Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delicious dressing for mixed greens. It’s a versatile recipe that comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients.
We’ve been getting a lot of salad greens in our CSA and I wanted to make a simple vinaigrette that I could drizzle over the greens. If you’ve never tried making your own salad dressing before, this is a great recipe to start with! It’s super simple and you can customize it by adding different herbs and seasonings.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients
- Olive Oil– I reocmmend a high quality olive oil like California Olive Ranch.
- Balsamic Vinegar– Again, look for a high quality brand. My favorite is Colavita.
- Dijon Mustard– This adds a delicious, tangy flavor.
- Mayonnaise– A small amount of mayo helps emulsify the dressing and prevent separation of the oil and vinegar.
- Salt– Always add salt to taste!
How to Use Balsamic Vinaigrette
I like this type of dressing paired with softer greens like spinach, spring mix, and arugula. The flavor is compatible with a variety of salad toppings but my favorite combination is dried fruit and nuts. Try dried cherries and pecans, dried cranberries and walnuts, or dried apricots and almonds. The sweet fruit and salty nuts are a delicious balance to this dressing. You can also use this dressing on my Italian Chopped Salad or my Halloumi Salad.
Salad Dressing Variations
You can make this dressing your own by adding different herbs and seasonings. Try adding 1 teaspoon of oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor. Or add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a flavor that will pair perfectly with your favorite pasta dish. Swap out the balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor. The possibilities are endless!
How to Store Salad Dressing
Store this dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If the dressing separates, simply whisk it together before drizzling it on your salad.
Does Balsamic Vinegar Go Bad?
Technically, balsamic vinegar can spoil but it has a pretty long shelf life. Balsamic vinegar should last between 3-5 years, as long as it’s stored properly. Keep it in a cool dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Avoid direct sunlight and heat. Be aware that the top of the fridge or near the store might be too warm and should be avoided.
PrintEasy Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2.5 servings 1x
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Salad Dressing
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delicious dressing for mixed greens. It’s a versatile recipe that comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon mayonnaise (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the ingredients until combined.
- The mayonnaise is optional but it will help prevent separation of the oil and vinegar.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Keywords: Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Looking for more salad inspiration? Here are a few of my favorite salads and dressings:
If you love chopped salads, be sure to try this Mediterranean Chopped Salad recipe!
This balsamic vinaigrette is going to become your new favorite dressing. So easy to make and it adds so much flavor to your favorite salad mix.
★★★★★
What an easy homemade salad dressing! There really is no need to buy the bottled stuff – this is so much better!
★★★★★
I make this dressing all the time! I love using it as a dip for a bowl of roasted veggies.
★★★★★
I’m pretty sure I could just drink this balsamic vinaigrette it is so good! It was the perfect dressing to put on a spinach salad!
★★★★★
We are going to have salad today and this Balsamic Vinaigrette will be perfecet! Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Just made this dressing. So delicious!!!. Will be one of my go to dressings for sure. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
★★★★★
This is indeed the best vinaigrette. Easy and delicious. Ever since I discovered your recipe, we use it all the time for salads, even grilled veggies. Thanks so much!
★★★★★
Easy and delicious homemade dressings are the best. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip these up in a minute. The perfect topping to any salad.
★★★★★
Delicious and absolutely easy to make. It’s wonderful as a marinade too as well as the salad dressing you show it as here.
★★★★★
Such a classic and SO easy to make yourself. Don’t think I’ll ever be buying store bought dressing again!
★★★★★