This creamy, delicious, healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is easy to prepare at home. It takes 5 minutes, and all you need is a whisk! It lasts for up to two weeks and goes with all types of salads.
Better than storebought dressing, this homemade dressing is fresh-tasting, versatile, budget-friendly, and pairs well with a variety of salads. It is made with healthful ingredients and without refined sweeteners.
Tahini replaces olive oil in this healthy dressing recipe. Tahini is fairly low in calories but high in fiber, protein, and several important vitamins and minerals. It is considered healthy because it’s a good source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals. Plus, it's rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which support overall health.
Check out my Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes post for even more healthy dressings that take just 5 minutes to make! This dressing was inspired by my 5-Minute Lemon Herb Tahini and Vegan Creamy Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing.
These easy homemade dressings are also delicious with grain bowls, Buddha bowls, and roasted veggies.
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👩🏼🌾 Ingredients
- Balsamic vinegar
- Tahini
- Maple syrup
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
See the recipe card for quantities.
🫙 Substitutions
- Garlic powder - instead of garlic powder, add one minced or grated clove of garlic
- Lemon zest - add one-half teaspoon of lemon zest for more of a sweet citrusy flavor
- Lemon juice - substitute with apple cider vinegar as needed
- Herbs - dried herbs are a great addition (oregano, Italian seasoning, thyme, or basil)
For more dressings, sauces, and condiments, visit my Vegan Condiment Recipes page.
📖 How to Make Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette
For the full recipe, scroll down to the bottom of the post. This is an overview.
Step 1. Combine the tahini, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, maple syrup, garlic powder, and dried herbs in a medium bowl. Whisk well until the tahini seizes. Add the water 1 tablespoon at a time. Then add lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2. Store in an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.
💡 Expert Tips
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best-tasting balsamic dressing.
- Creamy tahini is easier to work with. I enjoy the tahini from Soom Foods as well as Seed + Mill.
- Storage: Refrigerate Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
A basic balsamic vinaigrette is made of oil and balsamic vinegar. The oil is usually olive oil, and there is typically an emulsifying ingredient such as mustard. Herbs, spices, salt and pepper, and a sweetener may also be added.
Balsamic vinegar is pure vinegar. It is a dark brown color and has a very robust, slightly sweet flavor. Balsamic vinaigrette is a dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sweetener, salt, and sometimes other spices. It is typically used as a salad dressing but has other uses in the kitchen.
It is fairly low in calories and contains heart-healthy fats. Plus, it packs in a lot of flavor, so a little goes a long way on salads.
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📖 Recipe
Balsamic Vinaigrette (5 Minutes)
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small clove garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (optional)
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Juice of 1 lemon or to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the tahini, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, maple syrup, and garlic powder in a medium bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add dried herbs as desired. Whisk well until the tahini starts to seize. Then add 3 tablespoons cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Add fresh lemon juice to taste.
- Season with salt, and pepper and mix again.
- Store in an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Notes
-
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best-tasting balsamic dressing.
- Add a pinch of lemon zest for more citrus flavor.
- Creamy tahini is easier to work with. I enjoy the tahini from Soom Foods as well as Seed + Mill.
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
R N says
Can I sub peanut butter for tahini?
Thanks
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Yes, runny peanut butter.
CatD says
Love the creaminess from the tahini, it's smooth and oh so flavorful! This dressing has a nice kick and of course it will be on repeat! I also am happy it doesn't require oil. Thanks so much! 😊👍 Another 10!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Thank you so much. Truly appreciate the comment!
Jeanette OSullivan says
Thank you for your recipes from Jeanette OSullivan from Ireland
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
You're most welcome.
Marcia says
So creamy and flavorful!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Denise M says
I really enjoyed the creaminess of this dressing, perfect for our spinach salad with veggies and chickpeas. Also happy it will keep for a while.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Hi. So glad you enjoyed it. It's so versatile. Love it with chickpeas too!
Dawn Denby says
What is a serving size, one or two tablespoons?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
It is one-fifth of the recipe.
Molly K says
I had been making balsamic dressing for years but tried this one and I have to say, it is hands down my new favorite! I have to day, the addition of the lemon ZEST was what took the flavor to the next level ... definitely my go-to balsamic recipe from here on out!! Thank you for another brilliant gem!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I'm so thrilled to be your current fave! Thank you.
Ana Macias-Lopez says
The balsamic ratio compared to your YouTube short doesn’t seem to match. On this site it says 1 1/2 tablespoon but in the video it looks like at least 1 cup. I’m confused on the measurements.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Hi. I updated it so please use these measurements. The previous recipe was a bit pricey when using a good quality balsamic and I try to keep my recipes within a reasonable price range. Hope this helps.
Anakaren says
So delicious
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Thank you so much.
Vicki Strebel says
I love the container you used to make the dressing. Where can I find it?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Yes. Here is the link: https://amzn.to/3IEdkW3
https://amzn.to/3NFBFOu
Anne-Marie Désourdy says
Hi! This sounds like a great recipe, I don’t see the garlic in the ingredients listed .Could you please tell me how much I need to add. Thank you so much! Anne-Marie
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Hi. Just added it. Sorry about that. Was rushing to get it to you guys:)