This simple balsamic vinaigrette can be prepared in just a few minutes with merely four basic ingredients. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile makes it ideal for salads or grain bowls!
I still recall the “aha” moment from my early cooking experiences when I realized I could whip up salad dressing at home. That straightforward homemade balsamic vinaigrette was fresher and more vibrant than any bottled version I had ever tasted, and it took me under five minutes to create.
Today, this 4-ingredient recipe has become my all-time favorite dressing. After over a decade of refining it, our friends and family continuously ask for it! It enhances everything from strawberry salads to roasted veggies to grain bowls during the week!
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
Here’s why this recipe is bound to win you over:
– Just 4 essential ingredients: All you need are balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
– Ready in 5 minutes: Faster than making a trip to the store for a bottle.
– Flavor perfectly balanced: Sweet and tangy with just the right level of acidity.
– Remains emulsified: The Dijon mustard ensures creaminess and prevents separation.
5-Star Reader Feedback
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Made for a girls’ weekend, and the salad and dressing received high praise. Simple to prepare and delicious every time we used it. Will certainly make again.” -Cyn
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is genuinely the best balsamic vinaigrette! Made it last night for your beet and goat cheese salad, and everyone loved it. Surprisingly, my family isn’t really into salad, so that’s a solid endorsement.” -Josianne
Ingredient Insights
I’ve discovered that with such few ingredients, quality is important. Here’s what you’ll require:
– Aged balsamic vinegar: The quality of your balsamic truly impacts the flavor! I suggest a mid-priced commercial-grade balsamic vinegar, also referred to as balsamic vinegar of Modena (IGP). It has an excellent balance of tangy and sweet flavors without being overly expensive (look for bottles priced between $8-15). Traditional aged balsamic (DOP) is too pricey for dressing, and the lowest-priced condiment-grade versions lack depth.
– Dijon mustard: This component lends tangy flavor and assists in creating a thick and creamy dressing, maintaining the emulsion. This technique is applicable in many other vinaigrette salad dressing recipes, like this Italian dressing recipe.
– Maple syrup or honey: I favor real maple syrup for its rich flavor, but honey works wonderfully as well. Start with 1 tablespoon for a more savory dressing, or use 2 for something sweeter (great for fruit salads).
– Extra virgin olive oil: Opt for high-quality olive oil that you enjoy on its own. You can replace it with avocado oil for a more neutral taste, but I adore the fruity characteristics that good olive oil imparts (plus, it’s one of the healthiest cooking oils).
How to Create Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Making homemade balsamic vinaigrette is surprisingly straightforward, but the technique is crucial for achieving proper emulsification. Here’s my foolproof approach:
Pro tip: You can use the jar-shake method if you’re in a hurry. Combine all ingredients in a mason jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. The limited space creates agitation, allowing everything to emulsify rapidly. Additionally, you can store it right in the jar.
If your vinaigrette separates after being stored, just re-whisk or shake it back together. The Dijon mustard makes re-emulsifying a breeze. For optimal results, let it sit at room temperature first.
Ways to Utilize It
This balsamic vinaigrette recipe is exceptionally adaptable: it serves more purposes than just as a salad dressing! Here are my favorite ways to use it:
Storage Instructions
Keep your homemade balsamic vinaigrette in an airtight container (I frequently use a mason jar) in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks. The olive oil will solidify when chilled, which is entirely normal. Allow the dressing to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before use, then give it a vigorous shake or whisk to re-emulsify.
Avoid freezing vinaigrettes: the texture of the emulsion won’t revert correctly when thawed. Since it only requires 5 minutes to prepare, it’s simpler to create a fresh batch.
If you observe separation during storage, that’s perfectly normal! Just shake or whisk before each use.
Dietary Information
This balsamic vinaigrette recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.
Common Inquiries
Is balsamic vinaigrette healthy?
This homemade version is significantly healthier than store-bought alternatives. It contains heart-healthy olive oil, no preservatives or artificial ingredients, and you can control the level of sweetness.
What’s the optimal ratio