The best Balsamic Vinaigrette is made in ten minutes with just four simple ingredients: balsamic vinegar, shallot, honey and olive oil. Make it once and I bet it will become a staple salad dressing in your house just like it is in ours.
This is my go-to dressing not only for this amazing Strawberry Spinach Salad, but for so many leafy green salads. It pairs perfectly with endless cheese and nut varieties and salads with both dried and fresh fruits.
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Pairing Suggestions:
- Mixed Baby Greens
- Bitter Greens: radicchio, endive, arugula
- Cheeses: blue cheese, goat cheese / chèvre, feta
- Nuts: hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts
- Dried Fruits: cranberries, cherries, pears
- Fresh Fruits: apples, berries, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots
Imagine all of the delicious salads you can create! And for more salad dressing inspiration, don't miss these favorites: French Vinaigrette, Caesar Dressing, Strawberry Vinaigrette, Champagne Vinaigrette and Greek Salad Dressing.
FAQs
Balsamic Vinaigrette will keep for up to two weeks in your refrigerator. If the oil hardens on top, let it stand at room temperature for fifteen minutes before serving to give the the oil time to liquify. Then swirl or whisk the vinaigrette to combine and serve.
My refrigerator is rarely without a pitcher of this salad dressing. And I predict that once you try it, you'll keep it on hand as well.
How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette
Step 1: Add balsamic vinegar, shallot and honey to a blender pitcher; blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: With blender running, add olive oil in a steady stream to balsamic vinegar mixture; blend until emulsified.
Step 3: Transfer dressing to small pitcher and serve.
Recipe Video
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 small shallot coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add vinegar, shallot and honey to a blender pitcher. Season lightly with salt and pepper; blend until smooth.
- With blender running, add olive oil in a steady stream; blend until emulsified. Add salt and pepper to taste and blend until combined. Transfer to pitcher and serve.
I predict my refrigerator will rarely be without a pitcher of this too! Nothing like a delicious balsamic vinaigrette!
You know I love hearing that, Annie! xo
I really enjoy balsamic dressing but since I stopped buying salad dressings, I haven't had it as much. I usually just add straight up balsamic vinegar to my salads! I will definitely need to try this version. Love that it has minimal ingredients and will last in the fridge for a while!
Thank you, Leanne! I hope you'll give this a try - I'd love to hear what you think. 🙂
One of my favorite dressings Marissa! And homemade is always better than store-bought.
Thanks, Mary Ann! And, so true! 🙂
Homemade is the way to go!! My husband is a big fan of balsamic vinaigrette! I'll give your recipe a go!
Love to hear that, Katherine. Thank you!
I love having homemade dressings and vinaigrettes at the ready. This one looks SO rich and creamy. I love that you blend the onion right into it. Can't wait to try it. 🙂
I can't wait for you to try it, Valentina! The combo of shallot and honey blended makes this so creamy and delicious!
Homemade salad dressing is so much better than store-bought! And balsamic is always my go-to. I need to try your recipe!
I'm excited for you to try it, Kelsie! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Ever since seeing this video on Instagram, I've been craving a salad! Seriously! I love how easy this vinaigrette is to make. I'm thinking I should pick up some spring mix and whip up a batch of this dressing for easy lunches next week. It sounds delicious!
That makes me happy, David. Thank you!
Nothing like homemade vinaigrettes! I always make at home instead of buying and this one is a must try! Perfect for the upcoming season 🙂
So much better than the bottled stuff! Thanks, Dawn!
Just wondered if it might work with maple syrup or something else instead of honey? My niece is vegan and whilst I think this recipe is delicious, I'm looking to when she will visit.
thanks!
Hi Lorelle! I think maple syrup would be a delicious substitution here!
Love balsamic based dressing! Can't wait to try your recipe 🙂
Yay! Thank you, Angie!
Fabulous vinaigrette! Might just be my must have this summer! You make it look so easy!
It really is SO easy. I said 10 minutes to make it, but it's more like 5! 😉
My go to salad dressing 99% of the time. Your recipe is perfect!!!
Thank you so much, Liz!
Great step by step Marissa. This is a staple
Thank you, Joanne! It really is - a go-to in our house all year long.