Creamy Balsamic Dressing

This creamy balsamic dressing only takes 5 minutes to prepare and is better than anything you can buy at the store.

When I make salads at home these days, I like to use my own dressing - from cilantro lime vinaigrette to lime Caesar dressing to basil lime vinaigrette.

Let's be honest though - the king of all dressings is a balsamic vinaigrette. But have you ever wondered why it tastes better at a restaurant than at home?

It's because they make it themselves at the restaurant. And now you can do.

This homemade balsamic vinaigrette has the perfect balance of vinegar, tang, sweetness and oil. After you realize how easy it is to make, you won't ever be buying some again at the grocery store.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavor - The honey adds a floral sweetness to the dressing, while the balsamic vinegar provides a tangy, acidic note.
• Convenient - Since this dressing is made from ingredients you typically have in the pantry/fridge, you will never run out of it!
• Healthier - With just 7 ingredients, you know what you are putting in this dressing. And if you want to change it up with maple syrup, try this maple balsamic dressing.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredient notes
• Ingredient Swaps
• Step-by-Step Photos
• FAQs
• Dressing Uses
• Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
• Salads Options for the Dressing
• Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Ingredient notes

• Balsamic vinegar - As the main flavor of the vinaigrette, the better the quality, the better the taste. Good balsamic vinegar shouldn't be thin, but should be thick like syrup.
• Honey - Balances the acidity of the vinegar with sweetness.
• Dijon mustard - Acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend the oil and vinegar. Also adds a slight tangy flavor with a bit of spice.
• Garlic - Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Salt and pepper - Enhances and balances the overall flavor.
• Olive oil - Extra virgin olive oil is ideal due to its superior flavor.

Ingredient Swaps

As with any recipe, you can mix and match your ingredients. Some variations include:

• For a different flavor from balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but adjust the sweetness accordingly.
• Whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard can be used for a different texture and flavor from Dijon.
• Shallots or green onions can be used for a milder, sweeter flavor as opposed to garlic.
• Other oils like avocado or walnut oil can be used instead of olive oil but will alter the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Photos

Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

Add all of the ingredients except the oil and whisk together until combined in a bowl. Whisk in the oil and until it is fully emulsified.

FAQs

Dressing Uses

This creamy balsamic dressing obviously is great for salads but you can use in other ways as well. Some options include:

• Marinade for pork, chicken or veggies
• Dressing for pasta salad
• Drizzle on top of polenta
• Mixed with roasted veggies

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

• Use quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar as the taste comes from both.
• If you want some additional flavor add a chopped shallot or ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
• You can add all of the ingredients to a mason jar and shake to emulsify if you don't want to whisk in a bowl.
• Natural separation will occur, so always shake or whisk the dressing before using.

Salads Options for the Dressing

• Kale Crunch Salad
• Couscous Salad
• Fall Harvest Salad
• Kale Sweet Potato Salad
• Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad

If you’ve tried this creamy balsamic dressing or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.