19 Best Italian Balsamic Dressing Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
If you are a fan of Italian cuisine, you probably know that a good balsamic dressing can make all the difference in a dish. The perfect combination of sweet and tangy, balsamic dressing adds a depth of flavor that elevates any salad, pasta, or meat dish. While there are many store-bought options available, nothing beats a homemade Italian balsamic dressing. Not only is it more affordable, but it also allows you to customize the ingredients and flavors to your liking. In this article, we will share with you the best Italian balsamic dressing recipe that you can easily make at home.
Apple, Pecan, Cranberry, and Avocado Spinach Salad...
Main Ingredients: Baby Spinach Leaves, Dried Cranberries, Pecans, Apple
If you're looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than this Apple, Pecan, Cranberry, and Avocado Spinach Salad. The combination of crunchy apples, creamy avocado, and tangy cranberries is perfectly balanced with a homemade balsamic dressing that will have your taste buds singing.
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Italian Chopped Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Main Ingredients: Lettuce, Genoa Salami, Cooked Chicken Breast, Green
This Italian Chopped Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a great option for those who love a little bit of everything in their salads. Packed with fresh veggies, salami, and cheese, this salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. And the homemade balsamic dressing adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
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Balsamic Dressing Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Red Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper
If you're a pasta lover, this Balsamic Dressing Pasta Salad is a must-try. This salad combines your favorite pasta with a variety of veggies and a delicious homemade balsamic dressing. It's the perfect side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, but it's also great for a summertime picnic or potluck.
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Lemon Balsamic Dressing
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Dressing, Honey, Dried
This Lemon Balsamic Dressing is a simple yet flavorful addition to any salad. The tangy lemon juice and sweet balsamic vinegar create the perfect balance of flavors, and the addition of Dijon mustard adds a nice kick. Drizzle this dressing over your favorite greens and veggies for a refreshing and delicious side dish.
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Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, Fresh
If you love the combination of sweet and savory, you'll adore this Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing. The earthy spinach is paired with crisp apples, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a sweet and tangy honey balsamic dressing. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken dinner.
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Tortellini pasta salad with Italian dressing
Main Ingredients: Pesto, Red Bell Pepper, Salami, Black Olives, Green
This Tortellini Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a hearty and satisfying side dish that will please both adults and kids alike. The colorful pasta, fresh veggies, and tangy Italian dressing make for a delicious combination that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.
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Strawberry Chicken Salad With Strawberry Balsamic...
Main Ingredients: Cooked Chicken, Romaine, Strawberries, Dried
If you want to take your salad game to the next level, try this Strawberry Chicken Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing. The juicy and sweet strawberries are the star of this salad, paired with grilled chicken, feta cheese, and a homemade strawberry balsamic dressing. It's fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a summer evening dinner.
If you're a fan of Quiznos sandwiches, you'll love this Copycat Quizno's Italian Sub. Packed with salami, pepperoni, ham, and cheese, this sandwich is a classic Italian combo that's sure to satisfy your cravings. And the homemade Italian dressing adds the perfect amount of tanginess to bring all the flavors together.
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Copycat Quizno’s Italian Sub
Main Ingredients: Sub Rolls, Balsamic Dressing, Basil Pesto, Sliced
This Tuscan Tortellini Salad is a filling and flavorful side dish that's perfect for any occasion. The tortellini, cherry tomatoes, and olives are tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing and topped with fresh basil for an Italian-inspired dish that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. It's also great for a quick and easy lunch option.
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Tuscan Tortellini Salad
Main Ingredients: Tortellini, Fresh Spinach, Salami, Pepperoni, Black
If you're a fan of charcuterie boards, you'll love this Charcuterie Salad with Sweet Balsamic Dressing. This salad is packed with all your favorite charcuterie meats, cheeses, and fruits, and topped with a sweet balsamic dressing for a unique and delicious twist. It's a great way to switch up your salad game and impress your dinner guests.
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Charcuterie Salad with Sweet Balsamic Dressing
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Prunes
Italian Pasta Salad is a staple at summer barbecues and potlucks, and for good reason. This pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies, salami, and cheese, and tossed in a homemade Italian dressing that's bursting with flavor. It's a crowd-pleaser and a great side dish to serve alongside your beer can chicken.
This Winter Chopped Salad with White Balsamic Dressing is the perfect way to add some freshness and crunch to your winter meals. Packed with seasonal veggies like kale, Brussels sprouts, and pomegranate seeds, this salad is tossed in a tangy white balsamic dressing that will brighten up any cold day.
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Winter Chopped Salad with White Balsamic Dressing
Main Ingredients: Medium Sweet Potatoes, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt
For a twist on the classic strawberry chicken salad, try this Winter Fruit & Feta Salad with Cranberry Balsamic Dressing. This salad combines winter fruits like pears and pomegranates with creamy feta cheese and a homemade cranberry balsamic dressing. It's a refreshing and flavorful side dish to serve with your beer can chicken.
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Strawberry Chicken Salad with Strawberry Balsamic...
Main Ingredients: Cooked Chicken, Romaine, Strawberries, Dried
If you're looking for a healthier option to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Winter Spinach Chicken Salad Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Balsamic Dressing. This bowl is filled with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, chicken, and spinach, and topped with a creamy balsamic dressing for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Winter Fruit & Feta Salad with Cranberry Balsamic...
Main Ingredients: Baby Greens, Clementine, Avocado, Pomegranate, Feta
Chicken Caprese Paninis are a great way to switch up your typical sandwich game. This sandwich is loaded with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, grilled chicken, and basil, and drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. It's a delicious and easy lunch option that's perfect for a summer day.
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Winter Fruit Feta Salad with Cranberry Balsamic...
Main Ingredients: Baby Greens, Oranges, Avocado, Pomegranate, Crumbled
This Spinach Lentil Beet Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a hearty and nutritious side dish that's perfect for vegetarians. The combination of lentils, beets, and spinach creates a flavorful and filling salad that's tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. It's a great way to add some plant-based protein to your beer can chicken dinner.
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Chicken Caprese Paninis
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Balsamic Dressing, Italian Loaf, Pizza
This Winter Spinach Chicken Salad Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Balsamic Dressing is the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold winter day. Packed with flavorful ingredients like quinoa, chicken, and roasted veggies, this bowl is topped with a creamy balsamic dressing for a satisfying and healthy meal option.
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Spinach Lentil Beet Salad with Balsamic Dressing {No...
Main Ingredients: Fresh Spinach, Lentils, Beets, Orange, Cherry Tomatoes
This Balsamic Bacon Brussel Sprout Salad is a unique and delicious side dish that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy bacon, roasted Brussels sprouts, and tangy balsamic dressing creates a flavor explosion. It's the perfect pairing for your beer can chicken and a great way to get your greens in.
Ingredients for the Best Italian Balsamic Dressing
1. Balsamic Vinegar
The star ingredient of any balsamic dressing, balsamic vinegar is a type of vinegar made from grapes that have been cooked down and aged for several years. Look for a high-quality balsamic vinegar from Modena or Reggio Emilia, two regions in Italy known for producing the best balsamic vinegar.
2. Olive Oil
For the best flavor, opt for extra virgin olive oil in your dressing. It adds a fruity and slightly bitter note to balance out the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar. Make sure to use a good quality olive oil for the best results.
3. Dijon Mustard
While not a traditional ingredient in Italian balsamic dressing, Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the dressing. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and vinegar together.
4. Garlic
Adding a clove or two of garlic to the dressing brings a subtle savory flavor to the mix. You can either mince the garlic finely or use a garlic press for a smoother texture.
5. Honey
To balance out the tanginess of the vinegar, honey is added to the dressing. It adds a touch of sweetness and helps to mellow out the acidity of the vinegar.
6. Salt and Pepper
A pinch of salt and pepper adds the final touch to the dressing, bringing out all the flavors and creating a well-balanced dressing.
How to Make the Best Italian Balsamic Dressing
Step 1: Mix the Vinegar and Mustard
In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Step 2: Whisk in the Olive Oil
Slowly drizzle in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
Step 3: Add the Garlic, Honey, Salt, and Pepper
Using a garlic press or finely mincing the garlic, add 1-2 cloves of garlic to the dressing. Then, add 1 tablespoon of honey, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Adjust to Taste
Taste the dressing and adjust the ingredients as needed. If it is too tangy, add more honey. If it is too thick, add a splash of water. If it is too bland, add more salt and pepper.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Italian balsamic dressing not only allows you to control the quality of the ingredients, but it also lets you customize the flavors to your liking. This recipe is a great base, but feel free to add in some fresh herbs, like basil or oregano, or switch up the vinegar to create your own unique version of the best Italian balsamic dressing. Bon appetit!
