This straightforward balsamic French dressing takes minutes to make with simply 4 easy components. It’s candy and tangy, good for salads or grain bowls!
Once I first began studying to prepare dinner, I nonetheless bear in mind the “aha” second of realizing I may make salad dressing at residence. That easy selfmade balsamic French dressing tasted brisker and extra vibrant than something I’d ever purchased bottled, and it took me lower than 5 minutes to make.
Now this 4-ingredient recipe has develop into my absolute go-to dressing. I’ve spent over a decade perfecting this recipe, and it’s one which our family and friends always request! It transforms all the things from strawberry salad to roasted greens to grain bowls all through the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Right here’s why I this you’ll love this recipe:
- Simply 4 easy components: Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup are all you want
- Prepared in 5 minutes: Quicker than driving to the shop for a bottle
- Completely balanced taste: Candy and tangy with simply the correct amount of acidity
- Stays emulsified: The Dijon mustard retains it creamy and prevents separation
5-Star Reader Opinions
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Made for a ladies’ weekend, and salad and dressing bought rave opinions. Simple to place collectively and engaging every time we used it. Will certainly make once more.” -Cyn
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This actually is one of the best balsamic French dressing! Made it final night time to go along with your beet and goat cheese salad, and everybody raved. And my household isn’t that keen on salad, in order that’s a fairly good endorsement.” -Josianne
Ingredient Notes
I’ve discovered that with so few components, high quality issues. Right here’s what you’ll want:
- Aged balsamic vinegar: The standard of your balsamic does make a distinction! I like to recommend a mid-priced industrial grade balsamic vinegar, also referred to as balsamic vinegar of Modena (IGP). It has that good steadiness of tangy and candy flavors with out breaking the financial institution (search for bottles within the $8-15 vary). Conventional aged balsamic (DOP) is simply too costly for mixing into dressing, and the most affordable condiment-grade variations lack depth.
- Dijon mustard: This ingredient provides tangy taste and helps the dressing to develop into thick and creamy, locking within the emulsion. This method works in lots of different French dressing salad dressing recipes, like this Italian dressing recipe.
- Maple syrup or honey: I choose actual maple syrup for its complicated taste, however honey works fantastically too. Begin with 1 tablespoon for a extra savory dressing, or use 2 for one thing sweeter (good for fruit salads).
- Further virgin olive oil: Use a very good high quality olive oil that you simply benefit from the style of by itself. You possibly can substitute avocado oil for a extra impartial taste, however I like the fruity notes {that a} good olive oil brings (plus, it’s one of many healthiest cooking oils).
Methods to Make Balsamic French dressing Dressing
Making selfmade balsamic French dressing is surprisingly easy, however the method issues for getting it correctly emulsified. Right here’s my foolproof technique (or go to the full recipe):
Professional tip: You too can use the jar-shake technique once you’re in a rush. Add all components to a mason jar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. The confined area creates agitation, serving to all the things emulsify shortly. Plus, you’ll be able to retailer it proper within the jar.
In case your French dressing does separate after storing, merely re-whisk or shake it again collectively. The Dijon mustard makes it straightforward to re-emulsify. For greatest outcomes, let it come to room temperature first.
Methods to Use It
This balsamic French dressing recipe is extremely versatile: it’s extra than simply salad dressing! Listed here are my favourite methods to make use of it:
Methods to Retailer
Retailer your selfmade balsamic French dressing in an hermetic container (I usually use a mason jar) within the fridge for to 2 to three weeks. The olive oil will solidify when chilly, which is completely regular. Let the dressing sit at room temperature a couple of minutes earlier than utilizing, then give it a very good shake or whisk to re-emulsify.
Don’t attempt to freeze vinaigrettes: the feel of the emulsion gained’t come again collectively correctly when thawed. Because it solely takes 5 minutes to make, it’s simpler to make a contemporary batch.
For those who discover separation throughout storage, that’s regular! Simply shake or whisk earlier than every use.
Dietary notes
This balsamic French dressing recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.
Continuously requested questions
This selfmade model is way more healthy than store-bought choices. It comprises heart-healthy olive oil, no preservatives or synthetic components, and also you management the quantity of sweetener.
A very good place to begin is a 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar. You possibly can modify this to your style desire – extra vinegar for a tangier dressing, extra oil for a milder taste.
Completely! This dressing makes a wonderful marinade. The acid within the vinegar helps tenderize meat whereas the oil retains it moist throughout cooking. For hen, marinate for half-hour to 2 hours. For harder cuts of beef or pork, you’ll be able to marinate as much as 24 hours.
Sure, the standard of your balsamic vinegar considerably impacts the ultimate taste. Search for Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (IGP) within the $8-15 vary for one of the best outcomes. Keep away from the most affordable bottles (underneath $5) which are sometimes simply wine vinegar with caramel coloring and added sweeteners. Save costly conventional balsamic (DOP) for drizzling.
Balsamic French dressing
This straightforward balsamic French dressing recipe makes use of solely 4 components (plus salt) and whips up in minutes! With its steadiness of candy, tangy, and savory, it’s going to develop into your go-to salad dressing. Ditch retailer purchased dressing for good!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook dinner Time: 0 minutes
- Complete Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About ½ cup 1x
- Class: Salad Dressing
- Methodology: Whisked
- Delicacies: American
- Food regimen: Vegan
- 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 to 2 tablespoons* pure maple syrup or honey
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- In a medium bowl, whisk collectively the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and salt till totally mixed.
- Steadily whisk within the olive oil, including 1 tablespoon at a time and whisking till it incorporates, till an emulsion varieties.* Serve instantly. Retailer refrigerated and produce to room temperature earlier than serving (retains a minimum of 2 weeks).
Notes
*For those who’re searching for a balsamic dressing on the candy aspect for salads like a strawberry salad, use 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup. For a balsamic dressing with extra savory notes, use 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup.