This simple 5-ingredient homemade balsamic vinaigrette is easy and quick to make at home, and brings a terrific flavor lift to any dish! Use this DIY balsamic dressing to add flavor to a simple green salad, grain bowl, or to drizzle on anything and everything.

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

5 star review

“Super easy and very tasty! I don’t think I’ll ever go back to store bought dressing again!”

– Yvonne

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

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

Delicious homemade dressings don’t have to be complicated — take this 3 ingredient homemade pesto vinaigrette, for example!

And, as we love easy mason jar recipes around here, and this homemade balsamic vinaigrette is as simple as adding your ingredients to a mason jar and shaking it all up!

On that note, if you’re looking for a creamy version, check out this easy creamy balsamic vinaigrette.

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

  • One of the best parts about making your own healthy salad dressing recipe 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

Vinaigrette Ratios

A good dressing or vinaigrette is all about the rations, so if you’re wondering what are the ratios for a traditional vinaigrette it’s 3:1, or 3 parts oil and 1 part vinegar or acid such as lemon juice.

Of course, you can always adjust the ratios to your taste preference, so feel free to experiment!

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…

 so I can see!

spoon full of easy balsamic vinaigrette dipping into a glass jar
5 stars (3 ratings)

5-Ingredient Balsamic Vinaigrette (Easiest!)

Servings: 6 tbsp
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
This simple 5-ingredient homemade balsamic vinaigrette is easy and quick to make at home, and brings a terrific flavor lift to any dish!
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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 Conley 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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