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Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.1 from 29 reviews

A smooth and creamy balsamic vinaigrette made by blending balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and olive oil into a perfectly emulsified dressing. This versatile vinaigrette adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to salads and can also be used as a flavorful dip for vegetables.

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 3/4 cups (14 servings)

Ingredients

Vinaigrette Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (use less if using table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 small garlic cloves (or 2 large cloves)
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients except the olive oil to add to a blender—this includes balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic cloves.
  2. Blend Base Ingredients: Blend these ingredients on high until smooth, approximately one minute, to create the flavorful base of the dressing.
  3. Emulsify with Olive Oil: With the blender running on low speed, slowly add the olive oil in a thin, steady stream through the blender lid opening to emulsify the dressing, resulting in a creamy and fully combined vinaigrette.
  4. Measure Yield: This process makes about 1 and 3/4 cups of creamy balsamic vinaigrette.
  5. Store Properly: Transfer the dressing to a mason jar or any sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
  6. Serve Suggestions: Use this vinaigrette on salads like Cobb Salad, Fancy No Chop Salad, or Basil Chicken Arugula Salad, or serve as a delicious dip for fresh vegetable trays as an alternative to Ranch dressing.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
  • Adjust salt according to the type used—kosher salt is preferred for seasoning balance.
  • The dressing keeps well refrigerated for up to three months.
  • Do not freeze the vinaigrette, as this can affect texture and taste.
  • For a more garlicky kick, increase the garlic cloves slightly.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dressing
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free