Recipe for Heart-Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Elevate the flavor and nutrient content of your salads with this balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a delightful fusion of tangy balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and aromatic herbs. Add it to salads or use it for dipping grilled vegetables like asparagus or green beans.

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This dressing keeps well in the fridge for several days, so make extra and save it for your salads for the week. Just shake it before serving. The extra-virgin olive adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the mustard gives the dressing a thicker texture.

Variations

• Try lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar to vary the flavor
• Use more mustard for a stronger taste
• For a creamy dressing, add ¼ cup of plain yogurt
• Experiment with fresh or dried herb combinations like Italian herbs, parsley, mint and oregano, or rosemary and thyme

Recipe for Heart-Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a small bowl or jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey or maple syrup (if using). 
2. Whisk or shake the ingredients vigorously until they are well combined and emulsified.
3. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amounts as needed.
4. Once seasoned to your liking, transfer the balsamic vinaigrette to a serving container or use it immediately to dress your favorite salads or vegetables.

Nutrition information per serving: Calories: 75, fat: 7g, carbs: 2g, protein: 0g, sugar: 1g, sodium: 150 mg

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Reviewed by Natalie Stein, MS, MPH, CDCES

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