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A super simple, absolutely delicious homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette. It’s ready in 2 minutes or less with just a handful of pantry ingredients.
I love a good balsamic vinaigrette on everything from standard green salads to pasta salad, grilled vegetables, or even on chicken. It adds so much flavor with so little effort, and I think that’s what we’re all looking for in a salad dressing!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Ingredient notes
- Dijon mustard: Sometimes I use up to 2 tablespoons Dijon in this recipe because I love the flavor. Spicy brown mustard works too.
- Salt and pepper: I recommend tasting the dressing before you add any salt. Then, add ¼ teaspoon salt and taste it again. Once I figure out the salt, I generally add 50% of that amount of freshly ground black pepper (that’s a ratio I learned in culinary school and I like it).
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I like ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper). Use on all your favorite salads and pasta salads (Italian Pasta Salad pictured below).
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This recipe makes 1 cup dressing, enough for 8 servings (2 tablespoons each). 1 recipe of dressing will dress 10-12 cups salad.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator and use within 4 days.
- Vinaigrette ratio: The standard “rule of thumb” vinaigrette ratio is 1:4, or 1 part vinegar to 4 parts oil. Personally, I like sour and acidic foods, so I do a 1:2 ratio. You can increase the amount of oil if you want to.
- Make the vinaigrette your own: Try adding 1 tablespoon minced shallot, a teaspoon of honey, a minced clove of garlic, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Delicious salad ideas
Salad Recipes
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Salad Recipes
Easy Cold Pasta Salad
Italian Recipes
Antipasto Salad
Salad Recipes
Easy Garden Salad
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Balsamic Vinaigrette
This super simple, absolutely delicious homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette is ready in 2 minutes. It takes just 3 ingredients plus salt and pepper, or take it to the next level with my favorite optional ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard or more to taste (see note 1)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (see note 2)
Optional ingredients (see note 3)
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, or in a bowl, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste (add any optional ingredients if desired). Shake or whisk to combine. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Dijon mustard: Sometimes I use up to 2 tablespoons Dijon in this recipe because I love the flavor. Spicy brown mustard works too.
- Salt and pepper: I recommend tasting the dressing before you add any salt. Then, add ¼ teaspoon salt and taste it again. Once I figure out the salt, I generally add 50% of that amount of freshly ground black pepper (that’s a ratio I learned in culinary school and I like it).
- Optional ingredients: There are so many ways to make Balsamic Vinaigrette your own. These are the standbys I normally add, but the dressing is delicious without them too.
- Yield: This recipe makes 1 cup dressing, enough for 8 servings (2 tablespoons each). 1 recipe of dressing will dress 10 to 12 cups salad.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator and use within 4 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 2tbspCalories: 133kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 16mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg
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Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
How much honey do you add?
Hi Amanda, you can add a teaspoon of honey, and more to taste. Enjoy! – Meggan
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Crazy how much less expensive this is homemade than store bought! And tastes great! Love it