This easy balsamic vinaigrette is tangy, perfectly balanced, and ready in minutes—your new go-to homemade salad dressing for greens, grain bowls, roasted veggies, chicken, and more!

A glass bottle of balsamic vinaigrette sits on a wooden tray next to a fresh salad in a white bowl, a sliced lemon, a fork, and a blue patterned cloth napkin.

There’s something so satisfying about shaking up your own balsamic vinaigrette—just a few pantry staples, one jar, and voilà: a glossy, flavor-packed dressing that makes anything it touches taste a little more delicious.

As a dietitian, I’m always looking for simple ways to help people work more nourishing fats and colorful produce into their day, and this recipe checks both boxes beautifully. Extra-virgin olive oil brings heart-smart richness, while balsamic vinegar adds that signature sweet-tart punch that wakes up lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted Brussels sprouts… honestly, the whole veggie drawer.

A small clear glass bottle filled with dark balsamic vinaigrette, topped with a layer of golden oil, set against a plain light background.
A small clear glass bottle of Balsamic Vinaigrette with a black screw cap, filled with dark brown liquid and bubbles on top, is placed on a light surface against a plain white background.
A small glass bottle filled with dark Balsamic Vinaigrette sits on a white surface. In the background are blurred bottles, a bowl of salad, a lemon half, and a blue patterned cloth in the foreground.

And if you’re in a dressing-making mood, you’ll also want to try my Lemon Vinaigrette, Red Wine Vinaigrette, and Honey Mustard Vinaigrette—each one brings its own personality to the plate and makes meal prep feel instantly fresher.

I started making homemade vinaigrettes years ago because most bottled versions never tasted right to me—too sharp, too flat, too much of something. So I’d grab an old jelly jar, add a splash of this, a spoonful of that, and shake until it came together into something I couldn’t wait to drizzle on everything. My kids used to laugh because I’d do a little “dressing dance” at the counter while shaking it up… and honestly, I still do. It’s the quickest kitchen mood booster!!

A bowl of fresh salad with spinach, tomatoes, radishes, carrots, and bell peppers sits on a wooden board beside a bottle of balsamic vinaigrette, a half lemon, a blue-patterned napkin, and two forks.
A small bowl of rich balsamic vinaigrette sits on a wooden tray next to a fresh salad and lemon slice. A fork, blue patterned cloth, and a bottle of dressing are nearby on a light surface.

Try my Creamy Ranch Dressing or Tahini Dressing!

A glass bottle of balsamic vinaigrette sits on a wooden tray next to a fresh salad in a white bowl, a sliced lemon, a fork, and a blue patterned cloth napkin.
(5 stars) 6 ratings

Balsamic Vinaigrette

This easy balsamic vinaigrette is tangy, slightly sweet, and made with simple pantry staples—perfect for salads, roasted veggies, grain bowls, chicken, and meal prep.
Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar, choose a good-quality, aged vinegar if possible
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup*
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Details to Know
*If you follow a vegan diet, choose maple syrup here.

Instructions
 

  • Combine all the ingredients in a jar or container with a screw-on lid. Screw on the lid and shake the container vigorously until everything is well combined.

Notes

Sweetener substitute:
• I like to use honey, but you can swap in maple syrup if you prefer.
Storage tips:
• Store any leftover balsamic vinaigrette in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 1 week.
• Because this dressing contains olive oil, it may firm up or slightly solidify when stored in the fridge. This is perfectly normal! Simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using, and give it a good shake or stir to bring it back to its smooth, pourable consistency.
• Always shake vigorously before each use to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the flavors are evenly distributed.

Watch how to make it!

Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN
Course: Appetizer, Condiment
Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 2 tablespoonsCalories: 60Carbohydrates: 4gProtein: 0gTotal Fat: 5g— Unsaturated Fat: 4g— Saturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 23mgFiber: 0gTotal Sugar: 3g— Natural Sugar: 2g— Added Sugar: 1gCalcium: 5mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!