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.
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.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
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.
White Balsamic Vinegar
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 dressing with less intensity and sweetness than classic balsamic.
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 Dressing
Try White Balsamic Vinaigrette with Fuji Apple Chicken Salad and this Sweet Strawberry Salad with Cinnamon Roasted Pecans for a light summertime meal.
It’s also ideal for tossing with Carver’s Salad with Apples, Cranberries and Almonds and this Grape and Candied Walnut Salad.
The white vinegar flavor makes it perfect for any kind of salad with fruit, like Stone Fruit Salad, Mango Summer Salad and a classic Strawberry Spinach Salad
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
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
Nutrition
{originally posted 3-30-13 – photos and recipes notes updated 3-17-22}
Joanne says
I love white balsamic so so so much that this dressing will definitely be heavily featured in my future salads!
Chris says
This would be an exceptional marinade for grilled chicken.
Roxanne says
This looks amazing. I'l have to try it!!
anubhavati says
I am gonna try this out soon!!!!
Shobha
Anonymous says
I have been doing this for years. I substitute light agave
for the sugar. Add a little granulated garlic. Incredible taste.
Joan
Elaine Yard says
Why am I having trouble finding while balsamic vinegar?
Mary says
You can substitute champagne vinegar if it's easier to find in your area. I've purchased both of them locally at Trader Joe's and Sprouts. They are also available online, through Amazon. Hope that helps!
Mary says
Oops, almost forgot, you can absolutely make this with a regular balsamic vinegar, it simply won't be as pretty. Good luck!
Cheesy says
Oh that stuff is NUMMY…. Kind of sweet and sour!
Judy McMullen says
Sounds yummy! Always looking for good salad dressings. Going to give this a try. Now I need to go find some white balsamic vinigar. Thanks, Mary!
Velva says
I can't even remember when the last time I used a bottle dressing- making your vinagrette is the only way to go! So easy and delicious. Love yours.
Velva
Tanya Walker says
I made it tonight over a broccoli and mango salad. Delicious dressing!!!!
Anonymous says
Could you use this on a bean salad?
Mary says
Sure thing!
Beth says
Could you use Stevia instead of sugar?
Mary says
I think it would probably work fine, but I haven’t tried that myself. If you try it, please let me know how it works for you!
Paula says
I am making spring mix with berries
The vinaigrette is delicious. I used a little less sugar & no salt & pepper. Should I use salt & pepper with the berries or no?
Mary says
I use salt and pepper. You can taste and adjust for your preference though.
arlene says
Now my favorite dressing
Lisa says
I just made a little jar of this dressing to toss over a bag of pre chopped slaw for a quick lunch and it’s wonderful, happily munching right now. Light, tangy and just sweet enough, I love it! Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
I am thrilled that you’re enjoying the vinaigrette, Lisa! This is one of our favorites.
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.