Best Vinegrette Dressing (Balsamic, Lemon, & More Vinaigrette Recipes)

This post may contain affiliate links.
Please read my disclosure policy.

My go-to best homemade Vinegrette dressing is tangy, slightly sweet, and full of zippy fresh flavors, perfect for about any type of salad. I’ll share my basic balsamic vinaigrette recipe, plus many essential varieties like lemon, raspberry, red wine, and apple cider vinaigrette.

Best Vinegrette Dressing for Salad

This balsamic vinaigrette is my favorite salad dressing, and takes less than 5 minutes to make. It’s very versatile and goes so well with greens, fruits, and veggies. Store-bought dressing truly cannot compare!

It’s delicate, tangy with just a hint of sweetness. I used extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) which is the healthiest oil with the most spectacular flavor. Note that none of the store-bought dressing use EVOO.

Balsamic Vinegrette Ingredients

• Balsamic Vinegar
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Dijon Mustard
• Minced Garlic
• Honey
• Salt & Pepper 

Best Vinaigrette Ratio

Traditional standard oil to vinegar ratio = 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar/acid

The best vinaigrette ratio depends on your choice of vinegar and the salad you use. Feel free to adjust the ratio slightly to your personal taste.

How to Make Vinegrette?

• Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
• Slowly add olive oil, whisking continuously for 30-60 seconds to create an emulsion.
• Taste and add more salt and pepper as desired.
• Serve with salad or store in the fridge until serving.

Pro Tips for The Perfect Vinaigrette

• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the healthiest salad dressing.
• I mixed all the ingredients by hand with a regular whisk. But if you prefer a THICKER consistency, you can use a blender.
• This homemade balsamic vinaigrette lasts for several months in the refrigerator when sealed properly. Note that oil and vinegar will separate during storage, so you’ll need to give the jar a nice shake to get everything mixed together again before using.

Ways to Use Vinaigrette

• Use it on salad like Spinach Salad, Green Salad, Fruit Salad.
• Drizzle it onto Baked Chicken Breasts, Sirloin Steak, or Brussels Sprouts for a flavor boost.
• Serve it as a dipping sauce for artichokes and asparagus.

4 Types of Vinaigrette

Basic Vinaigrette Made with Different Kinds of Vinegar

• Red Wine Vinaigrette
• Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• Champagne Vinaigrette
• White Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Italian Vinaigrette
• French Vinaigrette      

Citrus Vinaigrette

• Lemon Vinaigrette
• Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
• Orange Vinaigrette

Vinaigrette with Added Fruits & Herbs

• Raspberry Vinaigrette
• Strawberry Vinaigrette
• Basil Vinaigrette
• Shallot Vinaigrette
• Pomegranate Vinaigrette        
• Tomato Vinaigrette    

Vinaigrette with Other Added Condiments

• Healthy Greek Vinaigrette
• Simple Mustard Vinaigrette
• Dijon Vinaigrette
• Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
• Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette
• Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
• Asian Vinaigrette
• Maple Sherry Vinaigrette
• Bacon Vinaigrette Dressing
• Pesto Vinaigrette