange Poppyseed Dressing is another dressing we really enjoy on fruit based salads, along with my classic Creamy Poppyseed Dressing.
For Mediterranean salad lovers, this Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Sumac Dressing and this Shake In A Jar Mediterranean Salad Dressing are both delicious options as well.
For a sweet and tangy (sure to be a favorite) salad dressing, this Creamy Apple Cider Vinaigrette from Mama Loves Salad works well on any number of salads.
Kitchen Tip: I use this jar to make this recipe.
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup light olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 – 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small jar. Close tightly with lid and shake well to combine. Store at room temperature.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 3/19/18 – recipe notes and photos updated 2/24/22}
I love this recipe and make it often.
I love homemade dressing and this looks great!
Tasty!
Loved it
I’m glad you liked it!
Do you have any gluten free and lactose free recipes?
There are some of them here, but I don’t track them specifically that way, Peg.
Do you have to use light olive oil or would regular work as well?
Regular olive oil will work fine in this recipe.
I’m making this recipe tomorrow. I was at a restaurant recently that used a honey balsamic dressing and it was the best salad ever. Thanks for sharing.
I hope you love it as much as we do!
Best vinaigrette I’ve ever made! Thanks for the recipe..
I’m so very happy that you love it, Mary!
This is an easy and versatile dressing that we love to use with a mixed green salad with grilled halloumi cheese and dried figs (similar to salads we were served in Greece). Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the vinaigrette, Laurie!
I made this dressing to go with a spinach and pasta salad for dinner tonight. It was delicious and so easy to make!
I bet that was a great combination, Heather!
Just tried the sauce. Super yummy!
Poured it over my salad (Rocca, fresh mozzarella, avocado, walnuts)
I’m so glad that you love it, Christina!
What is the best way to store this dressing. Love it!
I store it in a jar in the refrigerator, Judy.
Is the serving size one tablespoon for the 84 calories ?
It’s approximately 1.5 tbsps, Deb. The recipe makes a little over 1/2 cup and that’s about 6 servings for us.
I have been making this balsamic vinegar dressing for years……….it’s the best healthy dressing around………fantastic on either a fruit or vegetable salad. I mix up a larger amount: 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 2/3 cup olive oil, honey to taste with a little salt and pepper.
I’m so glad that you love it!
Great dressing. Follow measurements closely. I stir with a fork. Each bite takes you on a journey of flavors
I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the dressing, Vit.
Hi,
I have no honey – what , if anything, can I substitute for honey in this dressing please?
You could use maple syrup or sugar, Joan.
We have just enjoyed your blueberry, apple and walnut salad with honey balsamic dressing, so easy. . It’s a winner! Thank you.
You’re welcome, Lynn. I’m glad you like the salad and vinaigrette.
How long can I store the dressing at room temperature?
This will be fine at room temperature for a few days at least, Ivette.
This dressing recipe is really good! I added 1 small clove of garlic that I crushed and it turned out spicy, just the way I like it. I like that you only need a jar to shake ingredients in. No cleaning up a blender or making too much dressing.
I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying the dressing, Vicki!