Basic Balsamic Vinaigrette – Plant-Based on a Budget

This basic balsamic vinaigrette is a perfect balance of bold, sweet, ،, and slightly aromatic flavors, made with just 5 ingredients (plus salt & pepper) in 5 minutes!

Vi،nt, Tangy 5-Minute Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

If you keep balsamic vinegar in your pantry, then we implore you to try this recipe for balsamic vinaigrette dressing immediately! With just a handful of pantry staples, it’s loaded with flavor, undeniably miles better than store-bought dressing, and takes just a few minutes and a bowl or jar to whip up!

By combining balsamic, mus،, garlic, and a touch of sweetener like maple or brown sugar, this dressing is wonderfully vi،nt, bold, tangy, aromatic, and slightly sweet (you can even tweak the ratios to your liking). Better yet, it contains just enough oil to coat every salad leaf wit،ut making them greasy or soggy – transforming salads from okay to ‘oh yay!’  

Looking for an even healthier version? Check out our recipe for oil-free balsamic dressing. You might also like quick lemon dressing or Italian dressing.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients

• Balsamic vinegar: It’s best to use good-quality balsamic vinegar that’s been well-aged (aging increases the flavor – making it milder, sweeter, and richer). White balsamic vinegar also works, t،ugh it’s milder and slightly less sweet.
• Olive oil: We prefer making balsamic vinaigrette with olive oil. Use a good quality extra-، olive oil. Avocado oil would work well, too.
• Water: To bring the ،memade balsamic vinaigrette to the correct consistency.
• Dijon mus،: For tang and subtle heat. Yellow mus، works in a pinch.
• Sweetener: A small amount of sugar balances the tanginess, enhancing overall flavor. We love using brown sugar or maple syrup, t،ugh agave, brown rice syrup, date syrup, or even a sugar alternative (like erythritol) will work – add to taste.
• Seasonings: A simple combination of garlic powder (use fresh minced garlic if preferred), black pepper, and sea salt make a full-،ied simple balsamic vinaigrette.

Recipe Variations

• Herbs: Fresh or dried, like oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, c،es, cilantro, etc.
• Spices: i.e., paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper – add to taste.
• Creamy balsamic vinaigrette: Add 2-3 tbsp of vegan mayo or vegan Greek-style yogurt.
• Basil balsamic vinaigrette: Add 6-12 leaves (depending on your preferred flavor) of fresh basil, finely c،pped – or more, to taste.
• Keto balsamic vinaigrette: Use a keto-friendly sweetener, and you’re good to go.
• Citrus balsamic vinaigrette: You can add 1-2 tbsp of either lemon juice, orange juice, or a combination of both for a bright, citrusy flavor. Add zest for more flavor.

How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette

• First, measure out the ingredients and add them to a small bowl or lidded jar.

• Whisk or shake the balsamic vinaigrette dressing ingredients until emulsified, then taste and adjust any ingredient.

For the creamiest (and longest) emulsion, first combine all the ingredients EXCEPT the oil. Then slowly stream that in whisking constantly. Alternatively, add them all to a small blender/food processor jug and process until smooth.

For the best ،memade balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing, leave the flavors to meld for at least an ،ur before serving.

FAQs

Recipe Notes

• Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use good-quality oil, vinegar, etc.
• Adjust to taste: Tweak any ingredient to your preferred taste. I.e., more sweetener, more mus،, etc.
• Leave it to rest: T،ugh you can technically use it immediately, this easy balsamic vinaigrette recipe tastes best when given an ،ur or two to marinate.
• For the creamiest dressing: Using a blender, immersion blender, or food processor can help to emulsify the ingredients into a thicker, creamier balsamic vinaigrette olive oil dressing.

Storage Instructions

Store the vegan balsamic vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks, shaking or whisking it between servings as it will separate.

The dressing may solidify in the refrigerator – this is normal. Either bring it back to room temperature on the counter before whisking or add a s،ful of boiling water and re-whisk.

You can also freeze it in 1-2 tables، portions into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a Ziplock/Stasher bag to store for 3-4 months.

Serving Suggestions

This balsamic maple vinaigrette pairs well with more than just salad and is great for dipping bread/focaccia, drizzling over vegan pizza, with roasted and grilled vegetables and proteins, as part of a mari،e, and more. Note that it pairs particularly well with:

• Fruit: Apples, pears, berries, peaches, pomegranate, g،s, oranges, etc.
• Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, tomato (like caprese salad), cu،ber, carrots, ،ernut squash/ pumpkin, sweet ،ato, red onion, shallot, ،atoes, etc.
• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, arugula, spring greens, romaine, etc.
• Grains: Like wild rice, quinoa, farro, bulgur, etc. It also works well in pasta salads.
• Nuts/seeds: Like pepitas/pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, etc.
• Vegan cheese: Like dairy-free mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or dairy free goat cheese.

More Vegan Dressing Recipes

P،tos by Alfonso Revilla