Best 7 Light Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

If you're looking for a light, flavorful salad dressing that's easy to make, look no further than a balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for everyday salads or special occasion dishes, this dressing is a versatile addition to any kitchen. Made with the classic combination of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and herbs, light balsamic vinaigrette brings a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors to your favorite salads. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create the perfect light balsamic vinaigrette, with tips for selecting the best ingredients and customizing the dressing to your taste preferences. We'll also provide inspiration for different salad combinations to make the most of your homemade dressing.

Let's cook with our recipes!

LIGHT BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE SALAD DRESSING



Light Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing image

Great salad dressing from the Fresh Start Cookbook. This dressing is a favorite around our house. Easy to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Provided by CookinMommy

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 5m

Yield 3/4 cup, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl or food processor combine garlic and mustard until well mixed.
  • Whisk in balsamic vinegar, hot water and sugar.
  • Slowly add in olive oil mixing until emulsified.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate.
  • Feel free to substitute different vinegars and seasoning to your own taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 49.8, Fat 2.4, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 33.8, Carbohydrate 6.2, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 5.3, Protein 0.3

SIMPLE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     condiment

Time 10m

Yield about 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar, optional* (See Cook's Note)
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup olive oil
Mesclun salad mix or favorite greens, for accompaniment
Assortment of salad ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, chopped carrots, sliced red onion, chopped celery, diced cucumbers, walnuts
Blue cheese, for garnish
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar, optional* (See Cook's Note)
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup olive oil
Mesclun salad mix or favorite greens, for accompaniment
Assortment of salad ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, chopped carrots, sliced red onion, chopped celery, diced cucumbers, walnuts
Blue cheese, for garnish

Steps:

  • Beat the vinegar in a bowl with the optional sugar, garlic, salt and pepper until sugar and salt dissolves. Then beat in the oil by droplets, whisking constantly. (Or place all the ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake to combine.) Taste and adjust the seasonings.
  • Toss a few tablespoons of the dressing with the salad mix and desired salad ingredients, top with blue cheese and serve immediately.
  • If not using dressing right away, cover and refrigerate, whisking or shaking again before use.
  • Beat the vinegar in a bowl with the optional sugar, garlic, salt and pepper until sugar and salt dissolves. Then beat in the oil by droplets, whisking constantly. (Or place all the ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake to combine.) Taste and adjust the seasonings.
  • Toss a few tablespoons of the dressing with the salad mix and desired salad ingredients, top with blue cheese and serve immediately.
  • If not using dressing right away, cover and refrigerate, whisking or shaking again before use.

LIGHT BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE SALAD DRESSING RECIPE - (4.5/5)



Light Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by sheilaolim

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl or food processor combine garlic and mustard until well mixed. Whisk in balsamic vinegar, hot water and sugar. Slowly add in olive oil mixing until emulsified. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING WITH 8 VARIATIONS



Basic Vinaigrette Dressing With 8 Variations image

Bottled salad dressing can be convenient but its expensive and often full of salt, sugar, and chemical additives. Making your own is simple and allows you to customize the seasonings to suit whatever meal you are preparing. The amounts given make about 1/4 cup and can be expanded infinitely for larger salads. It can be made several days ahead and kept in the fridge. Sorry about the slightly odd way of putting the ingredients for the creamy dressing variations. The recipe editor is picky about what it will accept.

Provided by 3KillerBs

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 1/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 34

3 tablespoons oil (I prefer extra-virgin olive oil)
2 tablespoons vinegar (white, cider, wine, ..., not balsamic)
salt
black pepper (I prefer fresh-ground)
basic vinaigrette (use EVOO and red wine vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
basic vinaigrette (use canola or corn oil and cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon crumbled bacon
1/2 tablespoon finely minced onion
1 pinch celery seed (optional)
1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard (optional)
1 -3 teaspoon brown sugar or 1 -3 teaspoon another sweetener, to taste
italian vinaigrette
1 teaspoon prepared mustard (I recommend Dijon or spicy brown)
1 -3 teaspoon honey (optional) or 1 -3 teaspoon another sweetener, to taste (optional)
basic vinaigrette
2 -3 tablespoons sour cream or 2 -3 tablespoons plain yogurt
basic creamy vinaigrette dressing
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
basic creamy vinaigrette dressing
1 garlic clove, put through press
fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch italian seasoning (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil (I prefer extra-virgin)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons oil (I prefer extra-virgin olive oil)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pinch italian seasoning (optional)

Steps:

  • Shake all ingredients for your chosen variation together in a tightly-lidded container OR whisk together in a small bowl.
  • Let stand 10 minutes to rehydrate dried herbs and blend flavors.
  • Shake again then dress salad as desired.
  • Note -- I recommend the lemon dressing on spinach.
  • Note -- I recommend the Bacon Dressing, Mustard Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette on strong greens such as escarole, curly endive, and dandelion greens.
  • Note -- The sweeter version of the mustard dressing is great for a vinegar coleslaw if you discover that you have accidentally gotten one of those occasional cabbages that are a touch on the bitter side.
  • Note -- feel free to play with other seasonings, more complex blends, flavored oils, and flavored vinegars. Once you've learned the technique you can customize your salad dressing to suit just about any meal.

OUR FAVORITE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Our Favorite Balsamic Vinaigrette image

This vinaigrette does not separate for at least 30 minutes once you shake it! Simple, sweet, and savory.

Provided by Singer6

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

½ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, salt, and black pepper together in a glass jar with a lid. Replace lid on the jar and shake vigorously until thoroughly combined.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 132.8 calories, Carbohydrate 3.2 g, Fat 13.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 38 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

CREAMY BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette image

This recipe is so quick, easy, and versatile, you may never purchase bottled dressing again. A variety of herbs and spices can be added to suit your personal taste.

Provided by Cathy

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons water
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon brown sugar
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Blend olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mayonnaise, water, garlic, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar together in a blender or in a cup using an immersion blender until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 119.4 calories, Carbohydrate 2.6 g, Cholesterol 2.6 mg, Fat 12.2 g, Protein 0.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 88.5 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

LIGHT BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Light Balsamic Vinaigrette image

Check your pantry because you probably already have all the ingredients needed to make this delicious, light, super simple Light Balsamic Vinaigrette. There's nothing better than homemade salad dressings and even better when it's light enough to not cut into your macros for the day. Pairs perfectly with my Spinach and Berry Salad and Balsamic Chicken and Strawberry Salad, this delicious dressing is just too easy not to make!

Provided by Lauren

Categories     Less than 100 calories

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (60g)
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (30g) - can sub for white distilled
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (30g)
2 Tbsp water (30g)
1 Tbsp honey (21g)
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Steps:

  • Add all ingredients to a small bowl (or jar) and whisk/shake to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 60 calories, Carbohydrate 4.9 grams carbohydrates, Fat 4.5 grams fat, Fiber 0 grams fiber, Protein 0 grams protein, SaturatedFat 0.6 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 2 Tbsp (30g), Sugar 4.9 grams sugar

Tips:

- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dressing. - If you don't have any shallots, you can use a small onion instead. Just chop it very finely. - You can adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar to suit your taste. If you like a more tart dressing, add more vinegar. - If you don't have any fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Just use about half the amount of dried herbs that you would use fresh. - Store the dressing in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. - You can use this dressing on any type of salad. It's also great on grilled vegetables or fish.

Conclusion:

This light balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing is a healthy and flavorful way to dress up your salads. It's easy to make and can be used on any type of salad. So next time you're looking for a delicious and healthy salad dressing, give this one a try!

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

    #15-minutes-or-less     #time-to-make     #course     #preparation     #low-protein     #salads     #salad-dressings     #dietary     #low-sodium     #low-cholesterol     #low-saturated-fat     #low-in-something

Related Topics