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Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

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Balsamic_Vinaigrette
Wellness Mama » Blog » Recipes » Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Salad dressings are a great thing to start making yourself. Not only will you save money, but the flavor is so much better with fresh ingredients. Even better, you can avoid vegetable oils and other additives from store-bought dressing.

This balsamic vinaigrette is one of my favorite homemade salad dressings. It’s incredibly easy to make at home and tastes amazing!

Quality Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic vinegar was an acquired taste for me and a love story. I didn’t like it at all when I was younger, and now it’s one of my favorite foods. It also has an incredibly unique history.

True balsamic vinegar is aged for at least 12 years. It’s made from unfermented cooked grape must, a thick grape juice reduction. Balsamic vinaigrette is aged in up to five different types of barrels, many older than half a century. It can only be produced in the Modena and Reggio regions of Italy.

Balsamic vinegar made with these strict guidelines can obtain the “Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale” label in Italy and is considered a prize vinegar.

Most balsamic vinegar on store shelves is made with a similar process, but aged for a shorter time. They’re also made with a grape juice reduction but are only aged for at least 3 years. This type of balsamic vinegar is easier to find in most places.

Some products labeled as “balsamic vinegar” in stores are really just cider vinegar or other inexpensive vinegars colored to look like real balsamic vinegar. Check labels and look for a high quality brand to avoid these, as some can contain artificial colors and flavors.

Ingredients in Balsamic Dressing

Turn over a bottle of store-bought salad dressing and you’ll find ingredients like soybean oil, corn syrup, and even food coloring. This recipe is simple and tastes much better than many of the store brands! It starts with balsamic vinegar (of course!) for acidity which is balanced out with honey. Some recipes use sugar or maple syrup as a sweetener instead.

Other common ingredients include herbs like oregano and shallots for flavor. I use basil and a minced garlic clove in mine. Dijon mustard adds extra flavor and a hint of spiciness while heart-healthy olive oil forms the dressing base.

How To Use Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

There’s the old standby of a green salad, but balsamic vinaigrette isn’t just for lettuce! Although it tastes amazing on a spinach salad with some goat cheese, strawberries, and pecans. It also makes a great marinade for meats. Drizzle it on roasted or sauteed veggies for extra flavor. You can also use it as a sauce for pasta salad. For a yummy gluten-free option, use rice pasta.

However you use it, balsamic vinaigrette is an easy and tasty way to dress up your meals!

Balsamic_Vinaigrette

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

This simple balsamic vinaigrette can be made in minutes to spice up any salad or vegetable.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Calories 74kcal
Author Katie Wells

Servings

15 TBSP

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in small jar, cap, and shake until mixed.
  • Use as desired on salad, veggies, or as a marinade on meats.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 TBSP)
Calories 74 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Sodium 83mg4%
Potassium 11mg0%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 0.1g0%
Vitamin A 1IU0%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 4mg0%
Iron 0.2mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

Not just for salad! Try drizzling this vinaigrette on top of roasted vegetables.

Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!

More Salad Dressing Recipes

Looking for some new recipes to try with your next salad? Here are a few!

What’s your favorite way to use balsamic vinaigrette? Leave a comment and let us know!

Sources

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

5 responses to “Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe”

  1. Jeff Avatar

    made your dressing and loved it but when i refrigerated it came out clumpy the next use. was it supposed to be like that

  2. Daminica Avatar
    Daminica

    Love your site and just joined!
    Do I need to refrigerate the balsamic vinagarette or it’s ok left out for how many days/weeks?
    Thank you so much!!

  3. Tori Avatar

    My favorite dressing is 1000 Island. I usual make it myself with Just Mayo, ketchup, relish and a squirt of fresh lemon juice. =9

    Love your site! It’s loaded with valuable information. Thanks for taking the time to share. Have a blessed day!

  4. Melea Branch Avatar
    Melea Branch

    I have been using Annie’s Naturals Shitake Sesame Vinaigrette for years, and I’m just now realizing the ingredients contain soy, soy sauce, and canola oil. uh oh! Can’t use my fave dressing anymore! I’m going to try this recipe. I may add in some shitake mushrooms and sesame seeds.

4 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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