Are you a dressing “on the side” type? For me, it’s situational and depends where I am and what I ordered. Salads served with creamy salad dressings, I would usually order them on the side.
But simple salad vinaigrette dressings have a way of transforming lettuce and classic salad toppings. The salad ingredients become a vehicle for the dressing. And this white balsamic vinaigrette is a sweet, tangy dressing and will make your greens and vegetables sing.
⇢ Where to use white balsamic vinaigrette: I love it over a super easy arugula salad or a late night veggie sandwich. Or drizzle over a mix of fresh strawberries and blueberries. All so good!
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What is a vinaigrette?
The difference between a vinaigrette and a salad dressing is a vinaigrette usually has an emulsifier (or binder) in it. Ingredients like Dijon mustard, as we use in this white vinaigrette salad dressing; mayonnaise like in my or even egg (like in Caesar dressing) are all emulsifiers. When whisked or shaken, emulsifiers help unite the oil and vinegar in a vinaigrette so they don’t separate.
Oil to White Balsamic Vinegar Ratio for Vinaigrette
1 part oil : 1 part white balsamic vinegar
-Josie + Nina
Ingredient Spotlight: white balsamic vinegar
The difference between dark balsamic vinegar and white balsamic vinegar is that white balsamic vinegar is made from the must of white grapes instead of red grapes. The appeal to chefs is that it’s milder and doesn’t change the color of dishes (or stain clothes as readily).
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Easier to find these days, white balsamic can be found at just about every national grocery store. One of my favorites is O California’s White Balsamic.
⇢ You can find the full ingredient list + measurements in the recipe card directly below.
Mixing white balsamic vinaigrette —step by step
As quickly as it takes to read this section, you will have made this simple white balsamic dressing. Here’s how it’s done:
- In a medium measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Add in the mustard, shallots, garlic and seasoning. Whisk in the honey, rapidly mixing the whole time until the dressing has emulsified.
Favorite tools to mix homemade vinaigrette
Here are some of my favorite salad dressing tools:
- Whisks: A classic French whisk in a glass measuring cup is the tried and true method for emulsifying salad dressing really well. I also love using this mini whisk too.
- Blender. A high speed blender is also a great way to mix salad dressing. Get a renewed Vitamix blender for a great deal!
- Jars/Containers: Use either a mason jar (I love Weck canning jars) or a salad dressing mixer container to shake up your favorite homemade dressing recipe! And your vinaigrette dressing will stay emulsified longer too!
Storage, make ahead and freezing
Storage / Make ahead. Most homemade dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long!). For more info, see below and consult the recipe card.
Freezing. I have frozen vinaigrettes in small freezer safe resealable bags. Defrost either in the fridge (upright in a glass) overnight or by sitting in a glass with warm water until it reaches room temp. Whisk or shake to combine.
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5 Minute White Balsamic Vinaigrette
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Ingredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup white balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons chopped shallots
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic, Dijon mustard, shallots and garlic together in a glass measuring cup or small bowl until emulsified.1/3 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons chopped shallots, 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- Add in the honey and salt and pepper. Taste and correct for seasoning.1 Tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Notes
- If you have a hard time whisking, hold the whisk between the palm of both hands and swish back and forth (like you’re washing your hands) while keeping the whisk at the bottom of the measuring cup the whole time.
- Follow the recipe but place the ingredients in a jelly or canning jar. Shake vigorously to incorporate and mix the dressing.
Delicious dressing. The only thing I added was a teaspoon of herbs de provence.
Love the addition of the herbs de provence! Such a great idea – thanks for trying the white vinaigrette, Dale, and so happy you liked it!