I’ve been making and sharing how to make homemade salad dressings from scratch for over 30 years. And balsamic vinegar salad dressing recipes have become an obsession because of how welcoming the sweet but tart vinegar is to so many ingredients. Fig jam is a great partner and is the perfect balance to balsamic vinegar, bringing a spicy, warm layer of sweetness.
⇢ Speaking of figs and balsamic, I think you’ll ♥️: two fruit-forward dressings such as this blueberry balsamic dressing and a super yummy cherry balsamic on tenderloin bruschetta.
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The best fig balsamic dressing starts with jam
Sure—you can buy balsamic fig vinegar (made with fig juice), but mixing a fig spread or jam with balsamic vinegar creates a richer fig balsamic dressing while helping emulsify the dressing as well. Plus vinegars that are infused with fruit flavors usually comes from juice and aren’t as concentrated as pastes or fresh fruit.
Ingredient Spotlight: fig jam!
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There are several fig spreads and jams you can find either in your favorite gourmet food or grocery store. Fig jams
Here are some of my favorites:
- Davina Fig Spread. The first ingredient is figs making it the most concentrated fig spread available.
- Braswell’s Fig Preserves. Available online with lot of “tender figs”.
- Stonewall Kitchen Fig Jam. One of the sweeter fig jams thanks to some apple. Easy to find in smaller, specialty shops.
- Bonne Maman Fig Preserve. A classic available at most grocers.
Choosing Balsamic Vinegar
If you spot a bottle with the words “Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale” and it’s within your budget or on sale, grab it! Balsamic vinegar labeled as such has been aged for a minimum of 12 years and would have been made with grapes from approved regions under Italian law.
How to make fig balsamic vinaigrette
Making homemade fig balsamic salad dressing is super fast. Here’s all you need to do:
- In a medium measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and oil.
- Add the chopped shallots, garlic and seasoning.
- Whisk in fig jam until well blended and slightly thickened.
Storage, make ahead and freezing
Storage / Make ahead. Fig balsamic 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. You can definitely freeze fig balsamic salad dressing. I use small vertical resealable bags (or these Souper Cubes) and label them before freezing in a larger bag. Stand them upright until solid and then you can lay them down after they’re completely frozen.
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Whisked Fig Balsamic Dressing
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Ingredients
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chopped shallots
- Teaspoon chopped garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup fig jam, spread or preserves
Instructions
- In a medium measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and oil.1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/3 cup olive oil
- Add the chopped shallots, garlic and seasoning.2 teaspoons chopped shallots, Teaspoon chopped garlic, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Whisk in fig jam until well blended and slightly thickened.⅓ cup fig jam, spread or preserves
Notes
Whisking Alternatives:
- 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.
