Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (5 Minutes)

Name: Balsamic Vinaigrette (5 Minutes)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup tahini; 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 1/2 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)

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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.

Healthy balsamic vinaigrette dressing in a glass storage jar next to a spoon with dressing.

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
🫙 Substitutions
📖 How to Make Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette
💡 Expert Tips
🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
🍽 Related Recipes
👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
Balsamic Vinaigrette (5 Minutes)
💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Lemon, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, tahini, maple syrup, and garlic powder on a grey backdrop.

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.

Tahini, curry powder, cumin, and water in a grey speckled bowl with a spout.

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.

Healthy balsamic vinaigrette dressing in a glass storage bottle next to a bowl of salad.

Step 2. Store in an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Healthy homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing in a glass storage jar next to a bowl of salad.

💡 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

What is balsamic vinaigrette dressing typically made of?

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.

What's the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinaigrette?

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.

Is balsamic vinaigrette healthy?

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.