Quick Salad Dressing You Can Make in Minutes

I love how balsamic vinaigrette is one of those simple little recipes that can make a meal feel extra special without much effort at all. It has a rich, tangy flavor with just enough sweetness to balance everything out. 

Best of all, you can make it in just a few minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator. I enjoy this tasty dressing on garden salads as well as mixed veggies and meat.

I don’t think you can get an easier recipe than this one for balsamic vinaigrette … at least not one that adds so much flavor to any meal.

One of the things I’ve discovered in all the years I’ve been cooking is that if I have a handful of basic ingredients, I can make salad dressings, sauces, and gravies that are better than store-bought versions. 

Ingredients

I’ve made a variety of balsamic vinaigrettes, and this one is the easiest, as well as the most delicious! Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• Olive oil (extra virgin)
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Garlic powder
• Salt (optional)

How to Make the Easiest Balsamic Vinaigrette Ever

Start with a mason jar or any other jar that’s clean and has a lid. Put all of the ingredients in the jar.

Next, make sure the lid is on tight. Then shake it vigorously, until everything is all mixed and smooth.

That’s it! You now have a jar of balsamic vinaigrette, just waiting to add flavor to your meal.

*Note: If you don’t have a jar with a lid, you can whisk the ingredients in a small bowl. However, it takes a tad longer, but it still works just fine.

Additions and Variations

Please feel free to add more of any of the main ingredients. My husband likes the tanginess of dijon mustard, so I sometimes increase it by as much as 50 percent.

Here are some other things you might want to add or switch out:

• Swap out the honey for your favorite sweetener.
• Add a dash of onion powder.
• Sprinkle a little black pepper into the mixture.
• For a spicy hot flavor, add some ground cayenne or Tabasco sauce.
• Feel free to add extra garlic.

Tips for Serving

I’ve found that setting out the dressing for about half an hour to an hour at room temperature before serving allows it to relax and not be quite so thick. After you do that, give the jar a quick shake to mix up whatever has settled.

For a fancy dinner, transfer the dressing to a pretty serving bowl with a tiny ladle for drizzling. 

Super Easy Fresh Flavor

This easy balsamic vinaigrette is proof that homemade doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a mason jar, you can make a fresh, flavorful dressing that tastes so much better than most bottled versions.

Whether you serve it over an easy salad, air-fried chicken, or even a perfectly cooked T-bone steak, your taste buds will be oh-so happy!

Please feel free to share!