Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

With just 3 simple ingredients and less than 5 minutes, you can have a Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe that’s packed with flavor and ready to drizzle on your favorite salads, pasta salad, or even use as a marinade! Double the batch and store this homemade dressing for later—it can last for weeks.

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (1)

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Have you ever made a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing?

This sweet and tangy dressing is so easy to make and tastes incredible. Plus, it’s so much healthier for you to make at home versus buying it from the store.

There are a few qualities that make THIS recipe so spectacular:

  • It takes only 3 pantryingredients and 5 minutes.
  • It stores for an INCREDIBLY long time!
  • It can be used as a salad dressing or as a sauce for your favorite steak or chicken recipe.

One of my favorite ways to use it is in a spinach salad with toasted pecans and cranberries. (I ate this salad every day for a YEAR while in dental school!)

If you can’t get enough of the freshness of homemade salad dressing, don’t stop at this recipe! Try this Honey Mustard Dressing, Caesar Salad Dressing, Peanut Butter Dressing, Ranch Dressing, and these other Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes.

And if you want a more condensed and sauce-like consistency, try out this Healthy Balsamic Glaze recipe.

Table of Contents

  • Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
  • 17 Simple Salad Dressings e-Book
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make a Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • FAQs
  • Recipe Tips
  • What to Serve with Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 17 Simple Salad Dressings e-Book
  • More Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes
  • Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (2)
Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (3)

17 Simple Salad Dressings e-Book

An e-cookbook full of quick vinaigrettes and creamy dressings that are ready in under 5 minutes!

Ingredients

  • Balsamic Vinegar. As the star of the show and one of the main ingredients, you want to make sure you choose a high quality, aged balsamic vinegar. While yes, you can opt for a cheaper one, you might need to add a little extra sweetener to balance out the bitterness. Look forOttavio,Alessi,Bertolli,Roland, orMazzettifor the best results.
  • Oil. Select a better quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. Avocado oil will also work great in this recipe.
  • Sweetener. Either honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can all be used in equal amounts.You can also substitute a few drops of liquid stevia extract if you’re on a low-carb or keto diet.
  • Optional Add-ins. Enhance the flavor and increase the health benefits with fresh rosemary or thyme, garlic clove, pepper, Italian seasoning, or even lemon juice.

How to Make a Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette

Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

1. Measure the Ingredients

Add everything to a High Speed Blender, Mini Food Processor, bowl, or mason jar.

A NutriBullet blends and emulsifies everything up beautifully and is super quick to clean. But a mason jar works just as well!

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (4)

2. Mix the Dressing

Blend, process, whisk or shake until the ingredients are well incorporated. With a mason jar, you really need to shake it hard to ensure the oil and vinegar mixes well.

This should take 20-30 seconds in a blender or processor. Hand mixing will work, but the dressing will not be as smooth and emulsified.

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (5)

3. Serve or Store

Pour into an airtight container such as a glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Bring to room temperature and shake well before serving.

FAQs

Is balsamic vinaigrette healthy?

Yes. Homemade balsamic vinaigrette is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan. Check the label on thestore-bought stuffas gluten or animal products may be used.

What is balsamic vinaigrette made of?

This simple dressing consists of balsamic vinegar, oil, and a sweetener. It’s perfect for everyday salads.

Is there a difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinaigrette?

Yes. Vinegar is pretty tart and acidic tasting and is simply made from grapes. Vinaigrette is a salad dressing that features balsamic vinegar as a key ingredient along with oil and oftentimes some type of sweetener.

What do you use balsamic vinaigrette for?

In addition to topping salads, you can use balsamic vinaigrette as a marinade, or drizzle over chicken, steak, fish, or even roasted veggies.

Recipe Tips

  • Use high-end.Better quality ingredients will result in the tastiest balsamic salad dressing.
  • Go low-carb.Substitute liquid stevia extract for honey, maple syrup, or agave.
  • Blend on high.Using a food processor or blender will make a smoother dressing than simply a good shake with hand mixing.
  • Add flavor.Toss in some fresh herbs, garlic, pepper, or lemon juice.
  • Do more than salad.Marinate chicken, or drizzle over grilled steak or veggies.
Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (6)

What to Serve with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Now that you’ve made your own homemade balsamic vinaigrette recipe, it’s time to enjoy! Try it in thisBlueberry Salador in any of the following recipes.

Some of my favorites are aChopped Kale Salad with Cranberries,Arugula Fig Salad,Chopped Mixed Greens Salad, orFall Harvest Salad with Apples.

It’s a great marinade for grilled chicken.

Or, serve it with aCaprese SaladorCaprese Skewers.

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (7)

17 Simple Salad Dressings e-Book

An e-cookbook full of quick vinaigrettes and creamy dressings that are ready in under 5 minutes!

More Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes

It’s so quick and easy to whip up your own dressing. Skip the store-bought salad dressing and try any of these delicious recipesnext.

And check out these other Healthy Salad Dressings!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 9 votes

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

With just 3 simple ingredients and less than 5 minutes, you can have a Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe that's packed with flavor and ready to drizzle on your favorite salads, pasta salad, or even use as a marinade!

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (8)

Yield 6 servings

Prep 5 minutes mins

Total 5 minutes mins

Print Pin Comment

Ingredients

  • ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or honey
  • Pinch of salt optional

Instructions

  • Add ingredients to a 16-ounce mason jar and shake until well combined. Alternatively, you can add the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend for 20-30 seconds, or until smooth.

  • Use immediately or store balsamic vinaigrette dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks between servings. Bring to room temperature and shake well before using.

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 9 votes

Video

Notes

Each serving is roughly 2 tablespoons of salad dressing.

Recipe Tips

    • Use high-end.Better quality ingredients will result in the tastiest balsamic salad dressing.
    • Go low-carb.Substitute liquid stevia extract for honey, maple syrup, or agave.
    • Blend on high.Using a food processor or blender will make a smoother dressing than simply a good shake with hand mixing.
    • Add flavor.Toss in some fresh herbs, garlic, pepper, or lemon juice.
    • Do more than salad.Marinate chicken, or drizzle over grilled steak or veggies with this balsamic dressing recipe.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 182kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 23mg, Sugar: 5g, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 0.2mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!

    Categorized as:
    Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Lunch, Nut-Free, Paleo, Recipes, Refined Sugar-Free, Salads, , Side Dishes, Soy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

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    Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the healthiest salad dressing in the world? ›

    What is the healthiest dressing for a salad?
    • Vinaigrette. This classic combination of vinegar and olive oil gets the highest marks from dietitians. ...
    • Honey mustard. It's sweet and tangy, and also olive oil-based. ...
    • Yogurt-based dressing. ...
    • Pesto-based dressing. ...
    • Avocado-based dressing. ...
    • Tahini dressing. ...
    • Green goddess dressing.
    Feb 20, 2024

    Which is healthier balsamic vinegar or vinaigrette? ›

    So the next time you're dressing a salad, reach for the balsamic vinegar–in the long run, not ingesting that extra fat and sugar makes a big difference!

    What's the difference between balsamic vinaigrette and balsamic vinaigrette dressing? ›

    Balsamic vinegar is pure vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is dark brown in color and has a very robust, slightly sweet flavor. Balsamic vinaigrette is a mixture made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and/or other spices. It is typically used as a salad dressing but has other uses in the kitchen as well.

    Is balsamic vinaigrette dressing heart healthy? ›

    By consuming 1 to 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar as a dressing or marinade, you're not only making your food more delicious — you're helping your heart health, too.

    What is the unhealthiest salad dressing? ›

    Depending on the ingredients, some dressings tend to be less healthy than others.
    1. Caesar. And at the top of that list? Caesar dressing. ...
    2. Thousand Island. Next in line is Thousand Island. ...
    3. Blue cheese. The delicious crumbles that make blue cheese dressing a fan favorite can also make it dangerous for a balanced diet.
    Oct 27, 2023

    Which salad dressing is best for weight loss? ›

    5 Low-Fat Salad Dressings For Weight Loss
    1. Balsamic Vinaigrette. Salad Lunch GIF. ...
    2. Lemon Herb Dressing. Summer Salad GIF. ...
    3. Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing. Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. ...
    4. Honey Mustard Dressing. ...
    5. Tomato Basil Dressing.
    Nov 23, 2023

    Is it okay to eat balsamic vinegar every day? ›

    Is it OK to eat balsamic vinegar every day? Consuming balsamic vinegar daily in moderate amounts is generally safe and can even be part of a healthy diet. However, like any condiment, moderation is key. Balsamic vinegar's intense flavor means a little goes a long way, so avoid overusing it.

    Is balsamic vinegar anti-inflammatory? ›

    Last but not least, consuming balsamic vinegar can have an anti-inflammatory effect as well. Long-term, high levels of inflammation can be extremely detrimental to your health, and research shows inflammation plays a role in whether you develop chronic conditions, diseases, and even cancer.

    Is balsamic vinegar just as healthy as apple cider vinegar? ›

    Balsamic provides 18mg of potassium per tablespoon, while apple cider only has 11mg. Balsamic's antioxidants also help lower LDL cholesterol, while apple cider works similarly to lower lower blood lipid levels. Both vinegars have studies that show their acidity is a benefit to weight loss and blood sugar control.

    Is balsamic vinaigrette good for high blood pressure? ›

    Heart health and blood pressure

    Balsamic vinegar can reduce the concentration of triglycerides and total cholesterol in the body; these have been linked to heart attacks and stroke. Also, due to its low saturated fat content, balsamic vinegar is believed to enhance heart health and reduce high blood pressure.

    Why do Italians use balsamic vinegar? ›

    It has a rich and balanced taste that brings out the value of the ingredients and gives a unique touch to both simple foods and elaborate dishes. Here are some ideas for making the most of the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena according to Italian tradition.

    What is the healthiest dressing to put on your salad? ›

    6 healthy salad dressings you can make in less than 3 minutes
    • Classic lemon and olive oil. This is a very easy dressing that is good with strong-flavoured leaf salads, such as rocket or kale. ...
    • Lime and chilli dressing. ...
    • Simple balsamic vinaigrette. ...
    • Raspberry vinaigrette. ...
    • Creamy cucumber dressing. ...
    • Creamy mint dressing.

    What is the healthiest vinegar for salad dressing? ›

    Top 5 Healthiest Vinegars
    • Apple Cider Vinegar. The most famous healthy vinegar is probably apple cider vinegar. ...
    • Balsamic Vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is made from reduced grape juice, so it contains all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the fruit. ...
    • Rice Vinegar. ...
    • Red Wine Vinegar. ...
    • Distilled White Vinegar.
    Oct 18, 2023

    What is the number 1 salad dressing? ›

    Ranch Dressing

    The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper.

    What to avoid in salad for weight loss? ›

    Crunchy Noodles, Wontons, and Tortilla Strips

    “Crunchy noodles are like eating chips,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D.N., creator of BetterThanDieting.com and author of Read It Before You Eat It. All they add to your salad are calories (around 120 per half cup) and fat (half of those calories, at around 60 grams).

    What to put on salad instead of dressing? ›

    Add herbs and spices to give your salad bold flavors of the world. Mix in different combinations of fresh and dried herbs and spices to achieve different flavors. Try fresh oregano, basil, and thyme for an Italian-style flavor, or cumin, coriander, and sumac for a Middle Eastern vibe, for example.

    References

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