This easy balsamic vinaigrette combines balsamic, mustard, oil, and honey or maple syrup for a simple versatile dressing that will add flavor to salads, chicken, and more!

small glass bowl with balsamic vinaigrette surrounded by tomatoes and fresh herbs

I love the simplicity of a vinaigrette and how it can elevate anything!

From a classic green salad to a hearty chicken dinner – this healthy, easy balsamic vinaigrette recipe brings a flavor lift to any dish.

Delicious homemade dressings don’t have to be complicated.

This one is as simple as adding your ingredients to a mason jar and shaking it all up!

why it’s worth making your own salad dressing at home

  • One of the best parts about making your own vinaigrette is that you can adjust the flavors to your palette.
  • You also have full control over the quality of ingredients used – including the type of oil and any added sugar or sweeteners.
  • The beauty of this simple balsamic dressing is that it just comes together in a mason jar, no blender needed.
  • Shaking the ingredients together in a jar helps bring the dressing together and cuts down on clean up.

Another perk of using a mason jar is that any leftover dressing can be stored in the same jar you made it in – reducing dishes even further!

ways to use this easy balsamic vinaigrette dressing

how to store homemade salad dressing

  • You can store this easy balsamic vinaigrette covered and refrigerated for up to 5 days
  • The vinaigrette may separate and look clumpy when refrigerated. This is because oil can solidify at cooler temperatures.
  • To use, simply remove from the refrigerator, allow to come to room temperature, and shake well to recombine.
garlic cloves with balsamic vinegar and oil and salt on white table

recipe notes, modifications & adaptations

  • Balsamic vinegar is the star ingredient in balsamic vinaigrette, so look for a good quality 6% acidity balsamic vinegar without any sugar or additional additives or color added
  • I recommend using kosher salt for this recipe. If you use table salt you might need to adjust the amount up or down. As always, salt to taste.
  • Honey or maple syrup can be used interchangeably in this recipe. Honey will add a little extra body, while maple syrup is a great vegan alternative.
  • Omit the honey or maple syrup altogether for a Whole30 option.
  • Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil if you have it for the best flavor. 
  • For a stronger garlic flavor, grate or finely mince the garlic and add in step 2 of the recipe card below.

No need to splurge on an aged balsamic vinegar for a vinaigrette. It will be too sweet & syrupy – so save the aged stuff for drizzling!

spoon full of easy balsamic vinaigrette dipping into a glass jar

other vinaigrette & dressing recipes

Easy Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Lemon Dijon Dressing

Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette

3-Ingredient Pesto Vinaigrette

3-Ingredient Hummus Dressing

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Miso Tahini Dressing

this recipe is…

I hope you’ll make this Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe soon.

If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

spoon full of easy balsamic vinaigrette dipping into a glass jar
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Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette

Yield: 6 tbsp
Prep: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins
This easy balsamic vinaigrette combines balsamic vinegar, mustard, oil, and honey (or maple syrup) for a simple versatile dressing that will add flavor to salads, chicken, and more!
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Ingredients

  • 1 small garlic clove, peeled
  • ¼-½ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp honey, or maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • freshly ground pepper, to taste

Equipment

Instructions 

  • With the bottom of a glass jar or side of a knife, lightly crush the garlic clove.
  • To a 8-oz mason jar, add the crushed garlic clove, salt, mustard, and honey or maple syrup, using a fork or small whisk to combine.
  • Add the balsamic vinegar, add the lid, and shake vigorously until the salt has dissolved and all the ingredients are combined.
  • Add the olive oil and pepper, add the lid, and shake vigorously until the vinaigrette has emulsified. Taste and add additional salt or pepper if desired.
  • Remove the garlic clove and discard, or set aside for another use. Alternatively, keep the garlic clove in the jar to infuse the dressing with a stronger garlic flavor.
  • Store, refrigerated, for up to 5 days. To use, allow to come to room temperature, and shake well to recombine.

Notes

This recipe makes about 6 tablespoons (or 1/3 cup) of dressing which will serve 6 if you use 1 tablespoon per serving.
For a stronger garlic flavor, grate or finely mince the garlic and add in step 2.
Use maple syrup for a vegan option.
Omit honey or maple syrup for a Whole30 option.
Author: Robyn Downs
Course: Dressings & Sauces
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1tbsp, Calories: 122kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Sodium: 118mg, Potassium: 15mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 1IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition disclaimer
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

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