![- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard These three ingredients form the base of your vinaigrette. Balsamic vinegar brings a rich, tangy flavor. Extra virgin olive oil adds smoothness. Dijon mustard gives it a nice kick and helps blend the oils. - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste Feel free to adjust the flavor! Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Garlic gives a bold taste. Dried oregano adds a hint of earthiness. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or thyme if you wish. - About 80 calories per serving - Fats: 9g, Carbs: 2g, Protein: 0g This vinaigrette is low in calories but full of flavor. Olive oil is a source of healthy fats. Balsamic vinegar contains antioxidants, which are good for your body. Each ingredient offers health benefits while keeping your meals tasty. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. First, I start by whisking the balsamic base. In a medium bowl, I combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup. I mix this well until it is smooth. This step is key. The vinegar and mustard give a nice tang, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness. Next, I emulsify with olive oil. I slowly pour in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil while whisking constantly. This helps to blend everything together. The oil makes the vinaigrette rich and smooth. Keep whisking until it looks glossy and thick. Now, I mix in garlic and herbs. I add 1 clove minced garlic and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. These ingredients bring a burst of flavor. I then season with salt and black pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the taste for your liking. To balance sweetness and acidity, I suggest tasting the vinaigrette. If it is too tangy, add a bit more honey or maple syrup. If it's too sweet, a splash of vinegar can help. This is all about finding your perfect mix. You can personalize the taste with spices. Want a bit of heat? Try adding black pepper or a dash of chili flakes. For a fresh twist, you can add a bit of lemon juice or fresh herbs, like thyme or basil. For storage, I recommend using a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Transfer the vinaigrette to the jar and shake it well before each use. This keeps it fresh and well-mixed. When it comes to serving, drizzle this vinaigrette over fresh salads or roasted vegetables. It works great as a marinade for grilled chicken, too. If you want to impress, serve it in a small glass jar with a ribbon. This makes it a charming gift for friends or family. For the best taste, always store your healthy balsamic vinaigrette in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh and tasty. I like to use a jar with a tight lid. It helps keep the flavors sealed in. How long does homemade vinaigrette last? Homemade vinaigrette can last about one week in the fridge. After that, it may lose flavor and freshness. Always check for any changes in smell or color before using. If you're looking to cut calories, consider using less olive oil. You can use water instead to reduce fat. Another option is to swap honey for a low-calorie sweetener, like stevia. Gluten-free options for a healthier dressing: Most ingredients in this vinaigrette are gluten-free. Just ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free as well. This makes the dressing suitable for anyone avoiding gluten. This vinaigrette pairs perfectly with fresh salads. Drizzle it over greens for a burst of flavor. You can also use it on roasted vegetables for a tasty side dish. Creative uses beyond salads: Try using this vinaigrette as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish. It adds great flavor. You can also use it as a dip for fresh veggies or bread. Let your creativity flow with this versatile dressing! {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegan balsamic vinaigrette. Simply swap honey with maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness while staying plant-based. You can also use agave syrup as a vegan option. For flavor, try adding a bit of mustard or a splash of soy sauce. These enhance the taste without using animal products. This way, you get a tasty dressing that fits your diet. Herbs can really boost the flavor of your vinaigrette. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill add a nice touch. Simply chop them finely and mix them in. You can also try regional herbs. For example, tarragon gives a French flair, while cilantro adds a twist of Latin flavor. Experimenting with different herbs can surprise your taste buds. If you want a creamy version, mix in yogurt or mashed avocado. This creates a rich texture that works well with salads. You can also add a kick with chili flakes or a dash of sriracha. This spicy twist is great for those who enjoy heat. Each of these variations offers a fun way to enjoy your healthy balsamic vinaigrette. For the full recipe, check the earlier section above. For storing your healthy balsamic vinaigrette, choose jars that seal tightly. Glass jars work best. They keep flavors fresh and do not hold smells. Dark glass jars offer added protection from light. This helps preserve the quality of the vinaigrette. Plastic containers can work too, but they can absorb odors over time. After storing, your vinaigrette may separate. This is normal. To refresh it, simply shake the jar. If it still looks separated, use a whisk to blend it again. Always check for freshness before using. If it smells off or has changed color, it’s best to toss it out. Making a double batch of vinaigrette saves time. You can keep it for up to two weeks in the fridge. Use leftover vinaigrette in many ways. Drizzle it over roasted veggies, or use it as a marinade for chicken. It can also be a tasty dip for bread. This recipe is simple, tasty, and perfect for various dishes. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Making healthy balsamic vinaigrette is easy and quick. Here’s how: 1. Gather your ingredients: You need balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. 2. Mix the base: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. 3. Add the oil: Gradually pour in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil while whisking. This helps blend the ingredients. 4. Incorporate flavors: Stir in 1 clove of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. 5. Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity as needed. 6. Store: Pour the vinaigrette into a jar with a tight lid. Shake well before each use. This simple method gives you a fresh and tasty dressing in just 10 minutes. For the full recipe, check out the section above. Homemade vinaigrette has many perks: - Healthier ingredient control: You pick what goes in, so you avoid unwanted additives and preservatives. This means you can enjoy a clean and tasty dressing. - Cost-effective compared to store-bought options: Making your own vinaigrette is often cheaper than buying it. Plus, you can make larger batches and save. Yes, you can freeze it! Here’s how: - Freezing: Pour the vinaigrette into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Leave some space for expansion. - Thawing: When ready to use, move the vinaigrette to the fridge overnight. - Effects on flavor and texture: Freezing may change the texture a bit, but the flavor will still be good. Just shake or stir well before using. Making your own balsamic vinaigrette is simple and rewarding. You learned about key ingredients, customizations, and nutrition. I shared step-by-step instructions for easy preparation. We discussed tips for storage and creative uses. Lastly, I explored various flavors and options that suit your needs. Homemade vinaigrette is a healthy choice. It enhances your dishes while giving you control over ingredients. Enjoy experimenting and crafting your perfect mix!](https://grilledflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/be93c1b3-89ef-44cc-8ef9-56bd36a2a054-300x300.webp)
Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this zesty healthy balsamic vinaigrette! Whip up this delicious dressing in just 10 minutes using simple ingredients like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted veggies, or as a marinade for grilled chicken. Don’t miss out on making mealtime a flavorful adventure—click through for the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your dishes!