Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette
- PREP 10min
- TOTAL 10min
Homemade balsamic dressing is a staple in our house. Below we’ve shared three versions: basic, creamy and strawberry. We like vinegary dressings, so we use twice as much olive oil as vinegar. To make a less vinegary dressing, add more olive oil. Garlic is optional in this dressing — If we use it, we add one crushed garlic clove to the dressing then let it sit for about 30 minutes before removing it and serving. For a stronger garlic flavor, use minced garlic. The strawberry dressing uses jam, so you could easily substitute strawberry with cherry, blueberry, fig, or other jam.
You Will Need
1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon brown sugar, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, or more to taste
Directions
Whisk vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and the pepper in a medium bowl until well blended. While whisking, slowly stream in the olive oil until completely incorporated and the dressing has thickened. Taste and then adjust with salt, pepper, olive oil, or sugar as needed.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Creamy Balsamic Dressing: Whisk in about 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, sour cream, or crème fraîche.
- Strawberry Balsamic Dressing: Replace the brown sugar for 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam (or other fruit jam).
- Adding garlic to the dressing: Add one lightly crushed garlic clove to the dressing and then set aside for 30 minutes, remove garlic clove then serve. Or, if storing dressing for a while, leave it in — the garlic will continue to add a subtle garlic flavor to the dressing.
- How to make in jar or blender: Instead of whisking ingredients together, place all the ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake to combine. Or, use a blender. Add all ingredients, but garlic, to blender then blend until thick.
If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #inspiredtaste — We love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook! Find us: @inspiredtaste