Frequently asked questions
What we love about this recipe: This is the recipe Alex and I have been using for over a decade and it always gets rave reviews from our friends and family! It’s extremely versatile, perfect on everything from a classic strawberry salad to a pear gorgonzola salad. It has a short ingredient list and it comes together in less than 5 minutes. So why ever buy balsamic dressing again?
Aged balsamic vinegar: The quality of balsamic does make a difference! Look for a mid-priced commercial grade balsamic vinegar, also known as balsamic vinegar of Modena (IGP) or aceto balsamico di Modena. It has a developed, tangy sweet flavor and is perfect for salad dressings. Dijon mustard: This ingredient adds tangy flavor and helps the dressing to become thick and creamy, locking in the emulsion. This technique works in many other vinaigrette salad dressing recipes, like this Italian dressing recipe. Maple syrup: The sweetness balances the tang of the vinegar. You can also substitute honey. Extra virgin olive oil: This rich oil makes the dressing come together.
Traditional balsamic vinegar, aka aceto balsamico tradizionale. This type of balsamic is aged 12 to 18 years, and has a very thick, syrupy texture. It’s the highest quality and most expensive. Commercial grade balsamic vinegar, aka balsamic vinegar of Modena (IGP) or aceto balsamico di Modena. This type is aged less than 12 years and has a tangy sweet flavor. Try a commercial grade balsamic for this balsamic dressing recipe. Condiment grade balsamic vinegar is the lowest grade. It has a thinner texture that’s more similar to other types of vinegar, and the flavor varies widely on the brand. Very cheap brands may even use sugar to mimic the sweetness of grapes.
Green salads like spinach salad, butter lettuce salad, radicchio salad, frisee salad, arugula salad or endive salad. Fruit salads like apple salad, apple walnut salad, or pear salad. Berry-based salads like strawberry salad, blackberry salad or blueberry salad. Root vegetable salads like beet salad, arugula beet salad or sweet potato salad.
How would you serve this balsamic vinaigrette recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
Creamy: Try homemade ranch dressing, our favorite Caesar dressing recipe, or Green Goddess dressing. Vinaigrettes: Go for classic Italian dressing, our basic vinaigrette, red wine vinaigrette, Greek dressing, or lemon vinaigrette. Fruity dressings: Go for strawberry dressing or raspberry vinaigrette. Or, browse 30 Salad Dressing Recipes or 10 Healthy Salad Dressings.
5 from 4 reviews
