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.
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.
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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.
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.
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
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.
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.
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📖 Recipe
Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
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.
mikecleavenger
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.
Cinda Raupe-Hultner
This recipe is wonderful and so easy to make. It makes any salad restaurant quality.