Introduction
If you’ve ever been dissatisfied with store-bought dressings that lack freshness and flavor, this Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette will make you think twice about purchasing bottled dressings again. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly versatile dressing that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. The best part? You have full control over the ingredients, ensuring it’s tailored to your taste and free of unnecessary additives.
This homemade version combines the rich flavor of balsamic vinegar with the smooth creaminess of mayonnaise and olive oil, creating a perfectly balanced dressing that works for a wide variety of salads. It’s so good, you might find yourself using it beyond salads—on roasted vegetables, sandwiches, or even as a marinade for grilled meats. Once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought versions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s break them down:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Balsamic vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
| Mayonnaise | 3 tablespoons |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (pressed) | 2 cloves |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and ground black pepper | To taste |
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a luscious, creamy texture with just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices to make it uniquely your own.
Ingredient Notes
- Olive Oil: Choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results. It forms the base of the dressing and imparts a rich, smooth flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The star ingredient here, balsamic vinegar, adds depth and sweetness to the dressing. If you prefer a more tangy version, you can increase the vinegar to suit your taste.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds creaminess, helping to create that smooth, luscious texture that sets this vinaigrette apart from more traditional oil-and-vinegar dressings. You can use regular or light mayonnaise, depending on your preference.
- Garlic: Freshly pressed garlic is key to giving the dressing a bit of a bite. It balances the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, providing depth of flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard works as an emulsifier in this recipe, helping to bind the oil and vinegar together for a creamy consistency. It also adds a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor.
- Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar rounds out the flavors by adding a hint of sweetness. If you prefer a sugar-free version, feel free to omit it or use a sugar substitute.
- Water: The water helps to thin out the dressing slightly, making it more pourable without losing its creamy texture.
How to Make Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Making this vinaigrette is incredibly easy, and it only requires one step. In just a few seconds, you’ll have a delicious, creamy dressing ready to elevate your meals.
- Blend the Ingredients:
Place the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mayonnaise, water, pressed garlic, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar into a blender. Blend for 10 to 15 seconds until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Make sure everything is fully combined to ensure a creamy, even consistency. - Season:
After blending, season the dressing with salt and ground black pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning based on your personal preference—whether you prefer more salt, pepper, or even an extra dash of vinegar for added tang.
And that’s it! Your creamy balsamic vinaigrette is ready to use. You can pour it over your favorite salad, use it as a dip, or even drizzle it over roasted vegetables for a burst of flavor.
Storage Tips
How long can you store it in the fridge?
This vinaigrette stores well in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to keep it in a clean, airtight container, preferably a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Since it contains mayonnaise, it’s important to store it properly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Before each use, give it a good shake or stir, as some separation may occur after sitting in the fridge.
Favorite Storage Containers
I love using glass jars like Mason jars or Weck jars to store homemade dressings. They’re easy to clean, and the airtight seal helps to preserve the dressing’s freshness. Plus, glass jars don’t react with the acidic vinegar, which can sometimes happen with metal containers.
Nutritional Information
This Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette is not only delicious, but it’s also a relatively light option for adding flavor to your meals. Let’s take a look at the nutritional breakdown:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (2 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 119 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 3mg |
| Sodium | 89mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Vitamin C | 0mg |
| Calcium | 6mg |
| Iron | 0mg |
| Potassium | 12mg |
This nutritional profile is based on a 2,000-calorie diet, so your daily values may vary depending on your dietary needs. The vinaigrette is low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it a healthy choice for those who are watching their intake but still want to enjoy a flavorful dressing.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this creamy balsamic vinaigrette is its versatility. It pairs well with a wide variety of salads, from simple greens to more complex combinations of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Here are a few ideas for using this dressing:
- Classic Green Salad: Drizzle it over a bowl of mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a light, refreshing salad.
- Grilled Chicken Salad: Add it to a salad with grilled chicken, avocado, and crumbled feta for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Use it as a finishing touch for roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash. The sweetness of the balsamic complements the caramelized flavors of the roasted vegetables.
- Sandwich Spread: Spread a little on your sandwich or wrap in place of mayonnaise for a tangy twist that adds depth to the flavors.
- Marinade for Meats: This vinaigrette also doubles as a delicious marinade for meats like chicken or pork. The acidity of the vinegar helps tenderize the meat, while the olive oil and garlic infuse it with flavor.
Variations to Try
The beauty of homemade vinaigrettes is how easily they can be customized. If you want to change things up or experiment with different flavors, here are some variations you can try:
- Herbs: Add fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley to give the dressing an herby flavor.
- Cheese: Stir in some grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese for an extra layer of richness.
- Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to give the vinaigrette a bit of a kick.
- Citrus: For a brighter, more tangy flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or orange zest to the dressing.
These small tweaks can transform the vinaigrette into something new and exciting, allowing you to adapt it to different types of dishes or personal taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette is a must-try for anyone who enjoys making their own dressings. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor, making it a fantastic alternative to store-bought varieties that often contain unnecessary additives. Whether you’re tossing it with greens, drizzling it over roasted vegetables, or using it as a marinade, this vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor that enhances any dish.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Once you start making homemade dressings like this, you’ll likely find it hard to go back to the bottled kind!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (2 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 119 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 3mg |
| Sodium | 89mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 0g |
This creamy balsamic vinaigrette is a flavorful, easy-to-make option that can elevate any salad or dish. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it in the comments below!
