Creating the perfect salad dressing at home can transform even the simplest salad into a gourmet experience. This White Balsamic Vinaigrette is a testament to the magic of a well-made dressing.
With its light, slightly sweet flavor and delicate acidity, this homemade vinaigrette is incredibly versatile, enhancing a variety of dishes with its elegant touch.
Drizzle it over your greens, toss it with roasted vegetables or use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or salmon — trust me on this one, you’re going to love it.
Why You’ll Love White Balsamic Vinaigrette
I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that my life changed for the better when I began making my own salad dressings. If you’re not yet sold on the idea of it (convenience is very important, I get it), I’m hoping this white balsamic dressing recipe will shift your mindset.
Here’s why I can’t get enough of homemade vinaigrettes like this one.
- Simple and Quick—Ready in minutes with just a handful of ingredients, this vinaigrette is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. You can whip it up in no time, adding a gourmet touch to any meal without the hassle.
- Versatile—Perfect for salads, marinades, and even drizzling over roasted vegetables. This white balsamic vinaigrette can elevate a variety of dishes, making it a staple in your kitchen. Its light and delicate flavor profile complements everything from leafy greens to hearty grain bowls.
- Healthy—Made with wholesome ingredients and no preservatives, this dressing is a nutritious choice for anyone looking to eat clean. The extra virgin olive oil provides healthy fats, while the white balsamic vinegar and garlic offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Sold!
- Elegant Flavor—Light and slightly sweet with a delicate acidity, this vinaigrette has a sophisticated taste that enhances any dish without overpowering it. The balance of Dijon mustard and honey adds a depth of flavor that is both subtle and satisfying.
- Customizable—Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer it a bit sweeter with more honey or tangier with extra mustard, this recipe can be tailored to match your culinary desires.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe Ingredients
The recipe ingredients for this white balsamic vinegar salad dressing recipe are short and simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- White balsamic vinegar—Provides a mild, slightly sweet acidity—perfect for a balanced vinaigrette. Use white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar in a pinch.
- Extra-virgin olive oil—Adds richness, body and bold flavor.
- Dijon mustard—Acts as an emulsifier and adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- Honey—Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the acidity. Agave nectar or maple syrup are good alternatives.
- Fresh garlic—Provides a subtle, aromatic note and enhances the overall taste. Not big on garlic? Simply omit it.
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper—Essential seasonings that perfectly balance the vinaigrette.
White Balsamic Vinegar vs. Balsamic Vinegar
White balsamic vinegar is lighter in color and flavor compared to regular balsamic vinegar. It is made from the same type of grapes but is cooked and aged differently to preserve its pale color and delicate taste. Regular balsamic vinegar is aged longer and has a darker, richer, and more complex flavor profile.
Recipe Modifications and Dietary Considerations
This homemade White Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is sugar-free, low-sodium, naturally gluten-free and is considered a plant-forward and vegetarian recipe.
I’ve included a few relevant notes below.
Low-Sodium: This recipe was intentionally created with minimal salt. For this reason, we consider it a low-sodium salad dressing.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you choose not to use raw, organic honey you will want to check the label. Some processed honey brands may contain gluten.
Vegan: This vegetarian salad dressing can easily be modified for a vegan lifestyle. Simply replace the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
Oil-Free: This white balsamic dressing recipe can be made without oil without compromising on taste. It’s on the intense side without the oil to help balance the flavor, so try adding water by the tablespoon until the flavor is to your liking. You can also use about 1/4 cup smashed avocado for an ultra creamy and delicious oil-free salad dressing.
More Easy Homemade Dressing Recipes
Make Ahead and Storage
This homemade vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
The extra-virgin olive oil will harden and separate from the liquid when chilled. This is normal. Remove the jar of dressing and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Before using, give it a good shake or whisk to recombine the ingredients.
Making a larger batch can save time and ensure you always have a delicious dressing on hand. That means 5-10 minutes of your time on Sunday means preservative-free, homemade vinaigrette all week long!
How to Serve White Balsamic Vinaigrette
The possibilities are endless when it comes to making tasty use of this white balsamic vinaigrette recipe. Here are some of my favorite ways to freshen up our family’s meals.
- Salads — Toss this dressing with your favorite salad, or see my suggestions: Basil Berry Salad, Blueberry Almond Salad, Herbed Salad Mix, Simple Spinach Arugula Salad.
- Marinade — This vinaigrette is a fantastic marinade for salmon and chicken and even shrimp.
- Vegetables and Pilafs — A light drizzle is all you need to take roasted or grilled vegetables to the next level. Try adding it to my favorite Roasted Dill Carrots recipe. Delish!
- Chicken and Fish — Drizzle this white balsamic dressing over grilled chicken breasts or fish during the final few minutes of cooking for a burst of flavor.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette FAQs
What is white balsamic vinegar?
White balsamic vinegar is a milder and slightly sweet vinegar made from white grapes, typically Trebbiano grapes, which are highly acidic. Unlike regular balsamic vinegar, it undergoes a shorter aging process and is cooked at a lower temperature to maintain its lighter color and delicate flavor.
What is a white balsamic vinegar substitute?
If you don’t have white balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use a mixture of white wine vinegar and a small amount of sugar or honey as a substitute. Another option is to use rice vinegar, which has a similarly mild and slightly sweet taste.
Does white balsamic vinegar taste different from regular balsamic vinegar?
Yes, white balsamic vinegar has a milder, less intense flavor compared to regular balsamic vinegar. It is slightly sweet with a gentle acidity, making it ideal for dishes where you want to add a subtle vinegar taste without overpowering the other ingredients. Regular balsamic vinegar has a more robust, tangy, and complex flavor, often with notes of caramel and fruit.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
This White Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is ready in minutes with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Its delicate flavor pairs perfectly with salads, hearty grain bowls, marinated chicken or seafood and so much more.
- Total Time: 10 mins.
- Yield: 3/4 cup of vinaigrette 1x
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
- sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
- 2–4 tablespoons water* (optional, see notes below)
Instructions
- Combine white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while continuously whisking until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth.
- If you prefer a lighter vinaigrette, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake or whisk again prior to serving.
Notes
I typically add 2-4 tablespoons of water (one tablespoons at a time) to achieve a lighter consistency. That is my personal preference. If you prefer a thicker vinaigrette, this recipe will be perfect as is.
- Prep Time: 10 mins.
- Cook Time: 0 mins.
- Category: Dressings, Sauces and Condiments
- Method: By hand
- Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian