Description
Master the art of creating silky, restaurant-quality balsamic vinaigrette at home with this essential recipe. This versatile dressing combines the perfect balance of tangy balsamic vinegar, fruity olive oil, and aromatic seasonings to create a thick, creamy emulsion that elevates any salad from ordinary to extraordinary. With proper technique and quality control, you’ll achieve that coveted creamy consistency that coats greens beautifully and stays perfectly mixed.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (60ml) high-quality balsamic vinegar
- ¾ cup (180ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced finely
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base (2 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until honey dissolves completely and mixture is uniform.
- Create Perfect Emulsion (3-5 minutes): Start slowly by drizzling olive oil drop by drop while whisking continuously. Maintain constant motion using a steady, circular whisking pattern. Gradually increase oil flow as emulsion forms, continuing to whisk for 2-3 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Finish and Rest (10-15 minutes): Add fresh herbs and fold in gently. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Let rest 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld, then whisk again before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips for Success: Temperature matters – use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification. If ingredients are cold, let them sit out for 15-20 minutes. Emulsification Technique: Add oil very slowly at first (drop by drop) and maintain constant whisking motion. If separation occurs, start over with a small amount in a clean bowl. Quality Indicators: A good emulsion should be thick, creamy, and stay mixed for several minutes. A poor emulsion will be thin, separate immediately, and have an oily surface. Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature and whisk before using.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg