Balsamic Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

A vibrant balsamic dressing with fresh herbs and garlic, perfect for salads and grilled vegetables, offering a tangy, savory flavor that enhances any dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1/3 c. balsamic vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped basil
  • 2 Tbsp. parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 c. olive oil

Instructions

  1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, parsley, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Slowly add olive oil while continuously stirring the mixture until well combined.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing; it enhances the tanginess. If fresh herbs aren't available, dried basil and parsley can be substituted, but use about a third of the amount. Adjust the garlic to your taste, and feel free to add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This balsamic dressing is perfect drizzled over a fresh salad or mixed into Pasta And Vegetable Toss(Low Calorie And Low-Fat; Makes 2 Servings). It also complements grilled vegetables or can be used as a marinade for meats. Try it with Steamed Herbed Potatoes for a delightful side dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover balsamic dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, give it a good shake, as the ingredients may separate. This dressing is best used cold, so there's no need to reheat it.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Balsamic Dressing contains roughly 155 calories, with 16g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (153% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), and potassium (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1948mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).

155 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.4g 33% DV
Total Fat 3.2g 4% DV
Carbs 24.1g 9% DV
Fiber 17.2g 62% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1947.8mg 85% DV
Potassium 3243.8mg 69% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 33.2mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 93.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 114mg 9% DV
Iron 27.5mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein Keto-friendly High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of vinegar for this dressing?

Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar, though the flavor will change slightly. Each type of vinegar brings its own unique taste to the dressing, so choose based on your preference.

How can I make this dressing vegan?

This balsamic dressing is already vegan as it contains no animal products. However, if you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness.

What can I do if the dressing is too tangy?

If you find the dressing too tangy, balance it by whisking in a small amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also add extra olive oil to mellow the flavor without compromising the overall consistency.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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