Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette

This honey-balsamic dressing comes together in no time and works well with almost any green salad. It also calls for common pantry staples, including Dijon mustard for a little bite, honey for a touch of sweetness, and extra-virgin oil for a peppery base. Together, these ingredients balance the iconic tanginess of balsamic vinegar to yield a versatile vinaigrette. Kept refrigerated, the dressing will stay good for a couple weeks, so you can have a restaurant-quality dressing

For the best results, use a good quality olive oil—it will make a difference. It's also a good idea to use a fresh product; the shelf-life of olive oil can affect the flavor of your dressing, whether you decide to toss it with greens or pasta salad.

Just 4 Ingredients for This Easy Dressing

You'll only need a handful of basic pantry ingredients to whisk up this delicious honey-balsamic dressing, including:

Olive oil: As with most of our vinaigrette recipes, this one is made predominantly with extra-virgin olive oil, which provides a peppery base for the other ingredients while taming the acidity of the vinegar. Use a good quality oil for the best tasting dressings, and store it away from sunlight and direct heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a more neutral-tasting oil like grapeseed, avocado, or light olive oil instead.

Balsamic vinegar: Tangy balsamic vinegar adds delicious depth to this simple dressing. When shopping, look for balsamic vinegars that have "cooked grape must" as the first ingredient and are free of added sugar and coloring.

Honey: We lean on a small amount of honey for a welcomed dose of sweetness. If your honey crystalizes—which is a natural occurrence—microwave it for 15 to 30 seconds or set the container in a bowl of warm water until it loosens up, then stir well.

Dijon mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard lends a subtle bite to this vinaigrette while also helping the ingredients emulsify. We like a smooth and creamy Dijon here but you can certainly use a grainy one if you prefer.

Two Ways to Emulsify a Vinaigrette

When you're ready to combine the ingredients above, you have two options:

• Add them all to a bowl and whisk well until the mixture is emulsified.
• Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a jar, secure with a lid, and shake until the mixture is well blended.