Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
For this recipe you will need:
- balsamic vinegar
- garlic
- sea salt
As you can see, the ingredients for this recipe are so simple and straight forward. Likely you already have them in your pantry. Which means there are no excuses NOT to make healthy balsamic vinaigrette yourself! Anyone can do it, which is why I have given it my newbie cook stamp of approval.
And I promise you, the ease to which this recipe comes together, in relation to taste, will have you wondering why you ever bought store-bought balsamic vinaigrette. Ive no doubt this recipe will become a household staple.
Annie’s Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Organic
This is a good choice for someone who’s looking for a lower calorie balsamic with a creamy, not oily, mouthfeel. There are good mustard flavors and the interesting addition of cloves. Just know that this dressing does use canola oil, so you won’ be getting a healthier olive oil. Honey adds a slight sweetness.
Chicken Recipes Balsamic Vinegar
Honey · 2 cloves garlic crushed · ½ tsp chicken recipes balsamic vinegar
Balsamic Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe â Eatwell101 from www.eatwell101.com
Grilling meat reduces the fat because it drips out while you cook. An aromatic, garlicky sauce of balsamic vinegar and mushrooms graces this chicken dish. 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Olive oil, low sodium soy, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, . How to make balsamic chicken · make the balsamic marinade. We are cooking with the balsamic vinegar in this recipe, so a basic grocery store aged balsamic vinegar of modena is what you want to use. Sometimes i cut the chicken in strips. Honey · 2 cloves garlic crushed · ½ tsp.
Balsamic Vinegar â Star Fine Foods from starfinefoods.com
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Ingredients · 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar · 1/4 cup olive oil · 1 tbsp minced garlic · 2 tsp minced fresh rosemary · 2 tsp . We are cooking with the balsamic vinegar in this recipe, so a basic grocery store aged balsamic vinegar of modena is what you want to use. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Combine about ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze, tomato paste . Olive oil, low sodium soy, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, . The mouthwatering dish is easy to prepare and features some of our favorite comfort foods: 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Total Time: PT52M
Recommended Reading: Panera Bread Chicken Caesar Salad
Expert Tips And Tricks
- Use high end. Better quality ingredients will result in the tastiest results.
- Go low-carb. Substitute liquid stevia extract for honey, maple syrup, or agave.
- Blend on high. Using a food processor or blender will make a smoother dressing than simply hand mixing.
- Add flavor. Toss in some fresh herbs, garlic, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Do more than salad. Marinate chicken, or drizzle over grilled steak or veggies.
Other Recipes You Might Like:
If youre digging this dressing you might also like these:
So there we have it! A very simple and healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe that you can enjoy on your favourite summer salads. Its lightly sweet and refreshing, pleasantly tart, smooth and velvety.
Its easy to toss together, and the taste is premium. And when you make your own salad dressing you know exactly whats gone into it. No additives, refined sugars, curious ingredients or stabilizers.
And, if you do make this recipe please let me know in the comments below what you think! I love hearing from you. And of course, tag me on with the hashtag #twospoons. Nothing makes me happier than to see your recreations.
You May Like: Salad Dressing Cups With Lids
Is Balsamic Vinegar Healthy
Related Articles
Balsamic vinegar, named after the Italian for balm, or healing medicine, has historically been used for a variety of purported medicinal qualities, including as an air purifier in the time of the 17th century plague. Modern research has identified several beneficial compounds in balsamic vinegar. There may also be some potentially hazardous components in commercially-prepared balsamic vinegar.
We Are Cooking With The Balsamic Vinegar In This Recipe So A Basic Grocery Store Aged Balsamic Vinegar Of Modena Is What You Want To Use
In a small bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and garlic. The calorie content is also lower than fried food, which helps you manage your weight and improves your health. We are cooking with the balsamic vinegar in this recipe, so a basic grocery store aged balsamic vinegar of modena is what you want to use. Combine about ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze, tomato paste . The marinade is cooked into a sauce for the chicken. Honey · 2 cloves garlic crushed · ½ tsp. Sometimes i cut the chicken in strips. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. An aromatic, garlicky sauce of balsamic vinegar and mushrooms graces this chicken dish. 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Olive oil, low sodium soy, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, . The mouthwatering dish is easy to prepare and features some of our favorite comfort foods: 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Whether you serve these lobster recipes for a romantic dinner, . How to make balsamic chicken · make the balsamic marinade.
Vegan Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe from www.thespruceeats.com
Recommended Reading: Beet Goat Cheese Walnut Salad
It Aids In Healthy Digestion
The main active compound in balsamic vinegar is acetic acid , which contains strains of probiotic bacteria. These probiotics dont just preserve food they can also enable healthy digestion and improve gut health. Theres also positive immune system benefits to having these healthy bacteria called gut biome. The probiotic compounds in acetic acid could be part of the reason some people swear balsamic vinegar makes them feel full.
What Do I Need To Make A Balsamic Vinaigrette
This dressing is very thin, and it doesnt require much effort to mix, so all you really need to make it is a mason jar with a good lid. Add your ingredients, shake until theyre combined, and refrigerate until youre ready to use it. It is that simple! You can use a blender or food processor if you want, but its definitely not necessary.
Read Also: How Many Calories In An Egg Salad Sandwich
Roasted Veggies With Balsamic Vinaigrette
Roasted veggies with balsamic vinaigrette are a super easy and delicious way to incorporate more nutrients into your next meal.
For spring/summer veggies, try roasting a variety of tomatoes, squash, bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, and onions.
For fall/winter veggies, use an assortment of vegetables like radishes, turnips, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and squashes.
It Supports Weight Loss
The vinegar family is known for its anti-obesity characteristics, and balsamic vinegar is no exception. As mentioned above, balsamic vinegar contains probiotic compounds that help you feel fuller, longer. Unlike other flavoring agents like butter and mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar is fat-free. Though it isnt a magic weight loss potion, theres that incorporating balsamic vinegar into your diet will help you reach your weight loss goals.
Read Also: Cpk Super Spinach And Quinoa Salad
What Balsamic Vinaigrette Can Be Used For
There are practically endless ways to use this Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe, and below are some of our favorite applications:
Why Should I Make Homemade Dressing
Because its super simple, itll save you money, and it allows you to have total control over the ingredients in your dressing! With just a few minutes of your time and a handful of ingredients, you have what it takes to take your salads up a notch.
Trust me youll be able to taste the difference. For more salad dressing recipes, check out my Salad Dressing 101 post. Its loaded with helpful tips and delicious dressings thatll fit any flavoring need!
You May Like: Ambrosia Salad Recipe With Fruit Cocktail
Whats The Difference Between Traditional And Condiment Balsamic Vinegar
A. Whiskey can only be labeled bourbon if made in Kentucky or scotch if made in Scotland. The same applies to the vinegar distinction. If two different balsamic kinds of vinegar are made following all the traditional rules required to be labeled traditional, but one is made outside of Italys Modena or Reggio Emilia regions, only the balsamic vinegar made in-region can be labeled traditional.
Tips For Making The Best Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
High-quality doesnt necessarily mean the most expensive it just means shopping smarter and choosing the right ingredients. When preparing a homemade salad dressingor anything, for that mattermake sure that each individual component is delicious on its own.
The ratio of vinegar to oil in the perfect vinaigrette is up for debate. I really like half & half. Some people prefer a 1:2 ratio of vinegar to oil or even 1:3. Just play around with it until you find how you enjoy it most.
I also love to incorporate other spices, such as oregano and garlic powder, to give this recipe a little twist. Feel free to experiment with different spices to enhance the flavor of this recipe.
If you want the balsamic vinaigrette to be slightly sweeter, try using a bit of honey or maple syrup to add sweetness.
Read Also: Greek Salad For Weight Loss
Can I Substitute Lemon Juice For Balsamic Vinegar
While balsamic vinaigrette is the best substitute as it already contains balsamic vinegar, using other types of vinegar with sugar, honey, or other sweeteners is a great idea too. If you do not have any other types of vinegar in your pantry, as a last resort you can choose to use lemon juice, lime juice and sugar.
Support Your Weight Loss Goals In A Healthy Way By Choosing Salad Dressings That Limit Calories Added Sugar And Sodium
Salads make a healthy foundation for any diet, but its all too easy to make a bowl of greens sugar- and salt-laden with the wrong toppings. At the same time, to support this healthy meal habit, you want choices that tantalize your taste buds, says Judy Caplan, RD, author of GoBeFull: Eight Keys to Healthy Living, who is in private practice in Vienna, Virginia.
Although its always the best option to whip up healthy salad dressings at home from vinegar, herbs, and a healthy oil, it is also easy enough to find a healthy, tasty store-bought kind if you read the nutritional facts label carefully.
RELATED: 7 Foods With More Sugar Than You Think
First off, lets talk fat. Its not the enemy! The truth is, the body needs fat to function, and there are several fats used in the best salad dressings that provide amazing health benefits, including:
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids These are found in olive, canola, and peanut oil, as well as in avocados and most nuts, according to the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
Polyunsaturated Fats These are found in other plant-based oils, like safflower, corn, sunflower, soybean, sesame, and cottonseed oils, notes Harvard. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are necessary for proper cell function, according to the National Institutes of Health .
Heres what else to keep in mind:
Calories Aim for fewer than 45 calories per tablespoon , suggests Caplan, that for the right kind of fat, you can go a bit above this threshold.
Read Also: How To Make Chicken Salad From Scratch
Is This Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Good For Me
Yes, this balsamic vinaigrette is healthy. Would I share anything thats not good for you?! Balsamic vinegar alone is packed with various health benefits already. Heres a rundown:
- It helps manage your cholesterol levels. If youre trying to lower your cholesterol, make this dressing. Studies show that balsamic vinegar contains antioxidants that help to manage your cholesterol levels.
- It supports a healthy gut: Balsamic vinegar contains probiotics which will promote a healthy digestive system.
- Its diabetes-friendly: According to a study in 2006, people who consumed balsamic vinegar experienced a blood sugar plateau for up to five hours. This is huge!
- It aids in weight loss: The vinegar family is known to have anti-obesity properties. It contains compounds that make you feel fullerand its also fat-free.
- It helps your cardiovascular system: Because this vinegar is made from grapes, you get the benefits of grapes. .
What Balsamic Vinaigrette Is Made Of
Youll find the most standard balsamic vinaigrette is as easy as mixing 1 part balsamic to 3 parts olive oil which is, of course, delicious, BUT it doesnt hold a candle to this particular vinaigrette. We add a few more ingredients to the mix which add so much complexity. Plus, the Dijon adds a nice thickness that helps it adhere to salads that much better.
Don’t Miss: Green Beans Salad Indian Style
Dial Down On Blood Pressure
Balsamic vinegar might also help with high blood pressure.
In an animal study, rats with hypertension experienced lower blood pressure by regularly consuming rice vinegar. While not balsamic vinegar, the research suggests the acidic acid is mainly to thank for this effect which is a big part of balsamic.
Although we need more human studies, adding balsamic vinegar to foods might help reduce high blood pressure over time.
How To Use Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar can be found in grocery stores, health food stores, and specialty shops. It typically comes in a dark-colored glass bottle. After purchasing, keep the vinegar in this bottle and store it somewhere cool and dry. Exposure to heat or light may harm the flavor.
While many people associate balsamic vinegar with salad, it is versatile enough to include in a variety of recipes. Try these ideas to incorporate it into your daily diet:
- Blend into homemade hummus for a rich, tangy flavor.
- Combine with honey, garlic, and mustard to make a glaze for chicken.
- Drizzle over strawberries and serve with ice cream.
- Use as dressing in a romaine salad.
- Add to a pot of creamy tomato soup.
- Combine with mayonnaise and Italian seasoning to create a delicious condiment for sandwiches.
- Mix with olive oil and parmesan cheese when roasting broccoli.
- Dip hard aged cheese into a small bowl of balsamic to add flavor.
Show Sources
Don’t Miss: Salad Dressing Made With Dijon Mustard
Is Balsamic Vinaigrette Keto
Unfortunately, balsamic vinaigrette is not generally keto-friendly. Your typical off-the-shelf balsamic vinaigrette actually has around 2 grams of sugar per tablespoon. Which is a lot for people on a keto diet. You could opt for aged balsamic instead because they contain a lower level of sugar. For the Ketos out there, I suggest mixing up a substitution with apple cider vinegar .
Whats The Difference Between Balsamic Vinegar And Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic vinegar is one of the main ingredients for a balsamic vinaigrette. After mixing this vinegar with other ingredients , it can qualify as a true vinaigrette. Its important to keep this in mind because just pouring some balsamic vinegar on your salad will be super sour and a little disappointing . So put on your culinary hat and join me in blending up something flavorfully balanced and very tasty.
Don’t Miss: Jalapeno Holly Chicken Salad Chick
Meal Prep And Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: This dressing is great for making completely in advance so its always ready to go.
- To Store: Seal in an airtight container like these cute glass mason jars in the refrigerator. If only oil, vinegar, and honey or maple syrup are used it will last for 3-4 months. If perishables are added, it will keep for up to 2-4 weeks.
- To Freeze: It is not recommended as the ingredients will separate.
More Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes
- 1/3cuplow sodium chicken broth
- 1/4cupbalsamic vinegar
- 1Uclove garlic, minced
- 1/2teaspoonsalt
Like this Recipe? Try our Meal Plans!
- Weekly Meal Plans
Protein
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.
Like this Recipe? Try our Meal Plans!
- Weekly Meal Plans
Read Also: What Is The Best Salad Dressing For Keto
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Vs Store Bought
I love this homemade balsamic vinaigrette recipe for so many reasons. It contains clean, healthy ingredients that you can customize based on what you want. To make things better, it is low in carbohydrate count and overall calories .
On the other hand, store-bought balsamic vinaigrettes are loaded with saturated fats, preservatives, and sugars.
What Type Of Balsamic Vinegar Do You Use For Salad Dressing
In terms of what type of balsamic vinegar to use for making balsamic vinaigrette, I personally like balsamic vinegar from Modena. Right now Im loving this Kitchen & Love Balsamic Vinegar of Modena or the Trader Joes Balsamic Vinegar. Both are a great value!
You can also use white balsamic vinegar to make a white balsamic vinaigrette.
Don’t Miss: Low Sodium Caesar Salad Dressing