Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Balsamic traditionally was made in the Modena region of Italy. It is known as Balsamico Tradizionale and is made from wine grapes, which are pressed to extract the juices. The juices undergo a lengthy process, at the end of which vinegar is added to the juices. Then the Balsamico is aged. However, balsamic vinegar is made with less aging, although it is not made in Modena. A classic balsamic vinaigrette recipe has 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar composition. Balsamic vinaigrette dressing is not one of those mysterious dressings, known only to the celebrity or gourmet chefs. Not only is it easy to make balsamic vinaigrette, but it is also a healthy dressing, as balsamic vinaigrette calories are 90 calories per two tablespoons of serving. The nutrition facts of this dressing will vary according to the ingredients used in the recipe. This dressing can also be made by those of us who have not attended any culinary institute. Having said, that let's turn towards the recipe.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes

Traditional Recipe

Using the recipe mentioned below, it is easy to make traditional balsamic vinaigrette. The other herbs and spices, which can be added to the list of balsamic vinaigrette dressing ingredients are basil, garlic, shallots and oregano to lend it a more traditional taste.

Ingredients

• Balsamic Vinegar 3 tablespoons
• Red Wine Vinegar 1 tablespoon
• Dijon Mustard 2 teaspoons
• Garlic (finely minced) 2 cloves
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil ¾ cup
• Sea Salt to taste
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper to taste

Method

• In a blender, whisk balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard together, till they are well blended.
• Then add garlic to the vinegar mixture and whisk well again.
• Gradually pour olive oil into vinegar mixture on low, as you constantly also whisk it.
• At last add salt and pepper to the vinegar and your balsamic vinaigrette is ready for use.
• If you want to make sweet balsamic vinaigrette, you can add a few drops of honey or few teaspoons of sugar.

Easy Recipe

Ingredients

• Balsamic Vinegar ¼ cup
• Dark Brown Sugar 2 teaspoons
• Chopped Garlic 1 tablespoon
• Salt ½ teaspoon
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper ½ teaspoon
• Olive Oil ¾ cup

Method

• In a bowl, beat vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper, till sugar and salt dissolve.
• Then add 5 teaspoons of oil at a time and continue to whisk.
• Once the oil is well mixed add black pepper to the vinaigrette.
• Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning as per taste.

Simple Recipe

Ingredients

• Shallot ½
• Balsamic Vinegar 75 ml
• Olive Oil 150 ml
• Salt as per taste
• Pepper as per taste
• Lemon Juice as per taste

Method

• Cut the shallot lengthwise and widthwise several times to create finely diced cubes.
• Place the shallot in a mixing bowl and add balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to the shallots and begin to mix.
• Gradually add olive oil into the mixture and continue to whisk.
• Whisk the contents, till the dressing becomes creamy.
• Add salt and black pepper to taste, after tasting the dressing.
• At last add lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
• Refrigerate the dressing and enjoy it with salads.

For more information, read

• Spinach Salad Dressing
• Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Although this dressing is commonly used as a dressing for greens, it also makes for a great marinade for fish or chicken. Fish needs to be marinated in the dressing for 15 to 30 minutes, whereas chicken needs to marinated anywhere for one hour up to eight hours. I also like to used balsamic vinaigrette as a dip for crusty breads.