Name: authentic homemade balsamic vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/2 peeled shallot, minced; 8 to 10 fresh basil leaves, finely minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 cups light olive oil; salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

This Authentic Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette is what I’d call my go-to dressing. It’s the perfect addition to your thrown together salad of fresh greens. But don’t stop there. Drizzle some of this deliciousness on your roasted meats and vegetables. They will be next-level good.

Are there a lot of ingredients needed?

Not really. Most of the ingredients are items you would normally have on hand.

Light olive oil
Good quality balsamic vinegar
Dijon mustard
Shallot
Fresh basil
Sugar, salt & pepper

Do you need any special equipment to make this balsamic vinaigrette?

Absolutely not. If you have a bowl, a sharp knife and a whisk, you’re all set.

Gather the minced shallots, minced basil leaves, mustard, sugar and balsamic vinegar in a medium-size bowl.
Grab your whisk and give it a stir so that the ingredients are well combined.
Whisk the mixture continuously as you slowly drizzle in the olive oil so that the vinaigrette stays emulsified.
Check it out for taste and add salt & pepper as needed.

Can this Authentic Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette be customized?

Absolutely. According to Chef Billy Parisi, the list of substitutions is considerable.

Use your favorite neutral oil. Or a blend of them.
Instead of Dijon mustard, swap it out with whole-grain mustard.
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, replace it with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dry basil.
Don’t like the flavor of basil? Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead.
Trying to avoid refined sugar? Replace it with agave or honey.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the vinaigrette in your blender.

Looking for ways to enjoy your Authentic Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette?

Dress up your next salad of fresh greens or grilled fruit.
Use it to make these awesome dishes – Tortelloni Salad with Grilled Vegetables or Grilled Veggie Pasta Salad.
Serve it alongside some Crowd-Pleasing Grilled Vegetables or Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
Drizzle some over your next batch of Ina Garten’s Slow Roasted Tomatoes or our Greened-Up Caprese Salad.

Best way to store your Authentic Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette…

Transfer your vinaigrette to a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.
Keep it in fridge where it can hang out for at least a week.
Since this vinegar-based dressing has a high acidity content, it tends to keep well.
If the oil and vinegar separate in the fridge, that’s normal. Just give it a hearty shake before you use it.

authentic homemade balsamic vinaigrette

Based on recipe by Chef Billy Parisi

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 12 servings

Author Rosemary Stelmach

Ingredients

1/2 peeled shallot, minced
8 to 10 fresh basil leaves, finely minced
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cups light olive oil
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Gather the minced shallots, minced basil leaves, mustard, sugar and balsamic vinegar in a medium-size bowl.
Grab your whisk and give it a stir so that the ingredients are well combined.
Whisk the mixture continuously as you slowly drizzle in the olive oil so that the vinaigrette stays emulsified.
Check it out for taste and add salt & pepper as needed.
Keep in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

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