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    Recipes » Salad Recipes » Salad Dressing

    Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Published: May 14, 2019 · Modified: Sep 8, 2020 by Marissa Stevens · 26 Comments

    Gluten FreePaleoVegetarianMediterranean

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    balsamic vinaigrette pouring from a glass pitcher

    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.

    pouring balsamic vinaigrette from glass pitcher

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Pairing Suggestions:
    • FAQs
    • How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette
    • Recipe Video
    • Balsamic Vinaigrette
    • 💬 Comments

    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

    How long does Balsamic Vinaigrette last?

    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.

    blending balsamic vinaigrette ingredients until smooth

    Step 2: With blender running, add olive oil in a steady stream to balsamic vinegar mixture; blend until emulsified.

    adding olive oil to blender of balsamic vinaigrette ingredients

    Step 3: Transfer dressing to small pitcher and serve.

    pouring balsamic vinaigrette from blender into serving pitcher

    Recipe Video

    SUBSCRIBE TO VIDEOS

    pouring balsamic vinaigrette from pitcher

    Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Marissa Stevens
    With a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes, you can make the best Balsamic Vinaigrette you've ever tasted! So good, you'll want to pour it on everything!
    5 from 10 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 96 kcal

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 19mgSugar: 3gVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg
    Keyword blender, easy, vegetarian
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Salad Dressing

    • French Vinaigrette
    • Caesar Salad Dressing
    • Strawberry Vinaigrette
    • Champagne Vinaigrette

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. annie@ciaochowbambina says

      May 20, 2019 at 11:15 am

      5 stars
      I predict my refrigerator will rarely be without a pitcher of this too! Nothing like a delicious balsamic vinaigrette!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 20, 2019 at 4:20 pm

        You know I love hearing that, Annie! xo

        Reply
    2. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says

      May 17, 2019 at 11:42 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 17, 2019 at 12:19 pm

        Thank you, Leanne! I hope you'll give this a try - I'd love to hear what you think. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      May 17, 2019 at 7:46 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorite dressings Marissa! And homemade is always better than store-bought.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 17, 2019 at 12:21 pm

        Thanks, Mary Ann! And, so true! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

      May 16, 2019 at 8:31 pm

      Homemade is the way to go!! My husband is a big fan of balsamic vinaigrette! I'll give your recipe a go!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 17, 2019 at 12:21 pm

        Love to hear that, Katherine. Thank you!

        Reply
    5. Valentina says

      May 16, 2019 at 7:19 pm

      5 stars
      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. 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 16, 2019 at 8:29 pm

        I can't wait for you to try it, Valentina! The combo of shallot and honey blended makes this so creamy and delicious!

        Reply
    6. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says

      May 15, 2019 at 6:50 am

      5 stars
      Homemade salad dressing is so much better than store-bought! And balsamic is always my go-to. I need to try your recipe!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 15, 2019 at 2:20 pm

        I'm excited for you to try it, Kelsie! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

        Reply
    7. David @ Spiced says

      May 15, 2019 at 6:21 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 15, 2019 at 2:20 pm

        That makes me happy, David. Thank you!

        Reply
    8. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

      May 15, 2019 at 5:04 am

      5 stars
      Nothing like homemade vinaigrettes! I always make at home instead of buying and this one is a must try! Perfect for the upcoming season 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 15, 2019 at 2:20 pm

        So much better than the bottled stuff! Thanks, Dawn!

        Reply
    9. Lorelle says

      May 14, 2019 at 11:51 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 15, 2019 at 2:20 pm

        Hi Lorelle! I think maple syrup would be a delicious substitution here!

        Reply
    10. angiesrecipes says

      May 14, 2019 at 10:03 pm

      Love balsamic based dressing! Can't wait to try your recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 15, 2019 at 2:21 pm

        Yay! Thank you, Angie!

        Reply
    11. Kevin says

      May 14, 2019 at 8:08 pm

      5 stars
      Fabulous vinaigrette! Might just be my must have this summer! You make it look so easy!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 15, 2019 at 2:21 pm

        It really is SO easy. I said 10 minutes to make it, but it's more like 5! 😉

        Reply
    12. Liz says

      May 14, 2019 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      My go to salad dressing 99% of the time. Your recipe is perfect!!!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 15, 2019 at 2:21 pm

        Thank you so much, Liz!

        Reply
    13. Joanne says

      May 14, 2019 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      Great step by step Marissa. This is a staple

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        May 14, 2019 at 2:51 pm

        Thank you, Joanne! It really is - a go-to in our house all year long.

        Reply

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