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–+ servings
Easy Salad Dressing
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 8
Calories 130 kcal

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
Keyword balsamic vinaigrette, easy recipe, healthy, homemade dressing, mediterranean, no-cook, pantry staples, salad dressing, vintage recipe