Why Make This Recipe
Making your own balsamic vinaigrette at home is both easy and rewarding. This homemade dressing not only tastes better than store-bought options, but you also have complete control over the ingredients. By using fresh, high-quality products, you can create a dressing that’s perfect for your taste preferences. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to add flavor to your salads and dishes without any preservatives or artificial additives.
How to Make Easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar (Opt for high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar for deeper flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Choose a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (Adjust to taste for sweetness.)
- 1 clove Garlic (Minced finely for best flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Use sea salt for enhanced flavor.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly cracked for best results.)
Directions:
- Gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, pour in the balsamic vinegar.
- Add the honey into the bowl. If it’s thick, warm it slightly to mix well.
- Finely mince the garlic and add it to the mixture.
- Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the mixture.
- Taste and adjust flavors as needed before transferring to a jar.
- Shake well before serving over salads or using as a marinade.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
This balsamic vinaigrette is perfect for salads, drizzling over grilled vegetables, or marinating meats. For a simple salad, just toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers with this dressing for a delightful meal. You can even use it to enhance the flavor of roasted vegetables or as a dip for bread.
How to Store Easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
Store your balsamic vinaigrette in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. It should last for about one week. Before using, give it a good shake, as the ingredients may separate in the fridge.
Tips to Make Easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of this dressing relies heavily on the quality of the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to add more or less honey depending on your taste.
- Experiment: Try adding herbs like basil or oregano for different flavor profiles.
Variation
For a slightly tangy twist, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option. You can also mix in some fresh herbs for added freshness.
FAQs
Can I make this balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to shake well before using.
Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?
Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but keep in mind that the flavor will change.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the ingredients if you need more dressing. Just make sure to adjust the ratios accordingly.
Easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious homemade balsamic vinaigrette that enhances your salads and dishes with fresh, quality ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, pour in the balsamic vinegar.
- Add the honey into the bowl; warm slightly if thick.
- Finely mince the garlic and add it to the mixture.
- Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
- Taste and adjust flavors as needed before transferring to a jar.
- Shake well before serving over salads or using as a marinade.
Notes
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. The vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg