The Best Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

I absolutely love this balsamic vinaigrette because it revamps my salads with a simple yet vibrant flavor profile. The tang of balsamic and smooth olive oil meld perfectly with Dijon and garlic, leaving me craving more. Its effortless balance makes it my go-to dressing for a refreshingly satisfying meal experience.

I’ve been working on this balsamic vinaigrette for a while now and its become my go-to salad dressing. I start with 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil which is full of healthy fats and antioxidants then I add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar for that tangy kick.

I mix in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and one finely minced garlic clove which really bring out the aromatic flavor. I also add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to balance out the taste.

This dressing is not only simple but also packs a nutritional punch ideal for healthy salads and homemade dishes. It fits right in with a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

I use this balsamic dressing on my homemade salads and it’s quickly become one of my favorite easy recipes that keeps me coming back for more.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super easy to make. I love how mixing the tangy balsamic vinegar with the olive oil and garlic creates a flavor that is both light and punchy. It’s also cool that I can add extra garlic if I want it to taste stronger, which lets me customize it to my taste. Plus, the way the dressing thickens up as I whip it together just makes me feel like I’ve really nailed a homemade dressing that makes my salad extra tasty.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: rich in healthy fats, adds smooth taste and antioxidants boosting overall wellness.
• Balsamic vinegar: offers tangy flavor with a sweet twist that really kicks up the salad’s zest.
• Dijon mustard: adds a sharp, tangy note for a balanced and zesty flavor burst.
• Garlic: gives a spicy kick and is loaded with compounds that are good for you.
• Salt: enhances taste and really brightens up the flavors even in little amounts.
• Black pepper: adds subtle heat and depth, nicely rounding off the dressing flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How to Make this

1. In a medium bowl, add the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt and black pepper.

2. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended.

3. Slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking over low heat.

4. Keep stirring until the dressing appears smooth and starts to thicken a bit.

5. Give the dressing a taste and add a little extra salt or pepper if needed.

6. If you want a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add a little more minced garlic.

7. Let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes before serving so the flavours blend better.

8. Drizzle over your salad and toss gently to coat all the leaves evenly.

9. Enjoy your tasty and balanced balsamic vinaigrette with any salad you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium mixing bowl – You’ll need this to combine all the ingredients.
2. Measuring cups and spoons – For accurately measuring the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Whisk – Essential for blending the dressing smoothly.
4. Chef’s knife – Use this to finely mince the garlic.
5. Small saucepan – Place the bowl over it to gently warm the mixture while whisking on low heat.
6. Timer – Helps to track the 10 minutes the dressing should sit so the flavors meld.

FAQ

The Best Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of extra virgin olive oil you could use avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you want a milder taste that still works great
• If you cant find balsamic vinegar try using red wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar which gives a nice tangy kick
• If you dont have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or wholegrain mustard work pretty well; you might need to adjust the salt a bit too
• For garlic, if mincing fresh is too much effort, a pinch of garlic powder can be a handy substitute just use less to avoid overpowering the dressing

Pro Tips

1. When you’re whiskin the ingredients together, take your time. The slower you go when pourin in the oil, the better it emulsifies so all the flavours mix really well.
2. If you wanna amp up the garlic taste, add a little extra minced garlic and let it sit for a few minutes before you whisk. It kinda gives the garlic time to mellow out and spread its flavor more evenly.
3. Make sure to taste your dressing before servin it. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a tad more pepper makes all the difference, so adjust as you like.
4. If you dont have a whisk handy, you can always throw everything in a jar and give it a good shake. Just make sure the lid is on tight so it doesn’t spill all over.