Categories: Health

Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Salad dressings are a great thing to start making yourself. Not only will you save money, but the flavor is so much better with fresh ingredients. Even better, you can avoid vegetable oils and other additives from store-bought dressing.

This balsamic vinaigrette is one of my favorite homemade salad dressings. It’s incredibly easy to make at home and tastes amazing!

Quality Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic vinegar was an acquired taste for me and a love story. I didn’t like it at all when I was younger, and now it’s one of my favorite foods. It also has an incredibly unique history.

True balsamic vinegar is aged for at least 12 years. It’s made from unfermented cooked grape must, a thick grape juice reduction. Balsamic vinaigrette is aged in up to five different types of barrels, many older than half a century. It can only be produced in the Modena and Reggio regions of Italy.

Balsamic vinegar made with these strict guidelines can obtain the “Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale” label in Italy and is considered a prize vinegar.

Most balsamic vinegar on store shelves is made with a similar process, but aged for a shorter time. They’re also made with a grape juice reduction but are only aged for at least 3 years. This type of balsamic vinegar is easier to find in most places.

Some products labeled as “balsamic vinegar” in stores are really just cider vinegar or other inexpensive vinegars colored to look like real balsamic vinegar. Check labels and look for a high quality brand to avoid these, as some can contain artificial colors and flavors.

Ingredients in Balsamic Dressing

Turn over a bottle of store-bought salad dressing and you’ll find ingredients like soybean oil, corn syrup, and even food coloring. This recipe is simple and tastes much better than many of the store brands! It starts with balsamic vinegar (of course!) for acidity which is balanced out with honey. Some recipes use sugar or maple syrup as a sweetener instead.

Other common ingredients include herbs like oregano and shallots for flavor. I use basil and a minced garlic clove in mine. Dijon mustard adds extra flavor and a hint of spiciness while heart-healthy olive oil forms the dressing base.

How To Use Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

There’s the old standby of a green salad, but balsamic vinaigrette isn’t just for lettuce! Although it tastes amazing on a spinach salad with some goat cheese, strawberries, and pecans. It also makes a great marinade for meats. Drizzle it on roasted or sauteed veggies for extra flavor. You can also use it as a sauce for pasta salad. For a yummy gluten-free option, use rice pasta.

However you use it, balsamic vinaigrette is an easy and tasty way to dress up your meals!