Balsamic vinaigrette isn’t just a salad dressing. It’s a culinary hero that transforms ordinary greens into a gourmet experience.
This flavorful concoction boasts a harmonious blend of tang, sweetness, and zest.
It’s crafted from simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and zesty Dijon mustard.
But unlike my Dijon vinaigrette recipe, it’s amped up with balsamic vinegar.
This tasty vinaigrette is for more than just salads. It can be a marinade, a glaze, or a dipping sauce.
This step-by-step guide teaches you how to make the perfect balsamic vinaigrette. Plus, you’ll find tips and tricks to lead you toward taste perfection.
Discover how this blend of traditional Italian flavors can become your new kitchen staple!
Balsamic Vinaigrette
If you love salad recipes with a flair for Italian flavors, you know the magic of balsamic vinaigrette.
Who knew something so fancy-sounding could be whipped up with simple pantry-staple ingredients?
Here’s the scoop: Making balsamic vinaigrette is like hosting a mini party in a bowl. It combines smooth olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, zippy Dijon, aromatics, and seasonings.
Mixing them is like introducing your favorite songs into one epic playlist. You whisk, they mingle, and bam! You have a sauce ready to jazz up almost anything on your plate.
Make this recipe the next time you want to add a little zing to your dish. It’s a home cook’s secret weapon!
Ingredients
These simple, pantry-staple ingredients collectively create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Olive Oil – It offers a rich, fruity undertone to the balsamic vinaigrette. It provides a smooth base for dressings.
- Balsamic Vinegar – It brings a rich depth and tanginess to the vinaigrette.
- Dijon Mustard – It adds a creamy texture and sharp, piquant flavor. It helps emulsify the dressing, creating a seamless blend of oil and vinegar.
- Shallot – When finely minced and mixed into the vinaigrette, it adds a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic – It contributes a robust and zesty kick to the vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper – It sharpens and enhances the flavors, creating a balanced taste profile.
How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Prepare your ingredients. Start by mincing the shallot and garlic finely. Take out and measure all the ingredients.
- Mix and season. Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, shallot, and garlic in a lidded air-tight container. Season it with salt and pepper.
- Shake and serve. Cover the jar with the lid and shake it well until thoroughly combined. Let it rest to let the flavors meld and drizzle over your favorite dishes!
Tips for the Best Balsamic Vinaigrette
Making the perfect balsamic vinaigrette is about more than just mixing ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dressing shines:
- Quality matters. Using high-quality ingredients will significantly impact the flavor. Look for extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar for the best results.
- Aim for the perfect balance. The classic vinaigrette ratio is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. Start with this traditional ratio and adjust according to your taste.
- Become a mincing pro. Ensure ingredients like shallots and garlic are finely minced. This will distribute their flavors evenly throughout the dressing and prevent large chunks in your salad.
- Give it a taste test. Before finalizing your seasoning, dip a lettuce leaf or a piece of vegetable into the vinaigrette. It’s a more accurate representation of the taste than tasting it from a spoon.
- Let it rest. Allow the vinaigrette to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step lets the flavors meld together, producing a more harmonious taste.
- Have fun and experiment. The beauty of homemade vinaigrette is that you can tweak it according to your preferences. Try additional ingredients such as honey, lemon zest, or herbs for a unique twist.
- Thicken it up. For a thicker consistency, increase the amount of mustard slightly.
What to Do with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic vinaigrette is a versatile dressing and elevates many dishes beyond salads. Here’s a list of uses:
Veggies and salads:
Proteins:
Sandwiches, Wraps, and Pizza:
When considering dishes to pair with balsamic vinaigrette, think about balance.
The vinaigrette’s acidity can cut through richer, fatty dishes. Meanwhile, its sweetness can complement savory or slightly bitter foods.
Experiment and find the pairings that appeal most to your palate!
How to Store
If you have leftover balsamic vinaigrette, here’s how to keep it fresh.
To Store: Place it in a clean, air-tight glass container or jar. Refrigerate it if it’s not consumed within a day, especially if it has fresh ingredients.
Over time, the oil and vinegar can separate in the vinaigrette, which is completely normal. Before using it, give the container an excellent shake to re-emulsify the ingredients.
More Homemade Vinaigrette Recipes to Try
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette
Strawberry Vinaigrette
Raspberry Vinaigrette
Balsamic Vinaigrette (Simple Recipe)
8
servings10
minutes10
minutes133
kcalThis simple balsamic vinaigrette makes any salad better! Made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, the flavor can’t be topped.
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by mincing the shallot and garlic finely.
- Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, shallot, and garlic in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the jar with the lid and shake it well until thoroughly combined.
- Enjoy your homemade balsamic vinaigrette over fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade.
Notes
- Allow the vinaigrette to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together, producing a more harmonious taste.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings depending on your preferences. Additionally, you can incorporate more ingredients, like fresh herbs, to elevate the flavors.
