My husband and I have always loved balsamic vinegar and olive oil and nothing beats eating at an Italian restaurant, dripping bread in a divine mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pepper. I just love Mediterranean food and recipes like this one are my favorites, especially when it comes to salad dressing! This Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing is packed with nutrients and is unsurpassed as it contains just the right amounts of just the right flavors and ingredients.
My mouthwatering healthy Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing contains balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil, and takes just 5 minutes to make! It’s absolutely delicious on salads, sandwiches, wraps, and as a vegetable dip! If you’re in a time crunch and need a quick and healthy salad dressing, be sure you make a batch of this! If you love homemade dressings, then you’ll love my insanely addicting Homemade Ranch Dressing, Homemade Italian Dressing, and Homemade Thousand Island Dressing recipes!
What is balsamic vinaigrette?
Balsamic vinegar forms balsamic vinaigrette and is a symbol of Italian heritage and comes from the Modena and Reggio Emilia regions of Italy. According to Mortadella Head’s article, is traditionally made through a labor-intense process that has decades of history. Balsamic vinegar was historically used as a medicinal elixir and was a prestigious gift. The history of balsamic vinegar can be traced back to the Middle Ages when the nobles, who valued it as a treasured elixir, used it for many health benefits. Some of the health benefits balsamic vinegar was known to treat included aiding digestion to a general cure for most ailments.
Making traditional balsamic vinegar is a patience procedure that takes 12 to 25 years to get just right not to mention with picking the perfect grapes to start the fermentation process. Most of the magic happens during the ageing process when the vinegar is transported in large barrels made from different types of wood, which also attribute to the flavor of the balsamic vinegar.
Balsamic vinegar contains many health benefits including lowering cholesterol and improving your complexion. According to Medical News Today’s post, balsamic vinegar is packed with antioxidants, has been shown to reduce blood sugar, promotes healthy digestion, and can aid in weight loss.
Special Diets
This is a naturally gluten free, low carb, paleo, and dairy free dressing recipe. It’s a naturally vegetarian recipe, but for a vegan recipe, use agave in place of honey.
Ingredients in Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is tart and with the oil, forms the base of this dressing.
Honey. Honey neutralizes the acid in this recipe to produce a more balanced taste. For a vegan recipe, use agave.
Garlic. Freshly mince garlic cloves for fragrance, aroma, and nutrition in this dressing recipe.
According to Healthline’s post, garlic contains compounds that contain potent medicinal properties. Also, garlic, is packed with manganese, vitamins B6 and C, selenium, and fiber, and can help protect against illnesses, including the common cold. The compounds in garlic may possess antiviral properties that may help protect against viruses.
One study showed that garlic supplements reduced blood pressure in those with high blood pressure and noted that the effect of garlic was similar to properties in blood pressure medications but with fewer side effects.
Salt. Salt provides flavor and seasoning while enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pepper. Freshly cracked black pepper tastes best although regular black pepper can be used. Black pepper is packed with antioxidants and according to Healthline’s post, may benefit your brain and improve blood sugar levels.
Extra virgin olive oil. High quality extra virgin olive oil provides the foundation for this dressing and is nutrient and antioxidant rich.
According to Healthline’s post, extra virgin olive oil contains numerous antioxidants, strong anti-inflammatory properties, may help prevent strokes, and protects against heart disease. Olive oil has been shown to reduce blood pressure and numerous studies have linked the Mediterranean diet, which is olive oil-rich, has favorable effects on body weight.
How to make the best Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
STEP 1: In a medium bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
STEP 2: Pour into a Mason jar or lidded container and store at room temperature for up to 3-4 weeks.
STEP 3: If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Storage Tips
You can store any leftovers in a Mason jar or airtight container at room temperature for up to four weeks.
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Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ c balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey for vegan, use agave
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper freshly cracked
- ⅓ c extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Pour into a mason jar or lidded container and store at room temperature for up to 3-4 weeks.
- If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Nutrition (per serving)
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