Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

FAQs

Is balsamic vinaigrette the healthiest salad dressing? ›

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.

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.

BALSAMIC DRESSING

Put 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar into a jam jar with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Put the lid on the jar and shake well.

And at the top of that list? 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.

Improves digestion and gut health

The enzymes in balsamic vinegar help with digestion and absorption of nutrients, making this an excellent addition to any diet plan. Protein – Balsamic vinegar helps with protein digestion by breaking down the amino acids and making them more absorbable by your body.

For the healthiest salad dressings, you want one made with a good, natural oil like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. You want to look for bottles that say expeller-pressed, cold-pressed, or first-pressed on the label. These good, natural oils are made with the least amount of damage to the oil.

The best way to dress your salad is with a little olive oil (healthy fat!) and lemon juice, or olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar contains beneficial antioxidants, no fat, and very few calories.

The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper. A creamier and richer version often features sour cream or yogurt for enhanced taste.

It has a rich and balanced taste that brings out the value of the ingredients and gives a unique touch to both simple foods and elaborate dishes. Here are some ideas for making the most of the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena according to Italian tradition.

What is the closest dressing to balsamic vinegar? ›

Red Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, and Grape Jelly: Since balsamic is made from grapes, adding grape jelly to red wine vinegar might not be the worst idea. Combine one tablespoon of red wine vinegar, one teaspoon of grape jelly and ½ teaspoon of soy sauce for a little savory richness.

If you like a creamy dressing, try adding Greek yogurt or avocado for healthy, natural fats. Or if you prefer a vinaigrette, consider adding your favorite citrus juice or zest for a pop of color. “I love a quick homemade vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon, fresh garlic and lots of oregano,” Allers notes.

Restaurant chefs use white balsamic vinegar not only for its milder flavor, but also because it won't turn a salad dressing or sauce brown the way the regular stuff will.

Make a Vinaigrette

It's best to mix well in a sealed bottle so you can shake vigorously, or slowly add extra virgin olive oil to your balsamic vinegar in a bowl while whisking vigorously. This will create a thick smooth mixture with the flavors wonderfully blended.

Balsamic vinegar is usually safe to add to foods. It contains very few calories, is low in sugar, and is fat-free. In addition, there are several potential health benefits associated with balsamic vinegar.

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.

Lemon Juice, Molasses and Soy Sauce

This combination may sound unconventional, but it hits all the right notes to achieve a pretty solid substitute for balsamic vinegar. Lemon juice offers acidity, molasses imparts color and sweetness and soy sauce infuse the optimal dose of umami into every drop.