Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is balsamic vinaigrette dressing made of? ›

At its most basic, balsamic vinaigrette is made of oil and balsamic vinegar. The oil is usually olive oil, and there is usually an emulsifying ingredient such as mustard. Herbs and spices, salt and pepper, and a sweetener such as honey may also be added.

The polyphenols found in balsamic vinegar have antioxidant properties that multiple studies show may help improve cardiovascular health. While not a substitute for medication, incorporating balsamic vinegar into a heart-healthy diet could be a small but flavorful step toward maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Traditional balsamic vinegar is made only with one ingredient — "grape must" (in Italian, "mosto"), the sweet juice of freshly pressed grapes — that is boiled to a concentrate, fermented and acidified, and aged for 12 to 25 years or longer in wood barrels.

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.

While refrigeration after opening is required for many pantry staples, it is not necessary for balsamic vinegar. Putting the balsamic vinegar in the fridge can potentially cause condensation to form on the inside of the bottle, diluting the flavor.

Balsamic vinegar is associated with only two potential health problems. It could erode dental enamel due to its acidity, and it may contain some lead. While the amount of lead is considered to be too small to affect adults, there's a chance it might raise lead levels in children.

Improves digestion

One of the amazing properties of balsamic vinegar is acetic acid. This active compound is made up of probiotic strains that promote healthy digestion. Plus, these probiotics also help the good intestinal transit and thus avoid constipation.

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 vinegar regulations state that PGI balsamic vinegar must contain at least 10 percent wine vinegar. The must used for Modena balsamic vinegar PGI must have a minimum acidity of 8 g per kg. In addition, natural caramel may be added to the must.

Is there a lot of sugar in balsamic vinegar? ›

Low in Calories

Use 1 tablespoon or less when adding balsamic vinegar to salad dressings, sauces or even soups. A 1-tablespoon serving of balsamic vinegar has only 9 grams of sugar and 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Versatility. Balsamic vinegar belongs to the local culinary tradition. Families from Modena use the less aged one daily on meat or vegetables, in salads, or on ice cream, for example.

Make a Vinaigrette

Mix 2 parts olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar (of course this may be adjusted per your taste) for a wonderful compliment to your salads.

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.