Simple homemade vinaigrettes have long been a staple of home kitchens, offering fresh flavor with only a handful of pantry ingredients. This Southern California-inspired salad dressing combines rich balsamic vinegar with Dijon honey mustard to create a smooth, tangy base that emulsifies beautifully with extra-virgin olive oil. The result is a versatile dressing that's equally delicious over crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or as a light marinade for chicken and vegetables. Because it's made from scratch, the flavors are brighter than many bottled dressings, and it can easily be adjusted to suit individual tastes. Keeping a jar of this dressing in the refrigerator makes preparing fresh salads quick, easy, and flavorful throughout the week.
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Dijon honey mustard
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Base
- Add the balsamic vinegar to a mixing bowl or measuring cup.
- Whisk in the Dijon honey mustard.
- Add the sea salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Emulsify the Dressing
- While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil.
- Continue whisking until the dressing becomes smooth and fully emulsified.
Step 3: Store
- Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Shake well before each use.
Tips
- Add one clove of minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Stir in a teaspoon of honey for a sweeter vinaigrette.
- Add chopped fresh basil or parsley.
- Substitute whole-grain Dijon mustard for added texture.
- Mix in a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Add fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Use white balsamic vinegar for a lighter flavor.
- Blend in a food processor for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Use as a marinade for chicken or vegetables.
- Store refrigerated for up to one week.
Nutrition
Calories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 0.2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 102mgPotassium: 26mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 8IUCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.2mg