Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is balsamic vinaigrette dressing made of? ›

At its most basic, balsamic vinaigrette is made of oil and balsamic vinegar. The oil is usually olive oil, and there is usually an emulsifying ingredient such as mustard. Herbs and spices, salt and pepper, and a sweetener such as honey may also be added.

Quick Guide: Homemade Balsamic Vinegar

Crush Lambrusco or Trebbiano grapes to extract their juice (the “must”). Strain the must and simmer it for 2–3 days until it halves and thickens. Store it in a wooden barrel for a minimum of 12 years, transferring to a smaller barrel each year.

Balsamic vinegar is fantastic for gut health. In fact, it's one of the best foods you can eat if you have digestive disorders or problems with food intolerances. The enzymes in balsamic vinegar help with digestion and absorption of nutrients, making this an excellent addition to any diet plan.

BALSAMIC DRESSING

Put 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar into a jam jar with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Put the lid on the jar and shake well.

Balsamic vinegar is pure vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is dark brown in color and has a very robust, slightly sweet flavor. Balsamic vinaigrette is a mixture made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and/or other spices. It is typically used as a salad dressing but has other uses in the kitchen as well.

Good quality balsamic vinegar will have its ingredients listed as “Grape must, tradizionale'. This means that it has been aged for at least 12 years, and the vinegar will thick and sweet. Cheaper vinegar will be combined with a wine vinegar, caramel, flavourings and other ingredients.

Traditional balsamic vinegar is made from sweet white grapes, often the Lambrusco or Trebbiano varieties. The grapes are pressed whole — including the stems, seeds and juice — and then cooked over a flame until reduced by half. They are left to ferment naturally for up to three weeks.

While balsamic vinegar is generally safe for most people, those prone to acid reflux or heartburn may want to moderate their intake, as vinegar's acidity can exacerbate these conditions.

Improves digestion

One of the amazing properties of balsamic vinegar is acetic acid. This active compound is made up of probiotic strains that promote healthy digestion. Plus, these probiotics also help the good intestinal transit and thus avoid constipation.

Does balsamic vinegar spike blood sugar? ›

Balsamic is one of several types of vinegar thought to limit spikes in blood glucose levels. One study suggests that, if taken in moderation prior to eating, vinegar can help people with type 2 diabetes better manage their blood sugar.

Balsamic vinegar belongs to the local culinary tradition. Families from Modena use the less aged one daily on meat or vegetables, in salads, or on ice cream, for example. The most classic and successful coupling is with Parmigiano Reggiano, Claudio Giusti confirms.

Make a Vinaigrette

Mix 2 parts olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar (of course this may be adjusted per your taste) for a wonderful compliment to your salads.

Traditional balsamic vinegar is made from sweet white grapes, often the Lambrusco or Trebbiano varieties. The grapes are pressed whole — including the stems, seeds and juice — and then cooked over a flame until reduced by half. They are left to ferment naturally for up to three weeks.

A few of the unhealthiest salad dressings include creamy Caesar, creamy Italian, ranch, and Russian dressing. For example, two tablespoons of store-bought creamy Caesar dressing contains 190 calories and 20 grams of fat,4 as compared to 90 calories and 9 grams of fat in the same serving of balsamic vinaigrette.

Like our favourite extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegar of Modena contains polyphenols which are potent antioxidants. Regular consumption of polyphenols reduces inflammation in the body, boosting brain health and protecting against type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.