Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette

We’re always searching for refreshing and flavorful condiments that can liven up grilled meats, vegetables or fish. This balsamic herb vinaigrette is just the thing. Subtly sweet, tangy balsamic vinegar showcases notes of molasses and figs. When combined with fresh herbs, seasonings and honey, it creates a dressing so tasty that you’ll want to put it on everything.

This homemade balsamic dressing can be eaten with almost anything. Use it in classic applications, as a dressing for salads, grain bowls or roasted vegetables. Or serve it with crusty bread as a tasty dip. It can even be used instead of other marinade recipes for meat or fish.

The vinaigrette comes together in a matter of minutes, but that doesn’t mean you have to make it at the last second. We recommend making it in large batches and storing it in the fridge. It lasts up to two weeks, but we doubt it will stick around that long. Once you realize how delicious it is, even large quantities won’t be enough to keep up with increased demand!

Ingredients for Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette

• Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar is one of our favorite types of vinegar because its acidity is balanced by its complex sweetness. With notes of figs, molasses, cherry and chocolate, it’s the ideal foundation for a vibrant vinaigrette.
• Honey: Honey’s sweetness helps mellow out the vinegar’s acidity. Since balsamic vinegar is on the sweeter side, you can reduce the amount called for in the recipe, or swap in another sweetener, like a high-quality maple syrup brand.
• Fresh herbs: Basil, dill, oregano and thyme impart complementary flavors that freshen up the dressing and balance out the balsamic’s tangy sweetness.
• Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic, white pepper and mustard add earthiness and depth to an herb vinaigrette dressing.
• Canola oil: This neutral oil is emulsified into the vinaigrette without adding any extra flavor. If you prefer more pronounced, complex flavor, use high-quality olive oil instead.

Directions

Step 1: Blend the ingredients

In a blender, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, basil, onion powder, dill, oregano, thyme, garlic, white pepper and mustard.

Cover the blender and process until the ingredients are blended.

Step 2: Add the oil

While processing, gradually add the oil in a steady stream. Cover and refrigerate the vinaigrette until you’re ready to serve it.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t have a blender? Finely mince the garlic, then add the ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid instead. Shake well until everything is combined. You can even store the dressing in the same jar.

Recipe Variations

• Mellow it out: If the vinaigrette has too much acidity for your taste, consider mixing in some sugar to neutralize it. Another way to make it less tangy is to add a pinch of baking soda to the dressing. One of the benefits of baking soda is that its basic qualities can help mellow out vinegar’s acidic bite.
• Make it spicier: To amp up the heat in your vinaigrette, throw some crushed red pepper flakes into the blender.
• Add some citrus: A splash of orange juice can make the dressing more vibrant and sweet. Meyer lemon juice is sweeter than regular lemon juice, so it could be a particularly fun choice.

How to Store Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette

Store balsamic herb dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to two weeks.

Can you make balsamic herb vinaigrette ahead of time?

You can absolutely make this herb vinaigrette ahead of time. While it’s refrigerated, you may notice some separation between the oil and vinegar. That’s normal—simply shake the container before serving to emulsify them. Since it’s an oil-based dressing, we do not recommend freezing it.

Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette Tips

Can I make herb vinaigrette with dried herbs instead of fresh?

You can make an oil and vinegar dressing using dry herbs instead of fresh ones. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll need to use a third of the amount asked for in the recipe. For example, here you would use 1/2 teaspoon each of dried dill, oregano and thyme instead of the 1-1/2 teaspoons of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.

Is balsamic vinaigrette healthy?

Vinaigrette contains fewer sugars and saturated fats than creamier salad dressings, so many consider balsamic vinaigrette a healthy choice. Balsamic vinegar is also reported to have health benefits, like lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol, supporting weight loss, aiding digestion and improving skin complexion.

How can I use balsamic vinaigrette?

There are many balsamic vinegar-based recipes, so feel free to use this tangy vinaigrette with various leafy greens or protein-based salads. Some of our favorite recipes include pear and blue cheese salad, balsamic Asiago salad or salad with salmon. You can use this vinaigrette to zhuzh up non-lettuce salads, like green bean salad or cucumber tomato salad.