Signature Olive Oil Balsamic Dressing

This olive oil balsamic dressing (without mustard) is the one dressing everyone needs to master. There is nothing like a simple but flavorful vinaigrette that is made of a few simple ingredients to elevate a bland-tasting salad.

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• 5 reasons you'll love this dressing
• Ingredients to keep in your pantry
• Step by step with pictures
• Storage tips
• More dressing recipes
• The recipe

5 reasons you'll love this dressing

If you're looking for a go-to dressing to add to any salad, this healthy balsamic vinaigrette recipe is for you. Here are 5 reasons you'll love this uncomplicated balsamic salad dressing:

• It is made from only 5 simple igredients that you most probably already have in your pantry.
• The vinaigrette pairs well with any leafy greens and will elevate all your salads.
• It's a dressing without onions or garlic, which is great if you can't eat these foods.
• This dressing contains no mustard! It is perfect for people, who don't like mustard. However, note that the oil and the vinegar will separate after a while because there is no binding agent (such as mustard).
• You can store the vinagrette in the fridge for over a week. If you eat salads on the regular, make some dressing ahead of time and store it in your refrigerator. It's an easy way to replace store-bought dressings with a healthy homemade alternative (that is free from additives, sugar or excessive amounts of salt).

Ingredients to keep in your pantry

• High-quality virgin olive oil: keep a bottle of qualitative olive oil that you use solely for dressings (and not for cooking). The flavour is surprisingly different.
• Balsamic vinegar: check for the absence of additives. A balsamic vinegar should simply be made of grape must (unfermented grape juice).
• Dried herbs: dried oregano and mint will enhance any salad or dressing. Dried mint might be difficult to find but it really makes all the difference. If you can't find it at your local grocery store, check organic stores or even spice suppliers. Otherwise you can dry and grind mint yourself or order dry mint online (it really is worth it!).
• Maple syrup: it counters the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and gives the dressing a silky texture. Maple balsamic dressings are a hit on any salads!

Step by step with pictures

Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, dry oregano and dry mint to a small bowl and whisk until combined. You can also prepare it in a salad dressing shaker.

Note that this balsamic vinaigrette recipe is made without mustard. As a consequence, the oil and vinegar will separate if you let the dressing sit for a while. Simply give it a shake before using.

Storage tips

In the fridge: You can store the olive oil-balsamic dressing in an air-tight container in the fridge for over a week. Note that the oil in the dressing will solidify when refrigerated. Take the dressing out of the fridge and let it sit on the countertop for about 10 minutes until liquid again. Shake well before using.

On the counter: If using only olive oil, vinegar and dry herbs, you can also keep the dressing out of the fridge for several days. The vinegar in the dressing should keep it stable. However, if adding other ingredients, such as fresh herbs or raw garlic or onion, the dressing needs to be refrigerated as these ingredients could go bad.

More dressing recipes

• The best healthy vegan caesar dressing (without anchovies)
• Peanut butter dressing (perfect on cabbage salads or with spring rolls)
• Vegan garlic dressing

The recipe