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    home » Recipes » Salad

    Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

    Published: Feb 15, 2022 •Modified: Feb 15, 2022 by mikecleavenger • This post may contain affiliate links, which can earn us a commission •

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    overhead shot of balsamic dressing
    balsamic dressing in glass jar with a spoon
    balsamic dressing ingredients
    making balsamic dressing with a handheld blender
    balsamic dressing production photos

    My healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe will have you saying NO to the store-bought stuff. Adding fresh herbs like basil and thyme give this dressing a sweet and savory mouthfeel.

    healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe overhead shot this recipe

    When whipping up my favorite apple-cranberry salad with candied walnuts this is my go-to salad dressing! This recipe is honestly better than any balsamic on the grocery store shelves.

    Often times balsamic vinaigrette has honey or sugar added to balance out the acidity of the vinegar. We find this step is not necessary if you buy a good quality balsamic vinegar.

    I like to use an olive oil blend for this recipe. Extra virgin olive oil is for dipping crusty bread or finishing dishes. Extra Virgin olive oil turns into a solid when refrigerated.

    Other great salad dressings are my Whole30 Ranch, Everything But Bagel, and White Balsamic Salad Dressing.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to make this healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe
    • Substitutions
    • Equipment
    • How long will balsamic vinaigrette last
    • Pro Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Salad Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe list of ingredients
    • balsamic vinegar - purchase a good quality vinegar that has a natural sweetness
    • olive oil - use a light olive oil blend since extra virgin will turn into a solid under refrigeration
    • garlic - only use fresh garlic
    • dijon mustard - emulsifier to make the dressing thick and creamy
    • thyme
    • basil
    • salt + pepper

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    How to make this healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe

    Making a balsamic vinaigrette is so easy, here's how to make it:

    Step 1: In a tall and narrow glass jar, combine balsamic vinegar, mustard, garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Blend with a handheld blender until smooth.

    glass jar filled with balsamic vinegar, herbs, and garlic

    Step 2: Add olive oil to the jar and blend until thick and creamy. Place the handheld blender at the bottom and slowly move it up and down, blending the dressing.

    blending balsamic dressing using a handheld blender

    Substitutions

    Oil - Neutral-tasting oils like light olive oil and grapeseed oil are the best.

    Herbs - You don't have to put any herbs in this dressing, but it adds a nice sweet and savory flavor. Basil, thyme, and tarragon are all great options.

    Vinegar - You can swap out balsamic for white balsamic vinegar.

    Equipment

    • Hand Blender
    • Cutting Board
    • Glass Jar
    healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe in a glass jar with basil

    How long will balsamic vinaigrette last

    Homemade dressings don't last nearly as long as store-bought dressings. Store balsamic vinaigrette in a mason jar or an airtight container for 2 weeks. You will find yourself reaching for this dressing often. It will be gone in no time.

    Pro Tips

    • Chop herbs by hand before adding them to the dressing. Dropping fresh basil in whole gums up the handheld blender.
    • Use good quality balsamic vinegar. Low-quality versions leave you will an acidic tasting dressing. A good vinegar should have an enjoyable sweetness.
    • When making this dressing by hand drizzle in the oil slowly. Whisking fast will keep your dressing from separating.
    healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe straight on shot

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is balsamic dressing made of?

    This salad dressing is so legendary everyone should know it by heart. 1 part vinegar to 3 parts oil. Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs are added to our recipe to make it delicious!

    How to make balsamic dressing creamy?

    Dijon mustard works as an emulsifier. Vinegar and oil naturally don't want to go together. So adding a bit of mustard and blending on high speed will make this dressing creamy.

    Is balsamic dressing good for you?

    Yes, it has been proven to stabilize blood sugar and reduce cholesterol. Consume small amounts at a time since the olive oil makes it high in fat.

    More Salad Recipes

    • Whole30 Ranch
    • White Balsamic Dressing Recipe
    • Everything But Bagel Dressing
    • How to make candied walnuts (Paleo)

    Did you make this recipe? Please click the stars below to comment and rate this recipe. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, too!

    📖 Recipe

    healthy balsamic vinaigrette in a glass jar

    Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

    mikecleavenger
    A healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe is so easy to make.  Nowadays, I never buy store-bought dressing because homemade is so much better.  Fresh basil and thyme are added to make this dressing sweet and savory!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Salads
    Cuisine American

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 garlic clove sliced
    • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme destemmed, chopped
    • 1 teaspoon fresh basil chopped
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 ¼ cup olive oil

    Instructions
     

    • In a wide-mouthed jar, combine balsamic vinegar, dijon, garlic, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
    • Blend with a handheld immersion blender.  Pour in olive oil.  Slowly move the blender up and down until thick and creamy.
    • Store in a mason jar or an airtight container.  Keep refrigerated. 

    Notes

    I like to use an olive oil blend instead of extra virgin olive oil.  Extra virgin olive oil turns solid in the refrigerator.  
    If you don't have a handheld stick blender you can whish this dressing by hand.  To do this, slowly whisk the olive oil into the vinegar to emulsify. 
    We used basil and thyme in this recipe but feel free to use your favorite herbs.  Tarragon and chives are great too. 
    This recipe was inspired by against the grain 
    Keyword balsamic vinaigrette, balsamic vinegar, healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe, mixed green salad, salad dressing, salad recipes
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below and share a photo on instagram. Tag @thefrizzledleek and hashtag it #thefrizzledleek.
    « How to make candied walnuts (Paleo)
    Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. mikecleavenger

      February 19, 2022 at 2:05 pm

      5 stars
      I love how tasty this recipe is without adding sugar. I love putting this dressing on any mixed green salad. Fresh basil and thyme add a nice sweet and savory flavor to this classic dressing.

    2. Cinda Raupe-Hultner

      February 19, 2022 at 3:52 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is wonderful and so easy to make. It makes any salad restaurant quality.

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