The best thing about this White Balsamic Dressing Recipe isn’t just that it comes together in 3 minutes—it’s the flavor! White balsamic vinegar is like the mellow, easygoing sibling of dark balsamic, and when you mix it with a little seasoning and a touch of sweetness, you get a dressing that’s practically begging to be drizzled over whatever greens you’ve got.
Salad recipes with quick and easy dressings are our favorite way to keep side dishes exciting! From creamy options to tangy vinaigrettes, there’s always a way to add a little extra flavor to your greens!
If you’re looking for a go-to salad dressing that works year-round—this is it! It’s especially perfect on spinach, like in this Spinach Avocado Salad, but honestly, it plays well with just about any leafy green!
A great dressing is what takes a salad from boring to seriously crave-worthy, and this one’s got that light, balanced flavor that lets all the salad elements shine.
We have been serving this dressing at Sunday dinners for many years, and without fail, it always gets devoured - and the compliments roll in every time. Over the years, we’ve tweaked and fine-tuned it to get that perfect balance: sweet, but not too sweet.
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Why this recipe is great
- Quick & Easy: Just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes—nothing complicated here.
- Amazing flavor: Light, delicate, and not overly sweet. So much better than any store-bought dressing.
- No special equipment needed: All you need are some measuring cups, spoons, and a bowl (or just shake it up in a jar!)
White balsamic salad vinaigrette ingredients
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil had too strong of a flavor for this dressing. Light olive oil has a more neutral flavor that pairs well with the softness of the other flavors.
- White balsamic vinegar: A mild cousin to the dark regular balsamic vinegar, but this is what makes this homemade dressing so versatile. Look for one with a syrupy consistency.
- Red onion: A nice mild flavor, especially once it sits for just a few minutes in the vinegar.
- Ground mustard: This also goes by mustard powder in the spice aisle of the grocery store.
- Poppy seeds: A nice prettiness and flavor.
- Salt & Back pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper bring it all together.
- Sugar: White sugar provides a clean sweetness.
Helpful kitchen tools
How to make white balsamic dressing
Start by measuring out all the ingredients into a small bowl. Be sure that the onion is really finely minced. Using a whisk, stir vigorously until the sugar is dissolved. Pour into a jar or dressing cruet and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Variations and Substitutions
- Sweet onion can be used in place of the red onion. Varieties like Walla Walla onions or candy onion would be delicious.
- Shallots are also an option to use in place of the onion.
- For something a little different add in sesame seeds instead of poppy seeds.
- White sugar is best, but a touch of honey or maple syrup could be used but will change the flavor a touch.
- Do not use regular balsamic vinegar. The only vinegar that might work is white wine vinegar.
- Instead of powdered mustard, try squirt of dijon mustard.
How to use
Mix and match these elements to get
- Leafy greens: Baby spinach, mixed greens, butter lettuce, arugula—whatever you’ve got, this dressing works like a charm!
- Fruit: Top with fresh berries, thinly sliced apples, cubed pear, or even dried fruit like cranberries.
- Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or pecans are all amazing here. Want to take it up a notch? Try some maple pecans for an extra-special crunch.
- Cheese: Feta, goat cheese, or creamy mozzarella all bring a delicious creamy contrast to your salad game.
How to store
Our favorite way to store this dressing is in a mason jar we already have on hand—easy and no extra expensive! We own these Weck jars, fluted ball jars, or cruets. Just pop it in an airtight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. Give it a good shake before using, and you’re good to go!
FAQs
It’s made with white balsamic vinegar, which comes from white grapes—so it’s naturally a bit sweeter and more mild than regular balsamic. Add in a touch of sweetener and a couple of savory spices, and you’ve got a dressing that’s super well-balanced and full of flavor without being overpowering.
White balsamic vinegar is made from white grapes that are cooked down and aged. The result is a much sweeter and more mild flavor compared to its darker counterpart, making it a perfect choice for dressings that need a lighter color and more delicate touch.
Tips & Tricks
- Don't substitute regular balsamic for the white balsamic. It is a much stronger flavor.
- Mince the onion super small so the flavor can mellow an impart into the dressing.
- Make sure you stir until the sugar is all the way dissolved.
More homemade salad dressing recipes
Always wanting to mix things up?
Recipe
White Balsamic Dressing Recipe (3 Min Vinaigrette!)
Equipment
- small bowl or jar
- whisk or spoon
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup light olive oil
- ½ cup white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon red onion finely minced
- 2 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a medium glass measuring cup or bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour into a pint size storage jar or cruet and place in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Don't substitute regular balsamic for the white balsamic. It is a much stronger flavor.
- Mince the onion super small so the flavor can mellow an impart into the dressing.
- Make sure you stir until the sugar is all the way dissolved.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Misty says
Super quick to put together! It goes great on almost any salad!