Small Batch Balsamic Vinaigrette (5 Minutes)

Name: Small Batch Balsamic Vinaigrette (5 Minutes)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 2 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon honey; pinch garlic powder; sea salt (to taste); freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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This easy balsamic vinaigrette is a quick homemade salad dressing that's zesty and savory with a touch of sweet. It's simple to make and perfect for single-serve salads or grain bowls, yielding just 1-2 servings.

A small white bowl filled with balsamic vinaigrette is placed on a folded blue and white checkered napkin, with a silver spoon resting beside the bowl on a white marble countertop.

There's something so satisfying about making your own salad dressing, especially when it takes just minutes. And once you realize how easy this classic balsamic vinaigrette is, you probably won't even need the recipe anymore. You'll be able to just eyeball the ingredients and it's so simple to make a fresh batch whenever you're craving it. No leftovers needed.

This recipe makes a perfect amount for one large bowl or salad, or two smaller servings for a side salad. It's especially good over a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, or drizzled over some roasted vegetables. If you love building bowls, try it over a grain bowl with wild rice and roasted veggies. It also pairs beautifully with a simple grilled chicken breast for a quick dinner for one situation.

The real magic here though is its favor profile: tangy vinegar, smooth olive oil, a little sharpness from the Dijon, and just enough sweetness from the honey to mellow it all out. And once you taste the homemade version, it's hard to go back. 🙂

🌿 Ingredients

Meal prep bowls for balsamic vinaigrette on a marble countertop, each labeled with their contents: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon vinegar, and a mix of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Feel free to swap maple syrup for honey to make this recipe vegan.

See recipe card below for exact quantities.

📝 Instructions

A metal whisk rests in a glass bowl containing a small batch balsamic vinaigrette on a white marble countertop. — Whisk everything together in a small mixing bowl.

Pro tip: If you don't feel like whisking, just add everything to a small jar, tighten the lid, and give it a good shake.

💭 FAQ

Why did my dressing separate?

Totally normal! Just shake or whisk again before serving. The mustard helps emulsify, but natural separation can happen.

Can I make it without mustard?

Yes, but it won't be quite as creamy. Mustard helps bind the oil and vinegar.

What's the best balsamic vinegar to use?

Use one you enjoy the taste of on its own. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should be pleasantly tangy and slightly sweet.

🍳 Recipe

A small white bowl filled with balsamic vinaigrette sits on a blue and white checkered napkin, with a silver spoon placed beside it on a white marble countertop.

Small Batch Balsamic Vinaigrette (5 Minutes)

Allison Campbell

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This easy balsamic vinaigrette makes 1-2 servings and takes just 5 minutes with pantry staples. Perfect for single-serve salads or bowls.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 2

Servings: 2 or 1 large serving

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 137

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon honey
pinch garlic powder
sea salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

Method

Whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon honey, pinch garlic powder, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper
Enjoy immediately, or transfer to a small jar and shake before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 0.1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 16mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.2mg

Notes

Storage: Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before using (olive oil may solidify slightly when chilled).