This Creamy Balsamic Dressing goes great with all your favorite salads. Made with balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard, and flavored with honey and garlic, this tangy dressing adds a sweet and savory upgrade to your next healthy lunch.
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Why this Creamy Balsamic Dressing Recipe is a Keeper
This rich and creamy balsamic vinaigrette combines oil and vinegar with honey, mayonnaise, Dijon, and spices to make a great recipe that will take a simple green salad to the next level. Homemade balsamic dressing is much better than bottled dressing, and the flavor of the honey balsamic dressing makes it great to use on salads or as a dip. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to give this creamy balsamic salad dressing recipe a try:
- 5 Minute Dressing: Easily make balsamic vinaigrette in just 5 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: All of the ingredients for this homemade balsamic vinaigrette recipe, like olive oil and balsamic vinegar, can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Adaptable: Make your own dressing with spices, health-conscious ingredients, and more. This honey balsamic dressing is easy to make, and can also be used as a marinade.
If you love this recipe and are looking for more salad recipes, try these: Greek Peasant Salad, Jennifer Aniston Salad, and Italian Chopped Salad.
Do I Need to Use Expensive Balsamic Vinegar to Make This Dressing?
While there are different kinds of balsamic vinegar that vary in quality, you don’t need the most expensive variety for salad dressings. A basic balsamic vinegar will do just fine. Save your higher quality balsamic vinegar to accentuate the taste of rich, meaty dishes, such as lamb or steak, or pair it with aged cheese or pate.
Ingredient Notes for Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
- Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar will provide a rich, tangy flavor to the dressing. Use 1/4 cup of it.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use 1/4 cup of olive oil in this homemade dressing to make this recipe.
- Garlic: Mince 2 cloves of fresh garlic. You can also use a dash of garlic powder for more flavor for the balsamic salad dressing.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for Honey Balsamic Dressing
- Mayo Dressing for Salad: Mayonnaise is a classic extra creamy base, but you can also use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even avocado to give a creamy texture this homemade creamy balsamic dressing. To make it extra creamy, add more to your liking.
- Maple Balsamic: If you want, change the flavor of the dressing. Use pure maple syrup instead of honey to make this sweet balsamic dressing recipe.
Special Equipment Needed for Balsamic Salad Dressing
- Food Processor: Use a food processor or use an immersion blender to make this dressing. If you want to make this dressing without these appliances, simply whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl. You can also use a blender or an immersion blender.
Homemade Balsamic Dressing Pro Tip
This sweet balsamic dressing tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
How to Make Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
This classic balsamic dressing made using everyday ingredients like vinegar and olive oil is quick and easy to make. You’ll love to use it on salads or as a marinade to easily upgrade any comfort food. It’s super creamy and is much better than store-bought salad dressing. Just follow the simple steps below to learn how to make this balsamic dressing.
These are the basic steps to make this creamy balsamic dressing. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Add All of the Ingredients
Using a blender or food processor, add balsamic vinegar and other ingredients and pulse until fully combined, or whisk the dressing together. If dressing is too thick, add 1/2 teaspoon of water at a time until desired consistency to keep the dressing smooth.
2. Store the Dressing
Serve the dressing immediately or transfer it to an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Use this dressing for salads, as a dip, or as a marinade.
Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe FAQs
Because this dressing recipe contains mayo, it will not last long in the fridge. Store the dressing in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
The dressing ingredients may separate naturally when stored in the fridge. Shake well before using.
While dressings are typically made of emulsified oils and acids and have a creamy texture, vinaigrettes tend to be thinner and lighter.
Expert Tips for Making this Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
This recipe makes a great marinade or you can adapt this salad dressing like you enjoy.
- Spices: Add more spices or garlic for the best flavor to the mayo dressing for salad.
- Marinade: This dressing can also be used as a marinade for meats, such as steak or chicken.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar can be used in place of balsamic.
What to Serve with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
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Creamy Balsamic Dressing
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 teaspoons Honey
- 2 cloves Garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning Blend
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning Blend
- 1 teaspoon Water, if needed
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until fully combined. If dressing is too thick, add 1/2 teaspoon of water at a time until desired consistency.
- Store dressing in a container with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Christina’s Notes
- Spices: Add more spices or garlic for extra flavor.
- Marinade: This dressing can also be used as a marinade for meats, such as steak or chicken.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar can be used in place of balsamic.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.