White Balsamic Dressing
Light, tangy, and slightly sweet, White Balsamic Dressing is a versatile staple that takes salads, roasted veggies, and grilled meats to the next level. This dressing comes together in minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients!
You should also try this Cherry Balsamic Pasta Salad and Italian Chicken Salad!
If you’ve never used white balsamic vinegar before, prepare to be amazed.
I discovered this vinegar years ago and have been incorporating it into a lot of recipes, such as this corn and tomato salad and this quinoa black bean salad. Making my own dressings is not only fun, but tasty, too!
Made with smooth white balsamic vinegar, rich olive oil, a touch of honey for natural sweetness, and a blend of seasonings, it creates a bright and refreshing dressing with just the right amount of acidity.
The white balsamic vinegar lends a milder, fruitier taste compared to traditional dark balsamic, making it perfect for dishes where you want a more subtle flavor without the deep color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Light and Refreshing: Unlike traditional balsamic dressing, this version is milder and has a hint of sweetness.
- Simple to Make: This white balsamic dressing recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Naturally Sweetened: A touch of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness without refined sugars.
- Versatile: Use the dressing for salads, a marinade for chicken or seafood, or drizzle over some roasted veggies or pasta for a hint of flavor.
- Easy to Customize: You can adjust the sweetness, acidity, and seasonings based on your tastes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe stores well in the fridge so you can use this all week.
What is White Balsamic Vinegar?
It is lighter, slightly fruity and has a golden tone…opposite of what traditional balsamic vinegar is like. It’s a great option for lighter dishes where regular balsamic may be too strong.
Ingredients Needed:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The better quality of olive oil you use, the better the dressing will taste. This is my favorite brand.
- White Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the recipe.
- Honey: Use honey or pure maple syrup to sweeten the vinaigrette.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
How to Make White Balsamic Vinegar Salad Dressing:
- Combine: In a bowl or mason jar, add all of the ingredients and whisk thoroughly to combine or cover the jar with a lid and shake well.
- Serve: You can use the white balsamic salad dressing recipe immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
How to Store:
Store the white balsamic vinegar dressing recipe in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Shake Before Using: The oil and vinegar may separate, so shake well or stir before using.
- Bring to Room Temperature: If the oil solidifies in the refrigerator, let the dressing sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes and then stir well.
Can I Make this White Balsamic Dressing for Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dressing will keep for up to one week in the refrigerator. I like to use these mason jars to keep my dressings and sauces fresh.
Serving Suggestions:
The dressing with white balsamic vinegar can be paired with so many things. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Salad: Drizzle over mixed greens, spinach, arugula, or this apple cranberry pecan salad.
- Vegetables: Toss with roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus.
- Marinades: Brush the white balsamic vinaigrette dressing over chicken, shrimp, or salmon before cooking or grilling.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Use as a spread in your favorite wrap or sandwich.
- Grain Bowls: Toss with quinoa, farro, or couscous for a healthier option, like this spinach and mushroom quinoa bowl.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Swap the Sweetener: Instead of honey, use pure maple syrup, agave, or granulated sugar.
- Make it Creamy: Mix in some Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to make a creamy white balsamic vinaigrette recipe.
- Add Citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice or orange juice can brighten the flavor.
- Use Some Mustard: A bit of dijon mustard or whole grain mustard gives a little kick to the dressing.
- Sprinkle Some Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano can enhance the flavors.
Looking for More Easy Salad Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Creamy Pea Salad
- BLT Ranch Pasta Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Quinoa and Chickpea Pesto Salad
- Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
- Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad
White Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey, (or pure maple syrup)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl or mason jar with a lid, add olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Whisk thoroughly to combine or cover mason jar and shake thoroughly to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Shake Before Using: The oil and vinegar may separate, so shake well or stir before using.
- Bring to Room Temperature: If the oil solidifies in the refrigerator, let the dressing sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes and then stir well.
- See my tips and tricks for making this White Balsamic Dressing above the recipe box.
