Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest balsamic vinaigrette? ›

Best: 365 Fig Balsamic Dressing

Oftentimes, flavored salad dressings have more added sugar, sodium, and other additives. But not this one! With just 25 calories per serving, we love that 365 kept this dressing simple and delicious.

A balsamic vinaigrette typically involves adding oil, sugar, and/or mustard to balsamic vinegar, along with seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. While it can be made in a way that makes it healthier than several other salad dressing options, it can't compare to simply using the vinegar and oil.

It contains olive oil and balsamic vinegar—both of which are full of good stuff like heart-friendly fats and antioxidants. Plus, making your own dressing at home means you don't get those extra sugars and preservatives that are packed into store-bought versions.

Typically the healthiest salad dressings are those that are oil-based, because they are made with heart-healthy fats such as olive oil, nut oils, and canola oil. However, because the standard ratio to making a vinaigrette is three parts oil to one part vinegar, even the healthiest salad dressings are high in calories.

Generally speaking, the healthiest salad dressing will be a vinaigrette like balsamic or oil and vinegar, while Caesar, ranch or anything with the word “creamy” will be the unhealthiest. The exception? We like products made with healthy swaps—think Greek yogurt in place of mayo or heavy cream.

Both types of vinegar provide minor sources of minerals, including healthful amounts of potassium. Balsamic provides 18mg of potassium per tablespoon, while apple cider only has 11mg. Balsamic's antioxidants also help lower LDL cholesterol, while apple cider works similarly to lower lower blood lipid levels.

Is it OK to eat balsamic vinegar every day? Consuming balsamic vinegar daily in moderate amounts is generally safe and can even be part of a healthy diet. However, like any condiment, moderation is key. Balsamic vinegar's intense flavor means a little goes a long way, so avoid overusing it.

Caesar dressing. Made up of mayonnaise, cheese, salt and oil (and all too often, anchovies), Caesar tends to be one of the least healthy options out there. Those ingredients cause it to be high in both saturated fats and sodium.

Last but not least, consuming balsamic vinegar can have an anti-inflammatory effect as well. Long-term, high levels of inflammation can be extremely detrimental to your health, and research shows inflammation plays a role in whether you develop chronic conditions, diseases, and even cancer.

Balsamic vinegar is pure vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is dark brown in color and has a very robust, slightly sweet flavor. Balsamic vinaigrette is a mixture made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and/or other spices. It is typically used as a salad dressing but has other uses in the kitchen as well.

How long does homemade balsamic vinaigrette last in the fridge? ›

Your homemade balsamic vinaigrette will last for 2 weeks in the refrigerator, but my guess is that you will use it all up before then! The oil and vinegar may separate in the fridge. Just shake the dressing well before using and it will recombine.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Martin says, "It's got a hint of sweetness with little to no added sugar and is packed with heart-healthy unsaturated fats." Plus, the lack of sugar can be good for those looking to lose weight in particular, as well as for those on low-sugar and low-carb diet plans.

Some people swear by a mixture of soy sauce and grape jelly—or you may try tinkering with a blend of soy sauce, lemon juice, and molasses. Again, these substitutes can be used in the same amounts as balsamic vinegar in recipes.

Balsamic vinegar is pure vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is dark brown in color and has a very robust, slightly sweet flavor. Balsamic vinaigrette is a mixture made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and/or other spices. It is typically used as a salad dressing but has other uses in the kitchen as well.

stamp are the most expensive, but they contain only grape must, so they're thicker, sweeter, and more flavorful compared to vinegars without the stamp. 1 Heat can destroy the flavor of traditional balsamic vinegars, so they're best used for drizzling atop cooked dishes, desserts, and salads to let the flavor shine.