Name: Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2–3 tablespoons honey (to taste); 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Balsamic Vinaigrette is a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that will take your salads to the next level. Made with simple pantry staples like aged balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard, this quick 5-minute dressing is versatile, balanced, and far better than anything you’ll find in a bottle.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – ready in just 5 minutes
Made from scratch with simple, clean ingredients
Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory
Customizable to suit your taste
Great for salads, marinades, or dipping
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2–3 weeks
No artificial preservatives or additives
Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
Budget-friendly alternative to store-bought dressings
Pairs well with nearly any type of salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2–3 tablespoons honey (to taste)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper (about ½ teaspoon each, or to taste)

Directions

Combine Ingredients
Add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and minced garlic to a jar or airtight container.
Season and Shake
Add ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the vinaigrette. Add an extra tablespoon of honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor, or adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Serve or Store
Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks. Shake well before each use.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 (about 2 tablespoons per serving)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette: Swap honey for maple syrup for a subtle earthy twist.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Creamier Version: Whisk in 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
Herb Swap: Use Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of thyme.
Garlic-Free: Omit garlic for a smoother, more delicate flavor.
Lemon Balsamic: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 2–3 weeks.
Reheating: Not necessary—just shake well before serving to re-emulsify.

FAQs

Can I use white balsamic vinegar instead?

Yes, white balsamic gives a lighter color and slightly milder flavor but works well in this recipe.

Is this vinaigrette vegan?

To make it vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Do I need to refrigerate it?

Yes, since it contains fresh garlic and honey, refrigeration helps preserve its freshness and flavor.

What salads pair best with balsamic vinaigrette?

This dressing works well with mixed greens, spinach, arugula, kale, or even roasted vegetable salads.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just scale up the ingredients proportionally and use a larger jar.

Does the dressing separate in the fridge?

Yes, natural separation is normal. Just give it a good shake before each use.

Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?

Yes, use about 1½ teaspoons of fresh thyme in place of the dried version.

Is this vinaigrette good as a marinade?

Definitely. It works beautifully for marinating chicken, vegetables, or even tofu.

What’s the best jar or container to use?

Use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid or a salad dressing shaker for easy mixing.

Can I freeze balsamic vinaigrette?

Freezing isn’t recommended as it can alter the texture and flavor of the dressing.

Conclusion

This Best Balsamic Vinaigrette is a fast, flavorful, and flexible dressing you’ll want to keep on hand at all times. Whether you’re dressing a fresh salad, marinating veggies, or looking for a delicious dip for crusty bread, this vinaigrette delivers every time. Once you try it homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought.