Homemade salad dressing is 100 times better than store-bought salad dressing, and cheaper too! With all the flavor, why not make your own? Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to make this sweet balsamic dressing. It's the perfect balance for your salad and will quickly become your favorite vinaigrette!
Whether you're making a great Steakhouse Salad or a pasta salad homemade salad dressing from scratch makes all the difference in flavor and taste!
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Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
Have you ever made your own salad dressing? I admit it; sometimes I cheat and use store-bought. But why??? This sweet balsamic vinaigrette recipe is so good!
It's fresh and easy to make and uses real ingredients. This homemade tastes a ton better than store-bought.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Balsamic Vinegar - pro tip! Buy good quality vinegar. They range in price from a few bucks to over a hundred dollars - eek! The moral of the story? Buy the best you can afford without breaking the budget!
- Olive Oil - good olive makes all the difference. Extra-virgin olive oil is my first choice and they vary in flavor from fruity to peppery - choose the flavor you enjoy.
- Soy Sauce - I often choose soy sauce over salt because I like its depth of extra flavor.
- Dijon Mustard - I use Grey Poupon often or grainy mustard. Again, just make sure you like the flavor before adding it to your dressing. Most people consider this ingredient optional in balsamic vinaigrette, but I always add it as it enhances the flavor and helps the emulsion process.
- Sweeten with a little brown sugar, touch of honey, agave, maple syrup or white s
ugar . You won't need much-added sugar, just a little sweetness. - Black Pepper - love that peppery bite!
Easy enough, right? In fact, you'll probably have all of these ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry!
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions for this easy recipe. For the complete directions, just scroll down to the bottom!
- Add all of the ingredients to a resealable or mason jar.
- Seal well with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake vigorously.
Essential tools for this recipe
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
- Pyrex 4-Piece Glass Measuring Cups
- Squeezable Vinaigrette Bottle
- Measuring Spoons - I love the shape of these because they fit into spice jars
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
There are several uses for good balsamic vinegar! In addition to your favorite salad dressing, it's perfect
Yes, refrigerate leftover salad dressing.
Yes, but it has a long shelf life, it can also up to five years.
Top Tip
Use good quality balsamic vinegar. Amazon has a great selection of affordable high-quality vinegars in a variety of prices.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Store leftovers in an airtight container. This simple Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe will last up to 5 days refrigerated.
More homemade salad dressing recipes
- Thousand Island Salad Dressing - homemade is so simple with ingredients you already have on hand.
- Blue Cheese Salad Dressing - perfect for a salad or for dipping chicken wings.
- Poppy Seed Salad Dressing - you'll love how easy this is to make and how much better it tastes than store bought!
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- Southwest Salad - I originally created this recipe specifically for this salad. It's the perfect combination of flavors!
- Fresh Garden Salad - yum, yum, yum - another great green salad!
- Antipasto Pasta Salad - even with this rich salad, the flavors of the dressing go perfectly.
- Tomato Salad - it's perfect with the balsamic dressing recipe.
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Sweet Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a screw top jar - give it a good shake.
- If a jar isn't available, pour ingredients into a small bowl, whisk to combine .
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Nutrition
Lois says
When you make it yourself its always so much better!
Bowl Me Over says
I agree, homemade dressing makes all the difference!
Nikki says
So simple and so delicious! I use this one all the time on my salads and even as a marinade! Thanks for a wonderful recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
Fabulous, it's the balsamic, right? Just the BEST flavors!!!
Jennifer A Stewart says
being able to make homemade dressing is the best! Once I started, I don't buy store bought anymore! And it's much tastier!
Bowl Me Over says
I completely agree!
Kylee says
Homemade vinaigrettes are the BEST! I love how easy this one is!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Kylee
Angela says
Homemade dressing really is so much better and this certainly has plenty more uses too. I'm loving the flavors in this with the mustard!
Bowl Me Over says
The mustard adds a lot and helps emulsify it too - delish! Thanks Angela!!
michele says
I wholeheartedly agree... homemade is best! Im looking forward to trying your version, and love the tip of using soy sauce instead of salt... it sounds so interesting and can totally see the depth it will add to a dressing!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful - enjoy Michele!
Julie Menghini says
Homemade dressing is the best and we love balsamic on salads and freshly roasted veggies!
Bowl Me Over says
Great tip for the roasted veggies - thanks Julie!
Sandra Shaffer says
You can't beat a good homemade balsamic vinaigrette! I really dislike having tons of purchased salad dressing jars in the refrigerator, so make a dressing and use it right away is definitely the way to go. I love your pretty serving jar. Is that Fiesta?
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Sandra! That little pitcher was my Grandma and it's probably 60 years old. I just checked it's not Fiestaware, there's not even a stamp on the bottom. It's my fav color and I just love it!
Madi says
This is so good to know! Balsamic vinaigrette is one of my faves but I've never tried making it!
Bowl Me Over says
It's so easy to make, I hope you give this a try!
debi at Life Currents says
I love how easy it is to grab a few ingredients from my cupboard and make a delicious salad dressing. And with summer and all the lighter fresher eating, this was delicious! Thanks!
Bowl Me Over says
I totally agree, light summer eating at it's best!!