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    You Are Here: Home → Sauces

    Creamy Balsamic Dressing

    February 24, 2022 | Updated March 28, 2023 by Ryan Leave a Comment

    428 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    overehead shot of salad with creamy balsamic dressing
    spoon dipped in mason jar with balsamic dressing
    homemade balsamic dressing in mason jar
    balsamic vinaigrette in mason jar

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

    spoon dipped in mason jar with balsamic dressing

    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. Trust me!

    And if you want to change it up with maple syrup, try this maple balsamic dressing.

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQs
    • Dressing Uses
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Salads Options for the Dressing
    • Creamy Balsamic Dressing
    balsamic vinaigrette in mason jar

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Balsamic vinegar - as the main flavor of the vinaigrette, the better the quality, the better the taste.
    • Honey - adds a little sweetness to help offset the tartness from the balsamic vinegar.
    • Dijon mustard - acts as an emulsifier agent and adds a nice pungent flavor.

    Step-by-Step Photos

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

    process shots of how to make homemade balsamic dressing

    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

    What Does Emulsify Mean?

    Oil and vinegar don't naturally mix so when you emulsify are combining two liquids that are normally separate.

    Why Does the Oil and Vinegar Separate?

    You just haven't whisked enough or shaken in a mason jar. Just be patient and it will emulsify.

    If it has been stored for some time, it will separate again, so just give the dressing a good shake.

    Does it Need to Be Refrigerated?

    Yes. You want to place in the fridge so it will last longer.

    How Long Will it Last?

    Because of the vinegar, a homemade balsamic vinaigrette will last up to 6 months in the fridge if kept in an airtight container.

    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.
    overehead shot of salad with creamy balsamic dressing

    Salads Options for the Dressing

    • overhead shot of kale sweet potato salad in bowl
      Kale Sweet Potato Salad
    • basil lime couscous salad in bowl
      Couscous Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
    • close-up of fall harvest salad in green bowl
      Fall Harvest Salad
    • overhead shot of quinoa sweet potato salad in slate grey dish
      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.

    spoon dipped in mason jar with balsamic dressing
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Creamy Balsamic Dressing

    This homemade balsamic dressing only takes 5 minutes to prepare and is better than anything you can buy at the store.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: French
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 91kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon honey
    • 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ⅔ cup olive oil

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, add all of the ingredients except the oil and whisk together until combined. Add the oil and whisk until the dressing is fully emulsified.
    • Serve immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to a week.

    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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 3g
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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    Hey there! Welcome to Chisel & Fork, a blog with tasty recipes and DIY projects. I'm Ryan and here you'll find hundreds of recipes ranging from true comfort food to vegan. Oh and if you like woodworking, you might just find your next inspiration. Read More About Chisel & Fork…

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