Balsamic vinaigrette is a great standard salad dressing.  It’s prefect year round and goes with a wide range of salads.  Anything from caprese salad to a pear and gorgonzola salad goes well with a good balsamic vinaigrette.  This is a simple recipe and can be customized in a variety of ways.  A fun twist I took with this dressing is using a flavored vinegar.  Vinegars can come in a variety of flavors which allows you to play with your vinaigrettes for more unique mixes.

A great vinaigrette is a good way to eat more vegetables, so whip up this dressing and enjoy summer’s bountiful produce.

What is your favorite salad dressing?

Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Makes about 1 cup

Adapted from Barefeet in the Kitchen

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (try a flavored vinegar, like cranberry pear)
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 1-2 Tbsp honey (depending on how sweet you like your dressing)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, garlic, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.  Stream in the oil while whisking.  (You can also make this entirely in a blender, which will help emulsify the dressing even more.)  Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid and keep refrigerated.  Shake as needed before serving.

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