Easy Homemade Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette: Your Go-To Fresh Salad Dressing Recipe
Transform your everyday meals with an incredibly simple and flavorful homemade dressing! This Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is my absolute favorite when I need a quick, delicious, and fresh dressing that elevates any dish. Its vibrant taste is truly unbeatable.
As the school year winds down and the days grow longer, there’s a palpable shift in the air. For many of us, the countdown to summer break is a welcome relief, promising a much-needed slower pace. This time of year often brings a desire for lighter, fresher meals that are easy to prepare, leaving more time for relaxation and enjoyment. If you’re anything like me, the hustle and bustle of spring can sometimes leave you feeling a bit worn out, making the prospect of simple, yet delicious, home-cooked dinners even more appealing. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, starting with a fantastic homemade salad dressing.
Oh hey there summer… bring on the refreshing meals!
Why Choose Homemade Salad Dressing? The Benefits of DIY Vinaigrettes
You already know I’m a huge fan of salads, and crafting quick, flavorful vinaigrettes from ingredients I already have on hand is truly my culinary superpower. There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up your own salad dressing. Not only does it allow you to control the quality of ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives, sugars, and preservatives often found in store-bought options, but it also opens up a world of flavor possibilities. You can customize it to your exact taste, ensuring every drizzle is perfect for your palate. Plus, it’s often more cost-effective in the long run!
My philosophy is to stick with basic, wholesome ingredients. I often feel like I’ve hit the jackpot when I have an almost empty jar of mustard or preserves in the fridge. Those jars, with their flavorful remnants, make the absolute best foundations for dressings. If you haven’t tried shaking a vinaigrette right in an almost-empty jar, you are missing out on an effortless way to capture every last drop of flavor.
The Magic of Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is not just simple; it’s a staple in my kitchen, a recipe I turn to time and again because its core ingredients are always readily available. The beauty of this dressing lies in the harmonious balance of sweet and tangy. The rich, slightly acidic balsamic vinegar is perfectly mellowed by the natural sweetness of honey, creating a versatile dressing that complements a wide array of dishes.
This delightful dressing is wonderful drizzled generously over a hearty flank steak salad, adding a gourmet touch. It’s also fantastic for jazzing up simple grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. Beyond salads, consider using it as a light marinade for chicken or fish, or even a flavorful dip for crusty bread. Its versatility makes it a must-have in your recipe collection.
Honey Balsamic Salad Dressing Ingredients: Simple & Fresh
The secret to this incredible honey balsamic dressing is its short and sweet ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and flavorful vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup high-quality olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides a fruity, robust base and healthy fats. It’s essential for a smooth, emulsified dressing.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Look for a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best depth of flavor. Its sweet and tangy profile is the star of this vinaigrette.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Honey not only adds natural sweetness but also acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar stay together. Any type of honey works beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This aromatic herb adds an earthy, slightly peppery note that enhances the overall flavor. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
- A pinch of coarse salt and fresh ground pepper: These pantry staples are vital for seasoning, bringing all the flavors together and adding a subtle kick.
That’s truly it! It really doesn’t get much easier than this basic honey balsamic dressing. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dressing that’s incredibly good on so many different salads and beyond. The simplicity ensures you’ll be making this flavorful dressing regularly.
Kitchen tip: I absolutely love using small jars with tight-fitting lids, like these, to make and store my homemade vinaigrettes and dressings. They are truly the perfect size for shaking up ingredients until well blended and then storing in the fridge. Plus, they look lovely!
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Author: Aggie Goodman
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: a little more than 1/2 cup (approximately 130ml)
Category: Salad Dressing, Vinaigrette
This effortless Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette combines sweet honey with tangy balsamic vinegar, robust olive oil, and aromatic dried oregano for a quick, fresh, and versatile homemade salad dressing. Perfect for salads, marinades, or drizzling over grilled meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (local raw honey recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- pinch coarse salt (to taste)
- freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
1. Combine all of the ingredients – olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper – in a small jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the lid is securely fastened.
2. Shake vigorously for about 30-60 seconds, or until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing appears well emulsified (creamy and homogenous). You want the oil and vinegar to come together nicely.
3. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings if necessary. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more honey for sweetness, depending on your preference and the balsamic vinegar used.
4. Serve your desired amount over your salad of choice, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or use as a light marinade. Store any leftover vinaigrette in the sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake again before each use as separation may occur.
Serving Suggestions & Customization for Your Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
This versatile honey balsamic dressing is a true kitchen hero. Beyond traditional green salads, here are more ways to enjoy its delightful flavor:
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, bell peppers, or carrots for an instant flavor boost.
- Grain Bowls: Elevate your favorite grain bowls with a generous splash. It pairs wonderfully with quinoa, farro, or brown rice, along with roasted veggies and protein.
- Marinade: Use it as a quick marinade for chicken, pork, or even firm tofu before grilling or baking. The acidity helps tenderize, and the flavors infuse beautifully.
- Bruschetta: Toss with fresh chopped tomatoes and basil, then serve over toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: A light drizzle inside sandwiches or wraps adds a gourmet touch and prevents dryness.
- Pasta Salads: Incorporate it into cold pasta salads with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
Flavor Variations to Try:
- Garlic: Add 1 clove of minced fresh garlic for an aromatic kick.
- Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard can help with emulsification and add a spicy depth.
- Lemon Zest/Juice: A bit of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors even more.
- Fresh Herbs: Swap dried oregano for fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary (use 1 tablespoon fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon dried).
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a subtle heat.
More Homemade Vinaigrette Recipes to Explore:
If you love the simplicity and fresh taste of this honey balsamic dressing, you’ll definitely want to try these other homemade vinaigrette recipes to keep your salads exciting:
Maple Vinaigrette
Honey, Lime and Garlic Vinaigrette
Grapefruit Vinaigrette
And check out these fantastic creations from fellow foodies:
Citrus Honey Vinaigrette | Reluctant Entertainer
Strawberry Vinaigrette | Barefeet in the Kitchen
For more inspiration, follow my dedicated Pinterest board for an endless supply of ideas:
Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Homemade Salad Dressings on Pinterest.