Creamy Balsamic Dressing
Not too much mayo, not too much balsamic, this perfectly balanced creamy balsamic dressing will be your go-to salad dressing! It’s great on spinach salads, pasta salads, and even drizzling over roasted veggies!
Check out this post for endless combinations of delicious homemade salad dressings! Also, I think you’ll love this basil balsamic vinaigrette, and this versatile balsamic glaze!
Your New Go-To Salad Dressing
When I tested this dressing (for the 10th time), I shook everything together in a jar and I knew it was right when I tasted it and I didn’t have any desire to add anything else. It wasn’t missing anything, and there wasn’t “too much” of anything. It was perfect. This creamy balsamic hits that sweet spot where everything just works. No overpowering flavors, no fuss. It’s just a really solid dressing you’ll come back to again and again.
Recipe Ingredients: Creamy Balsamic Dressing
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my preference for a bold, rich taste, but avocado oil or grape seed oil will give a more neutral flavor.
Mayo: Mayo is what gives this dressing the “creaminess.” Other recipes call for a lot more mayo, but this recipe toes the line between a creamy dressing and a vinaigrette. Feel free to add more mayo for added creaminess.
Sugar/honey/maple syrup: Just a bit of sweetness balances out the acidity of the vinegar and is a MUST for me in most dressings. I feel that honey gives the best flavor, but maple syrup and sugar also work. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
Dijon mustard: You can also use a stone ground mustard, just not yellow mustard, please.
Expert Tips
- Use good-quality olive oil: Since there are so few ingredients, a good extra virgin olive oil really makes this dressing shine.
- Balance to taste: Everyone’s preference is different, so feel free to adjust! Add more sweetness with a bit more sugar, honey or maple syrup, or tone down acidity with a little more olive oil. Make it your own!
- Shake shake shake: My favorite way to make this dressing is in a glass jar. Not only does it make mixing the dressing super easy, it’s also great for storing any leftovers.
- Storage: Store the creamy balsamic dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Just give it a good shake before using, since the oil/vinegar/mayo naturally separate over time.
How to use this delicious dressing!
Green salads: My favorite salad for this creamy balsamic dressing is this strawberry spinach salad! But a drizzle of this dressing also makes plain old mixed greens something special.
Caprese salad: Drizzle over tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella for a creamy twist on a caprese-style salad.
Wraps and sandwiches: Use it in a sandwich or wrap instead of mayo (since there’s a bit of mayo already in the dressing!).
Roasted veggies: Use it as a finishing drizzle for fall/winter roasted veggies like brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes.
Did you try this recipe?
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Thank you! ~ Casey
The Best Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. honey can sub maple syrup or sugar
- 1/4 tsp. coarse salt (sea salt, kosher salt)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or medium-sized jar, add the dressing ingredients. Whisk or shake until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Use good-quality olive oil: Since there are so few ingredients, a good extra virgin olive oil really makes this dressing shine.
- Balance to taste: Everyone’s preference is different, so feel free to adjust! Add more sweetness with a bit more sugar, honey or maple syrup, or tone down acidity with a little more olive oil. Make it your own!
- Shake shake shake: My favorite way to make this dressing is in a glass jar. Not only does it make mixing the dressing super easy, it’s also great for storing any leftovers.
- Storage: Store the creamy balsamic dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Just give it a good shake before using, since the oil/vinegar/mayo naturally separate over time.
This is my go-to “everyday” salad dressing! I always have a jar in my fridge–I hope you love it! XO~ Casey