Description
This easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette is a simple, flavorful dressing made with balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, garlic, and seasonings. Perfect for salads, marinades, and drizzling over roasted vegetables, this vinaigrette combines a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in minutes without any cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar (opt for high-quality, aged balsamic for deeper flavor)
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (choose a good quality olive oil for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (adjust to taste for sweetness)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced finely for best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (use sea salt for enhanced flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked for best results)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Begin by assembling all of your ingredients on a clean countertop to ensure you have everything ready for a smooth process.
- Combine Vinegar and Honey: Pour the balsamic vinegar into a medium-sized mixing bowl, then add the honey. If the honey is thick, warm it slightly to help it blend more easily with the vinegar.
- Add Garlic: Finely mince the garlic clove and add it to the vinegar and honey mixture for added flavor depth.
- Season: Sprinkle in the salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting the amounts to your taste preference.
- Whisk Mixture: Vigorously whisk the vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until the ingredients are well combined.
- Emulsify with Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil into the mixture while continuously whisking to create a smooth, emulsified vinaigrette.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your dressing and adjust the seasoning or sweetness if necessary to suit your palate.
- Store or Serve: Transfer the vinaigrette to a jar or airtight container for storage or serve immediately on your favorite salad or as a marinade.
Notes
- Use good quality ingredients, especially balsamic vinegar and olive oil, for the best flavor.
- You can adjust the honey amount depending on how sweet you like your vinaigrette.
- If not using immediately, store in the refrigerator and shake well before each use as separation may occur.
- For a sharper garlic flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- This dressing is versatile and can be used as a marinade for vegetables, chicken, or steak.
