• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • Contact
  • Dessert
  • Main Dish
  • Breakfast
  • Appetizers/Snacks
  • Drinks
  • Salad
  • Bread

Dance Around the Kitchen

  • Recipes By Course
  • Recipes By Ingredient
  • Popular Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Recipes By Course
  • Recipes By Ingredient
  • Popular Recipes
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Salad

    August 27, 2020

    Balsamic Vinaigrette

    • Share
    • Tweet

    This quick and easy balsamic vinaigrette is full of flavor - so good that you'll never buy store bought again!

    Jar with Balsamic Vinaigrette in it

    I get it. Salad can be BORING - super boring. Have you ever brought a salad to work for lunch and almost dreaded eating it?? Been there, done that. It doesn't have to be that way, though.

    There are three pieces to a killer salad. First off, it all starts will crisp, fresh greens. Then, toppings!! Topping will add a variety of textures, colors and flavors. And lastly, a flavorful dressing that compliments the flavors of the salad and gives it a little "umph!" This vinaigrette will do just that!

    Green salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette on the side

    How do you make balsamic vinaigrette?

    In a pinch, store-bought salad dressings are fine. But if you've got 2 minutes to spare, you can make a super easy, super delicious balsamic vinaigrette that'll make you rethink ever buying store-bought dressing ever again!

    Here are the ingredients you'll need:

    • Olive Oil - Extra virgin olive oil, light-tasting olive oil, or whatever you've got is fine!!
    • Balsamic Vinegar
    • Honey - If you don't have honey, you can use brown sugar instead. I do prefer honey though as it gives a little added thickness.
    • Dijon Mustard
    • Minced Garlic - I use the fresh minced garlic you can find in a jar at the grocery store. You can also mince your own garlic.
    • Salt, Pepper and Ground Thyme

    Now that you've got the ingredients, the rest is easy! Simply grab a jar and add all of the ingredients. Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously.

    Balsamic Vinaigrette being poured onto a green salad

    How do you make a really good salad?

    As I mentioned above, you'll want to start with good greens. The general rule of thumb is that the darker the leaves, the more nutrient dense. Therefore, I like to do a combination of spring mix (a good base), spinach (extra nutrients) and thinly shredded cabbage or brussels sprouts (crunch!).

    Next up, toppings!! Here's the fun thing about salads - the options are literally ENDLESS. Below is a list of topping ideas. This is not an exhaustive list, but should be a good starting point. If you're wanting to make an entree salad, I recommend choosing at least one protein, three different veggies/fruits and at least one crunchy topping.

    Lastly (and just as important!), you'll want to finish the salad with a delicious dressing. Want something fruity? I love this Raspberry Vinaigrette! Going for a tex-mex flair? Here's a yummy Southwest Ranch you'll love. But if you're looking for something with balsamic, the one I've got for you today is AMAZING!!!

    List of Salad Toppings

    Why did my vinaigrette solidify in the fridge?

    If you use a high quality olive oil (has a higher ratio of monounsaturated fats), it will solidify in the fridge.  This is completely normal, so no worries. Just let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before using or place in a warm water bath to speed up the process.  Shake and enjoy!

    Balsamic Vinaigrette in a salad dressing container

    Connect with Dance Around the Kitchen!

    Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook so you never miss a recipe!! And as always, thank you for following along with my blog, making my recipes, liking and sharing on social media and any other way you support Dance Around the Kitchen!  -Kelsey

    Print the recipe below or PIN IT for later!

    Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Balsamic Vinaigrette

    kelsey
    This quick and easy balsamic vinaigrette is full of flavor - so good that you'll never buy store bought again!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going to sleep.
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 c olive oil
    • ⅓ c balsamic vinegar
    • 3 tablespoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme

    Instructions
     

    • Place all ingredients into a jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and shake before each use*.

    Notes

    Makes about 1 ½ cups of vinaigrette.
    *Did your vinaigrette solidify in the fridge?  If you use a high quality olive oil (has a higher ratio of monounsaturated fats), it will solidify in the fridge.  This is completely normal.  Let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before using or place in a warm water bath to speed up the process.  Shake and enjoy!
    Keyword vinaigrette
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @dancearoundthekitchen.kelsey and let me know how you liked it!

    More Salad

    • Garden Lettuce Dressing
    • Orange Jello Salad
    • Sweet Macaroni Salad
    • Tortellini Pasta Salad
    • Share
    • Tweet
    about kelsey

    About Kelsey

    Combining my love for food and family is a pretty easy calculation. Almost all family gatherings include food… After all, a party without cake is just a meeting right? Read more...

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Kelsey! I am a wife, mother and BFFs with my KitchenAid mixer, happy to bring you easy meals and decadent desserts! Welcome to my blog!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Crack Corn Dip
    • Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
    • Buttermilk Cookies
    • Gyro Dip

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    SEEN ON

    as seen on promo graphic

    SEEN ON

    as seen on promo graphic

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Dance Around the Kitchen