Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing & Marinade

This Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe will convince you that you don’t need to purchase salad dressing from the grocery store anymore. It’s easy to make and full of deep flavors. Perfect on salads, drizzled over grilled fruit or roasted vegetables, and used as a marinade. I just know you’ll love it as much as I do!

Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

Whipping up a homemade balsamic vinaigrette is as easy as pie and twice as delicious, y’all! It’s a zangy dressing that you can throw together in no time flat, using nothing but a few staples from your pantry.

Once I started making my own dressing, I really didn’t want to buy it pre-made anymore. It not only saves money, but you guys— it tastes so much better!

Making your own balsamic vinaigrette dressing at home allows you to use high-quality ingredients and avoid preservatives found in store-bought dressing.

Plus, it’s ready in just a few minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Vinaigrette

This easy balsamic vinaigrette recipe is quick to make and packed with flavor.

It combines sweet balsamic vinegar with savory herbs, creating a perfect balance. You’ll love how versatile it is, working well on green salads, caprese salad, or even as a marinade for meats and vegetables.

With just a few ingredients, this delicious dressing becomes the star of the show in any dish!

Why is Balsamic Vinaigrette Good for You?

Balsamic vinegar contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells. Also, the extra virgin olive oil is a good source of healthy fats, beneficial for heart health.

My dressing recipe is low in calories, making it a great addition to a low-calorie diet. Additionally, the herbs and spices provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Homemade Versus Store Bought

• Making your own homemade salad dressing is the secret to fresher, tastier salads!
• Ever noticed how homemade stuff just tastes better? That’s because you get to pick what goes in it. You can skip all those extra additives, preservatives, and not-so-great oils that store-bought salad dressing sneak in.
• Store-bought versions are often loaded with sugar and salt, but when you’re the one making it, you decide how much (or little) goes into your dressing.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

The combination of sweet balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes creates a nice flavor that enhances any dish. Keep a bottle of this homemade balsamic vinaigrette on hand to elevate your meals with ease.

Ready to make it? It’s super simple, and trust me ya’ll, the flavor is next-level amazing!

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe Ingredients

Here’s the pantry ingredients you’ll need to make my homemade balsamic vinegar dressing:

• Olive oil: Choose an extra-virgin olive oil made by a high-quality brand for best results.
• Balsamic vinegar: High-quality balsamic vinegar ensures a rich, sweet flavor.
• Dried summer savory: Substitute thyme if you can’t find summer savory.
• Dried oregano: Adds a fragrant, earthy note.
• Garlic powder: Provides a robust, savory taste. You could also use a garlic clove instead.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat and spice.
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances the flavors.

How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette

1. Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients in a mason jar or small bowl.
2. Mix Well: Shake the mason jar vigorously or stir the ingredients in the bowl until well combined.
3. Shake Before Use: Shake the jar before each use to ensure the dressing is well mixed.

Flavor Variations & Tips

• Add a Spoonful of Dijon Mustard: For a tangy twist, mix in a spoonful of Dijon mustard. This not only adds a bold flavor but also helps to emulsify the dressing, creating a smoother texture.
• Incorporate Maple Syrup: If you enjoy a touch of sweetness in your dressing, try whisking in some maple syrup. A little can transform your balsamic vinaigrette, adding a unique sweet note that balances the acidity beautifully.
• Use Avocado Oil: Swap out the traditional olive oil for avocado oil to give your vinaigrette a creamier texture and a subtle, buttery taste.
• Experiment with Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary can significantly alter the flavor profile of your dressing.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Instead of garlic powder, try crushing fresh garlic cloves into your dressing for a more potent and vibrant garlic flavor.
• Sweet Onion Flavor: Add finely minced red onion or shallots for a hint of sweet onion flavor that pairs wonderfully with the balsamic’s tanginess.
• Opt for Aged Balsamic Vinegar: Using high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar can significantly boost the deliciousness of your homemade dressing.

Ways to Use It

• Use it as a dressing for green salads, spinach salads, or a goat cheese salad.
• It’s perfect for pasta salad, adding a burst of flavor.
• Drizzle it over roasted root vegetables or use it as a marinade for meats.
• You can even dip crusty bread into it for a tasty appetizer.
• Add a drizzle over roasted Brussels sprouts (sooo good!)
• Crumble some feta cheese directly into the dressing for a creamy texture and a salty kick. This works especially well when paired with Mediterranean-style salads.

Storage

Store your homemade balsamic vinaigrette in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a month.

Be sure to give it a good shake before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Other Salad Recipes to Try

• Easy Broccoli Salad
• Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad
• Green Bean Salad
• BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Pin

Balsamic Dressing

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar the better quality, the less bitter
• 2 tablespoons dried summer savory substitute thyme if you can't find summer savory
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• sea salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients together and mix well to combine. I like to measure the ingredients into a mason jar, seal it, and then shake, shake, shake to mix.
• Shake well before each use.