If I could bottle up the hustle and bustle of New York City and drizzle it on salad greens, I might just start eating kale. Seriously, you might think I’ve gone full “avocado toast” on you, but here’s the thing – the city’s relentless energy and non-stop action is what lights my creative cooking fire. Can we just admit that NYC is basically the culinary sriracha to our millennial souls?
But, okay, okay. I know that we can’t really turn skyscrapers into salad dressing (though that might be a fun art project for the kids), so I’ve got the next best thing. It’s a little something I like to call my Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette – an homage to the unending excitement of urban living. Think of it as the salad dressing equivalent of a Broadway show – a beautiful and harmonious blend of flavors that leaves you wanting more.
In just a few minutes, you’ll be whisking away a dressing worthy of your favorite NYC-inspired salad combo. With this tangy little potion, you’ll soon forget those store-bought bottles and wonder how you ever tolerated mediocrity in your life (not unlike that one guy in every group project…you know the one).
So, dear readers, let’s take a bite out of the Big Apple and add some Manhattan magic to our greens, shall we? After you’ve explored this spirited dressing, I promise you’ll feel like you just hailed your very own culinary taxi straight to Flavorville (or maybe just your neighborhood bodega).
Ingredients
- Honey – A sweetener that gives the dressing a hint of sweetness and balances out the acidity of balsamic vinegar. Can be replaced with agave nectar or maple syrup if preferred.
- Balsamic vinegar – The star ingredient that gives the dressing a tangy and acidic flavor, a must-have in any kitchen. Any balsamic vinegar can be used, but the more aged, the more complex the flavor.
- Salt – A pinch of high-quality salt like sea salt or kosher salt brings out the flavors and adds a nuanced taste.
- Pepper – Freshly ground pepper enhances the other flavors and gives the dressing a nice kick of heat.
- Olive oil – The base of the dressing, provides a nice texture and healthy fats. Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Instructions
- Making a salad dressing from scratch is super easy, and this honey balsamic vinaigrette is no exception! All you’ll need is a bowl, a whisk, and a salad dressing shaker (if you’re feeling fancy).
- First, mix together the honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar, or if you’re looking for a sweeter option, try using raspberry vinegar instead. You can also use a fork or a small whisk to stir everything together.
- Once everything is fully combined, you can add the vinaigrette to your favorite salads, or store it in the fridge in a salad dressing shaker (or any airtight container) for later.
Notes:
- This recipe makes a little over a quarter cup, so if you’re making a bigger batch, just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want.
- And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always adjust the ratio of ingredients to your liking. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
You’ve got yourself a delicious honey balsamic vinaigrette that’s ready to add a pop of flavor to your salads. But don’t limit yourself to just salads! Here are some creative serving suggestions:
- Drizzle it over grilled vegetables for a tangy twist.
- Use it as a marinade for chicken, shrimp or tofu.
- Mix it with some mayo to make a delicious sandwich spread.
- Use it as a dip for fresh bread or crusty baguette.
- Toss it with pasta, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for a light summer pasta salad.
FAQ’s
What are some alternatives for honey in the recipe?
I know some folks have dietary restrictions and can’t use honey. No worries! You can swap it out with agave nectar or maple syrup. Both will give you that touch of sweetness without the use of honey.
Can I make a bigger batch of this vinaigrette?
Of course! This recipe is easy to multiply. Just remember to keep the ratios the same, so if you want to double it, double all the ingredients. That way, you’ll have enough vinaigrette to last you all week!
Do I have to use olive oil?
Nope, you can use any kind of oil you have on hand. If you’re looking for a different flavor, you could use avocado oil, pumpkin seed oil, or even walnut oil. Just remember to keep the same amount called for in the recipe.
Is it possible to use a different type of vinegar?
Sure thing! The balsamic vinegar gives it a unique flavor, but if you want to change it up a bit you can use apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even rice vinegar. Each will bring its own distinct taste.
Can I make this dressing in advance?
You sure can! Mix it up and keep it in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before you use it.
Can I use this dressing on something other than a salad?
Absolutely! It’s great on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and even as a marinade. It’s extremely versatile!
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Salad dressing bottle or mason jar with tight-fitting lid
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons high-quality balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon high-quality honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk the dressing until emulsified and well combined.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Pour the dressing into a salad dressing bottle or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
- Serve over your favorite salads and enjoy!
Notes
To add a touch of sweetness, add 1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup.
To add a spicy kick, add 1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutrition
