This is a simple Balsamic Vinaigrette that isn't just for salads, but can add flavor to meats and vegetables. Simple ingredients combined to create a tasty dressing, sauce, or topping. Can be shaken or stirred.

This is the same balsamic vinaigrette used in my grilled vegetables dish that was recently posted. This vinaigrette is so good, I felt it needed its own post. Why use it in one dish when it can compliment and enhance so many others?

This is so simple to make. You can use a bowl and add all the ingredients except the oil and whisk it together. Whisk while adding the oil and you have a balsamic vinaigrette that's emulsified and ready to use. Most of the time, I just add all the ingredients into a mason jar or cruet, cover it, and shake it until it's mixed. If good music is playing, it makes it that much more entertaining.

I tend to use dried spices in my cooking because of convenience. But in this case, fresh minced garlic gives an explosion of flavor. For this reason, I highly recommend using only fresh garlic. Dijon mustard adds a little zing and is used to bind everything together.

You don't have to use expensive balsamic vinegar here, but use a good quality one because the better the vinegar, the better the vinaigrette. Honestly, the ones I use don't cost more than 4 or 5 dollars. I'm not looking for a thick glaze to drizzle over a finished dish which is where a 25 year vinegar comes to play. My ultimate goal here is to make a dressing, and for that I will need Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic. Those 3 ingredients will add flavor, texture, and a little thickness. Dried oregano adds a nice pungent herb flavor. If you choose to use fresh oregano, use just a pinch, as the flavor from fresh delivers three times the flavor of dried.

Grill some chicken breasts, seasoning only with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour a little balsamic vinaigrette over the cooked chicken and you will find it's better than if you marinated it. Drizzle over your favorite grilled or broiled vegetables and you will make anyone want to eat their greens. Speaking of greens, use this balsamic vinaigrette simply as a dressing to coat your salads. Great flavor, easy preparation.

Try it, you'll like it.

Life is too short for mediocre food.

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Balsamic Vinaigrette

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Prep Time: 5

Author: Natalie Gregory

Ingredients

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar*
1 medium clove garlic minced
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and pepper

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a cruet or mason jar and shake to mix. Alternatively, you can whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, honey, mustard and oregano until emulsified. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Notes

*The better quality the balsamic vinegar, the better your vinaigrette will taste.

Nutritional Information

I don't post the nutritional value because I don't trust the accuracy of the nutritional apps. I’m not a nutritionist and don't want to post misinformation.

Did you make this recipe? Tag @thegeneticchef and use #thegeneticchef and tell me all about it!