Craving a flavorful salad but don't have time for a complicated dressing? Look no further! This easy balsamic vinaigrette is a kitchen staple for a reason. With just five simple ingredients—olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, and fresh garlic—you can whip up a delicious dressing in minutes. It's perfect for topping any salad, from a refreshing summer mix to a hearty winter combination. So ditch the store-bought dressings and get ready to elevate your salads with this easy, homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
I love salad dressings that are simple but flavorful. They bring out the flavors of the salad and should not be the overpowering flavor. This salad dressing is a favorite of mine when making Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad or Greek Pasta Salad.
Another delicious but simple dressing includes this dill dressing that I use on my Dill Cucumber Salad. Yum!
Why I love this salad dressing
Simplicity: It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work. Perfect for busy weeknights or whipping up a quick salad dressing.
Flavor Profile: The balance of tangy balsamic vinegar, rich olive oil, and a hint of garlic creates a classic dressing that's both flavorful and allows the natural flavors of your salad ingredients to shine.
Freshness: Compared to store-bought dressings, homemade balsamic vinaigrette offers superior freshness. You can control the quality of ingredients and enjoy the true flavors at their peak.
Ingredients
I make this dressingall summer when my garden is overflowing with fresh basil and small tomatoes. I use it on any vegetable salad I make but I totally love it on a salad that also contains pasta (orzo pasta salad).
Ingredients - Balsamic Dressing
Good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar (don't get the really inexpensive grocery store kind)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic clove or two finely minced
Instructions
Mix all the balsamic dressing ingredients together in a mason jar. If your jar has measurement markings, so there's no need to dirty any measuring cups!
Shake well before serving or pouring onto a salad.
I enjoy this on many salads that I make. Below, it is being poured onto some caprese pasta salad.
Flavor Tip: This dressing tastes better the next day because the flavors develop after the first day! Make it the day before you need it, and you will enjoy it even more!
Storage
If kept in a sealed container (like a mason jar with a lid), this dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Note that the oil and vinegar will probably separate. The extra virgin olive oil may solidify and that is normal. Just leave the dressing out so it warms to room temperature and give it a good shake to emulsify.
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FAQs
I've made this with regular olive oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil.
Easy, just leave out the garlic. It is my philosophy that any of my recipes should be customized so that they are enjoyed.
Other Salads and Homemade Dressings
Easy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin olive oil, or you can also substitute avocado oil or grapeseed oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 clove garlic equivalent of a large clove, finely minced. If you love a garlicy flavor, add 2 cloves.
Instructions
- Mix all balsamic dressing ingredients together in a mason jar. Notice that the mason jar has the measurement markings on it. No need to dirty any measuring cups! Shake well prior to serving.
Notes
This balsamic Vinaigrette can be stored in a closed container for up to a week. The oil and vinegar may separate and that is normal. Just shake it up to emulsify. Olive oil can turn into a solid in the refrigerator. Allow dressing to warm to room temperature prior to mixing and using.
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