Introduction
When it comes to dressing up salads, nothing beats the fresh, vibrant taste of homemade vinaigrette. Among all the dressing options, White Balsamic Vinaigrette holds a special place in my heart, and for good reason. This tangy, sweet, and perfectly balanced dressing can be made in just five minutes, making it ideal for anyone seeking to elevate their meals effortlessly. In fact, this was the only dressing I would allow near my salad as a child—and now, my kids can’t get enough of it! They love it so much that I sometimes wonder if I should be concerned about how often they ask for it.
The beauty of this White Balsamic Vinaigrette is that it’s far superior to store-bought versions. Once you make it at home, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less. It’s a staple in our fridge, and I typically make a large batch to have on hand for easy meal prep. Whether it’s this dressing, my classic Balsamic Vinaigrette, or Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing, we are a bit obsessed with homemade dressings in our house.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable vinaigrette. Below is a quick overview, but you can find the detailed measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White balsamic vinegar | ⅓ cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | ½ cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
These basic pantry items come together to create a dressing that’s creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet. Let’s dive into some tips to make sure your vinaigrette turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredient Notes
Honey: To get the best results, use a mild and runny honey. If you use honey that has crystallized or is too firm, it will be challenging to incorporate it smoothly into the dressing. Honey helps emulsify the dressing, giving it a lovely, creamy texture.
Mustard: For this recipe, I prefer using a smooth Dijon mustard, but feel free to experiment. My husband enjoys the version I make with whole grain mustard, which gives it a slightly different texture and flavor. Yellow mustard works too, but it will impart a slightly more pungent taste.
Garlic Powder: I recommend garlic powder over fresh garlic for this dressing. Raw garlic can be tricky because its intensity varies greatly, and it tends to become stronger the longer the dressing sits in the fridge. However, if you really want to use fresh minced garlic, feel free to do so—it’s just a matter of personal preference.
One of the best parts of this vinaigrette is that it doesn’t rely on any artificial ingredients. The honey and mustard act as natural emulsifiers, allowing the oil and vinegar to blend smoothly without any need for additives.
How to Make White Balsamic Vinaigrette
The process of making White Balsamic Vinaigrette could not be simpler—it’s literally just one step!
- Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until they are well combined.
And that’s it! No special kitchen gadgets or techniques required. It’s a foolproof recipe that even kids can help make. In fact, my three-year-old enjoys whisking the ingredients together—it’s almost a tradition now.
Storage Tips
How long can you store it in the fridge?
This vinaigrette is perfect for meal prep because it lasts for up to five days in the fridge. We usually prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week, and it carries us through multiple meals. I recommend storing it in a clean jar with a tightly sealed lid. Just give it a good shake before each use, and it’ll be good to go.
Favorite Storage Containers
For storing my homemade dressings, I personally love using small Weck jars. They have glass lids, which I find much more convenient for acidic dressings than the metal lids that often come with other jars. The metal tends to rust when exposed to vinegar over time, whereas the glass can be washed and reused indefinitely. If you’re interested, you can find Weck jars online. They come in various sizes, so you can choose whichever fits your storage needs best. For larger batches, I prefer the bigger ones.For dry ingredients like nuts or grains, however, I love using Ball jars with their metal lids. But for salad dressings, Weck jars are my go-to.
Making a Single Batch
If I’m only making one batch for immediate use, I like to whisk everything together directly in the salad bowl. This way, I avoid dirtying extra dishes. But, if I’m photographing the dressing for the blog, I’ll use a separate bowl to capture that classic pouring shot!
How to Use Your White Balsamic Vinaigrette
This versatile vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with many types of salads. It adds a fresh, tangy flavor to simple greens or can complement heartier salads featuring vegetables and fruits. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Spinach Salad with Fresh Summer Berries: The sweetness of the berries perfectly balances the tang of the vinaigrette.
- Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing option that’s great for hot days.
- Tomato Cucumber Salad: Simple yet flavorful, this combination never disappoints.
- Spinach Avocado Salad with Berries: Another delightful pairing with fresh fruit and creamy avocado.
This dressing is so adaptable that you’ll never get bored of using it. Experiment with different types of salads, and you’ll always have a fresh new flavor experience.
Recipe Card
| White Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe |
|---|
| Prep Time: 5 minutes |
| Total Time: 5 minutes |
| Servings: 16 tablespoons |
| Difficulty: Easy |
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White balsamic vinegar | ⅓ cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | ½ cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- Whisk all the ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Pour into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Shake well before each use.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of easy, homemade dressings, this White Balsamic Vinaigrette is worth every minute of effort. It’s a simple way to add fresh, vibrant flavors to your salads, and you can make it in advance for convenient meal prep. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Tablespoon |
|---|---|
| Calories | 72 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Potassium | 5mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Calcium | 2mg |
| Iron | 0.1mg |
Make sure to try this recipe, and don’t forget to leave a review or star rating. Your feedback is always appreciated! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for more great recipes!
