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    Hummusapien » Recipes » Salads » Best Balsamic Vinaigrette

    ★★★★★ from 19 reviews

    Best Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Published Jan 14, 2019 · Modified Dec 14, 2022 · by Alexis Joseph · 67 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This amazingly rich and creamy homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette is the best ever! The key is blending it in the blender for velvety smoothness. Your salads will never be the same!

    salad with dressing and firk

    Jeff and I have salads pretty much every night. And I have this balsamic vinaigrette recipe of EPIC proportions to thank for it! I posted how I make this healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe on my Instagram stories and so many of you went on to make it! That made my heart sing.

    Like my delish Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing and Italian Dressing, a bunch of you asked for the exact recipe. And here we are!

    What is balsamic vinaigrette dressing made of?

    Homemade balsamic vinaigrette is typically made with extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. You may also see flavor add ins like sugar (or maple syrup/honey) or herbs.

    Blending this balsamic vinegar dressing recipe is an absolute MUST. It emulsifies everything and makes the dressing thick and creamy. I recommend a blender, but a food processor could also work.

    garlic and vinegar in blender

    What's balsamic vinegar of Modena?

    This is the real deal high quality stuff when it comes to balsamic vinegar. I buy it at Costco! Aged balsamic vinegar of Modena is made from wine vinegar and concentrated Trebbiano grape must, i.e. crushed whole grapes with skins, seeds, and stems.

    Balsamic vinegar of Modena is packed with flavor because it has matured in wood barrels for at least three years. You'll notice the bottles have the yellow and blue I.G.P stamp, a certification guaranteeing it's made from grape varietals typical of Modena, Italy.

    The dark brown color we all know and love comes from aging the vinegar in wood casks. When the vinegar hasn't been aged for long, companies will add caramel color to mimic the deep, rich color of true aged balsamic vinegar. While the color will be the same, clearly the flavor won't be. Balsamic vinegar contains naturally occurring sulfates, but none should be added.

    blended dressing in cup

    How to make the best salad

    When I'm making our daily salad, I like to use a variety of red or green leaf lettuce versus spinach or romaine because it's such a soft green. I buy a couple of heads of leaf lettuce each week. I wash them in our handy dandy salad spinner and keep the chopped greens in a glass Pyrex in the fridge for easy salads.

    To make the salad, I fill a mixing bowl with greens (sometimes we'll add veggies, cheese, etc), drizzle on the balsamic vinegar dressing, and then season it with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

    I use tongs to toss everything together until every piece of lettuce is coated in luscious balsamic dressing.

    What is the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic dressing?

    Fab question! Balsamic dressing is the end product of blending oil and balsamic vinegar to make salad dressing.

    salad with napkin and fork

    What do you use balsamic vinaigrette for?

    Balsamic salad dressing isn't just fantastic for dressing greens! It's stellar:

    • drizzled on sandwiches
    • on roasted vegetables
    • as dressing for pasta salad
    • dip for pizza
    • as a marinade

    More amazing salads

    • Brussels Sprout Kale Caesar Salad
    • Israeli Power Salad with Za'atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes
    • Crunchy Thai Salad with Creamy "Peanut" Dressing
    • Rosemary Roasted Potato, Lentil, and Mushroom Kale Salad
    Print
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    Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

    ★★★★★ 5 from 19 reviews
    • Author: Alexis Joseph
    • Prep Time: 5 mins
    • Cook Time: 0 min
    • Total Time: 5 mins
    • Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
    • Category: Dressing
    • Method: Blender
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This amazingly rich and creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette is the best ever! The key is blending it in the blender for velvety smoothness. Your salads will never be the same!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ cup balsamic vinegar (aged balsamic vinegar of Modena)
    • 3 tbsp water
    • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (or honey)
    • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
    • 1 clove garlic
    • heaping ½ tsp kosher salt
    • freshly ground black pepper

    Instructions

    1. Place all ingredients in a blender (blending is key for a thick and creamy dressing, I used my Nutribullet) and blend until smooth and creamy.
    2. Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Dressing will thicken as it chills, so stir in 1-2 tbsp more water as needed. Dressing will keep up to a week or longer in the fridge. I store mine in this shaker bottle.

    Keywords: balsamic vinaigrette, balsamic dressing, homemade balsamic vinaigrette

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Melinda says

      January 24, 2022 at 1:02 am

      Tasty dressing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        January 27, 2022 at 4:45 pm

        Thanks, Melinda!

        Reply
    2. nicole says

      May 27, 2021 at 8:02 pm

      I've never found a homemade balsamic I liked until this one 🙂
      Thank you! Also very interesting about the Modena scandal. My new $15 bottle of Modena vinegar contained colouring agent 🙁 so I bet this recipe tastes even better with the read stuff.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        May 27, 2021 at 11:42 pm

        Caramel color is so common, which is a bummer because you don't need it! Thanks so much for letting me know you loved this one 🙂

        Reply
    3. Julia says

      January 16, 2021 at 10:46 pm

      This is the best balsamic! I always use these measurements and it comes out perfect every time! Thank you 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        January 18, 2021 at 1:36 am

        Awesome! I have an Italian dressing coming soon that I think you’ll love 🙂

        Reply
    4. Abbey Gleason says

      December 09, 2020 at 4:35 am

      Seriously best balsamic you’ll ever make! So dang good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 09, 2020 at 12:15 pm

        Woop woop! So pumped to hear it.

        Reply
    5. Kathy Marek-Bissonnette says

      May 31, 2020 at 11:57 am

      Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!! It is sooo easy to make and delicious; I used it for pasta salad as well as regular salad. Truth be told, you’ll want to drink it...and put it on everything!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        June 03, 2020 at 10:54 am

        Ohhh pasta salad! I like where your heads' at 🙂

        Reply
    6. Cheryl says

      May 05, 2020 at 7:56 pm

      ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        May 05, 2020 at 10:23 pm

        Thank you, Cheryl! If you'd be up for leaving a star rating next time, that would be superb 🙂 It helps other people find my recipes. Enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Caroline says

      April 12, 2020 at 7:29 pm

      This recipe tastes exactly like the dressing at my favorite restaurant! I always look forward to eating salad when I have this dressing to top it with! Thanks for another great recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        April 12, 2020 at 10:30 pm

        That's the ultimate compliment! I find blending makes it so creamy and amazing. Thanks for the review, Caroline!

        Reply
    8. Erin says

      February 26, 2020 at 1:26 pm

      Our go-to salad dressing now. 5 stars.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Edward says

      November 07, 2019 at 1:53 am

      What you show in the picture is multiple cloves of garlic. What's the correct amount?

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        November 07, 2019 at 3:20 pm

        I used one large clove and a lot of that garlic looking stuff in the image is Dijon mustard 🙂

        Reply
    10. Rachel says

      March 27, 2019 at 9:55 pm

      This is so freaking good, omg.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        March 29, 2019 at 11:48 am

        Awww yay!! Thank you so much, Rachel!

        Reply
    11. Rachel says

      March 27, 2019 at 9:55 pm

      This is so freaking good, omg.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        March 29, 2019 at 11:48 am

        Awww yay!! Thank you so much, Rachel!

        Reply
    12. Lucia Wright says

      March 12, 2019 at 7:57 pm

      We LOVE this balsamic vinaigrette - I think I'm going to keep a jar of it in the fridge at all times from now on! Thanks for a great recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        March 12, 2019 at 8:57 pm

        Thank you SO much, Lucia! We're pretty addicted, too 🙂

        Reply
    13. Lucia Wright says

      March 12, 2019 at 7:57 pm

      We LOVE this balsamic vinaigrette - I think I'm going to keep a jar of it in the fridge at all times from now on! Thanks for a great recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        March 12, 2019 at 8:57 pm

        Thank you SO much, Lucia! We're pretty addicted, too 🙂

        Reply
    14. Ttrockwood says

      February 06, 2019 at 9:49 pm

      I eat salad at least once a day- and i swear adding a sprinkle of salt to the greens and seasoning to the dressing is SO key to a good one!
      I made this using my immersion blender but added a lot more dijon, maybe 2TB total, and went heaby handed with the fresh black pepper to help balance the slightly sweet badalmic. Really delicious and definitely a great silky creamy texture!
      My go to vinegrette is similar but using apple cider vinegar, i make an enormous batch of massaged kale each sunday and then add in whatever other veggies and a handful or so of other greens like arugala. I totally crave salad !

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        February 14, 2019 at 8:37 am

        Me too! So cravable 🙂 Love the extra Djion!

        Reply
    15. Ttrockwood says

      February 06, 2019 at 9:49 pm

      I eat salad at least once a day- and i swear adding a sprinkle of salt to the greens and seasoning to the dressing is SO key to a good one!
      I made this using my immersion blender but added a lot more dijon, maybe 2TB total, and went heaby handed with the fresh black pepper to help balance the slightly sweet badalmic. Really delicious and definitely a great silky creamy texture!
      My go to vinegrette is similar but using apple cider vinegar, i make an enormous batch of massaged kale each sunday and then add in whatever other veggies and a handful or so of other greens like arugala. I totally crave salad !

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        February 14, 2019 at 8:37 am

        Me too! So cravable 🙂 Love the extra Djion!

        Reply
    16. Nancy A says

      February 05, 2019 at 6:52 pm

      I eat salad pretty much every day if my life - this dressing it my absolute favorite!! I’ve shared it with all my friends a family!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        February 05, 2019 at 9:19 pm

        Thank you SO much, Nancy! That means a ton.

        Reply
      • Nancy A says

        February 05, 2019 at 6:54 pm

        Clearly didn’t proof that before I hit send... ?

        Reply
    17. Nancy A says

      February 05, 2019 at 6:52 pm

      I eat salad pretty much every day if my life - this dressing it my absolute favorite!! I’ve shared it with all my friends a family!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        February 05, 2019 at 9:19 pm

        Thank you SO much, Nancy! That means a ton.

        Reply
      • Nancy A says

        February 05, 2019 at 6:54 pm

        Clearly didn’t proof that before I hit send... ?

        Reply
    18. Maclean says

      January 25, 2019 at 12:16 pm

      Hands down, the best salad dressing!
      I made it last night and my partner went back for more salad "just so he could have more dressing".
      Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 25, 2019 at 10:15 pm

        Hahahah the ultimate compliment! Thank you SO much.

        Reply
    19. Maclean says

      January 25, 2019 at 12:16 pm

      Hands down, the best salad dressing!
      I made it last night and my partner went back for more salad "just so he could have more dressing".
      Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 25, 2019 at 10:15 pm

        Hahahah the ultimate compliment! Thank you SO much.

        Reply
    20. Michelle says

      January 17, 2019 at 3:02 pm

      Alexis -- I'm not a salad dressing kind of gal BUT I've been watching you make this dressing on your Instagram stories for awhile and it sounded really good (super simple too). Verdict: I really love it! It was amaaaazing on an arugula salad I made and for dipping sourdough. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 18, 2019 at 8:38 am

        Mmmm dipping in sourdough is such a good idea!!

        Reply
    21. Michelle says

      January 17, 2019 at 3:02 pm

      Alexis -- I'm not a salad dressing kind of gal BUT I've been watching you make this dressing on your Instagram stories for awhile and it sounded really good (super simple too). Verdict: I really love it! It was amaaaazing on an arugula salad I made and for dipping sourdough. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 18, 2019 at 8:38 am

        Mmmm dipping in sourdough is such a good idea!!

        Reply
    22. Carly says

      January 17, 2019 at 11:27 am

      My roommate & I loved this dressing! Blending it takes a quick second and makes all the difference. So yummy!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 18, 2019 at 8:38 am

        Yay! Isn't it so creamy?!

        Reply
    23. Carly says

      January 17, 2019 at 11:27 am

      My roommate & I loved this dressing! Blending it takes a quick second and makes all the difference. So yummy!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 18, 2019 at 8:38 am

        Yay! Isn't it so creamy?!

        Reply
    24. Madeline Garverick says

      January 16, 2019 at 11:07 pm

      Hi! Just made this dressing for the first time! It was so good! I think next time for my preference I’ll use less balsamic. Very yummy though! Makes salads savory and satisfying! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 18, 2019 at 8:39 am

        Awesome news, thanks Madeline! Love that you're making it your own.

        Reply
    25. Madeline Garverick says

      January 16, 2019 at 11:07 pm

      Hi! Just made this dressing for the first time! It was so good! I think next time for my preference I’ll use less balsamic. Very yummy though! Makes salads savory and satisfying! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 18, 2019 at 8:39 am

        Awesome news, thanks Madeline! Love that you're making it your own.

        Reply
    26. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

      January 14, 2019 at 11:19 pm

      Thank you for the recipe, Alexis! I can't wait to try it myself. A homemade dressing is always much healthier than a store-bought alternative! 🙂

      Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
      https://charmainenyw.com

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 16, 2019 at 2:08 pm

        I hope you love it!

        Reply
    27. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

      January 14, 2019 at 11:19 pm

      Thank you for the recipe, Alexis! I can't wait to try it myself. A homemade dressing is always much healthier than a store-bought alternative! 🙂

      Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
      https://charmainenyw.com

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 16, 2019 at 2:08 pm

        I hope you love it!

        Reply
    28. Kori says

      January 14, 2019 at 1:48 pm

      I need to get a bottle of quality balsamic vinegar and make this asap!

      Reply
    29. Kori says

      January 14, 2019 at 1:48 pm

      I need to get a bottle of quality balsamic vinegar and make this asap!

      Reply
    30. Elaine says

      January 14, 2019 at 10:08 am

      I started making this after you shared it in your stories and I LOVE it! The creaminess made by blending is awesome, and it stays emulsified in the fridge! Thanks for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 14, 2019 at 11:38 am

        I am SO THRILLED you like it, Elaine!

        Reply
    31. Elaine says

      January 14, 2019 at 10:08 am

      I started making this after you shared it in your stories and I LOVE it! The creaminess made by blending is awesome, and it stays emulsified in the fridge! Thanks for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 14, 2019 at 11:38 am

        I am SO THRILLED you like it, Elaine!

        Reply
    32. Dylan Miles says

      January 14, 2019 at 10:04 am

      I use this salad dressing every day! It’s SO good! Blending the balsamic definitely makes a difference 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 14, 2019 at 11:38 am

        Wahoo!! Thanks so much, Dylan 🙂

        Reply
    33. Dylan Miles says

      January 14, 2019 at 10:04 am

      I use this salad dressing every day! It’s SO good! Blending the balsamic definitely makes a difference 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 14, 2019 at 11:38 am

        Wahoo!! Thanks so much, Dylan 🙂

        Reply
    34. Dylan says

      January 14, 2019 at 9:34 am

      I use this salad dressing every day! It’s SO good! Blending the balsamic definitely makes a difference 🙂

      Reply
    35. Dylan says

      January 14, 2019 at 9:34 am

      I use this salad dressing every day! It’s SO good! Blending the balsamic definitely makes a difference 🙂

      Reply

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