White Balsamic Vinaigrette is light, sweet, and tangy with just enough oil to coat a salad and not leave it soggy. This vinaigrette is part of my very favorite summer salad recipe, my sister Jenny’s Orange Parsley Salad.
I highly recommend that you shake up a batch of this dressing today and have it ready to go for all your salads. This dressing is so good on its own, I’ve doubled the original recipe and given it its own post.
Not only is this easy salad dressing perfect on that Orange Parsley Salad, it’s phenomenal on just about any salad I’ve tried it with.
White Balsamic Dressing
Try White Balsamic Vinaigrette with Fuji Apple Chicken Salad and this Sweet Strawberry Salad with Cinnamon Roasted Pecans for a light summertime meal.
White Balsamic Dressing
These days, the vinegar aisle at the grocery store is overflowing with all kinds of options. For years, I relied on standard balsamic vinegar (dark balsamic vinegar) for making most of my homemade salad dressings.
I’ve shared how much we love The BEST Balsamic Vinaigrette before and it continues to be one of my most frequently used salad dressings. However, sometimes you want a vinegar with less intensity and sweetness than classic balsamic.
White Balsamic Vinegar
That’s when white balsamic vinegar comes in handy! Made from the same grapes as the darker balsamic but cooked at a lower temperature, white balsamic maintains a lighter color and much milder flavor. Those qualities make it just perfect for pairing with light and fruity salads where a bold dressing can be overwhelming.
If you’ve never tried a white balsamic vinaigrette dressing, you’re in for a treat. This dressing recipe has all the tangy flavor of a classic balsamic vinaigrette but with a lighter taste.
Food nerds who want the whole scoop on the differences between different types of balsamic vinegars can check out this Balsamic Vinegar guide.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
Making your own salad dressings is one of the easiest, simplest kitchen skills to have up your sleeve. Just pour the ingredients in a jar, shake, and pour or store. Only one step more than opening a store bought dressing bottle and way more economical.
I used white sugar and light olive oil in this white balsamic dressing recipe to complement the tang of the vinegar. A dash of salt and black pepper are all the seasoning this tasty dressing needs.
Serve this dressing right away or store it in the fridge. It keeps well in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for about a month. Shake it up again before adding to your salad to make sure everything gets combined well again.
If you’re avoiding white sugar, you can make this recipe with honey or agave nectar as well. Keep in mind, however, that the honey will add a completely different flavor. Personally, I prefer the taste of this dressing when it’s made with white granulated sugar.
If you like this salad dressing, you’ll love my Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette and Orange Citrus Vinaigrette. Looking for something with spice? Give Honey Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette a try as well.
Fruit salad fans will enjoy the flavors in Hawaiian Salad with Pineapple Balsamic Salad Dressing along with Honey Lime Winter Fruit Salad.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Mild and tart with the right balance of sweetness, this dressing works wonders on all kinds of salads. It’s especially delicious on any salad with fruit! Everyone loves this versatile homemade salad dressing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light flavored olive oil
- 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small jar and shake to combine. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Enjoy!
Notes
{originally posted 3-30-13 – photos and recipes notes updated 11-25-19}
JOYCE BARTOLO says
i have tried every store in my area and cannot find ”WHITE BALSAMIC VINEGAR”” WHAT SUBSTITUTE CAN I USE?
Mary Younkin says
Champagne vinegar can also be used for this recipe, Joyce.
Kim Radcliffe says
This was totally delicious and a hit with everyone at the table! Thank you for a simple and delightful salad dressing. Your recipes rock!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you love it, Kim!
Katie Newman says
Hi, Mary, I just happened upon your site. I love the idea of making homemade dressings! I’m wondering why yours don’t seem to include any mustard (Dijon)? I thought it was essential to emulsifying dressings (incl. mayo). Is it just a taste preference for you?
Looking forward to your Poppyseed Dressing!
Katie
Mary Younkin says
Mustard is not required at all, Katie. Feel free to add it, but it isn’t necessary.
Robyn says
Yummy!!! Love it!
Mary Younkin says
I’m happy to hear that you like the vinaigrette, Robyn!
Barbara Bushey says
Mu husband tried a salad w/white balsamic dressing on a whim and LOVED it. FINALLY found a great tasting white balsamic dressing recipe that he’s satisfied mimics it.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that he likes the dressing! It’s a personal favorite here too, Barbara.
Kay Kitchin says
I had run out of white balsamic vinegar so used black balsamic glaze vinegar..
My meal was made up of:
Air fryer Roasted pumpkin with skin sprinkled with Masterfoods Shaker Fries Seasoning Mexican BBQ Flavour, home dried eggplant, shallots and capsicum.
Boiled peanuts.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you liked the vinaigrette, Kay!