A good honey balsamic dressing should taste balanced rather than simply sweet. Honey rounds the acidity of balsamic vinegar while mustard helps the oil and vinegar stay emulsified.
Estimated yield: about 120 mL Estimated preparation: 5 minutes
Dressing overview
This honey balsamic dressing is a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette built around balsamic vinegar, honey, oil and mustard. It works as an everyday homemade honey dressing for salads and other dishes where a sweet-acid balance is useful. The goal is enough honey to soften the balsamic vinegar without making the dressing taste syrupy.
Ingredients
- 60 mL extra-virgin olive oil
- 30 mL balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated, optional
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper
Method
- Put all ingredients in a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake vigorously until emulsified.
- Taste and adjust with a little more vinegar for sharpness or honey for sweetness.
- Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container.
How long does it keep?
If using fresh garlic, refrigerate the dressing promptly and use it within a few days. Do not assume a long refrigerator life.
Why did my dressing separate?
Oil and vinegar naturally separate over time. Mustard helps them emulsify, but the dressing may still need a good shake before serving.
Can I use apple-cider vinegar?
Yes, but it becomes a different vinaigrette with a sharper, fruitier acidity. Start with slightly less vinegar and adjust to taste.
Is this the same as honey mustard dressing?
No. Honey mustard dressing usually uses much more mustard and often has a creamier texture. See Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing.
Use this dressing on leafy salads, roast vegetables, Pear, Walnut and Feta Salad or Honey-Roasted Beetroot with Goat's Cheese.
For spoon-to-gram conversions, see Honey Measurements.
Allergen note: mustard is present; check the label of packaged ingredients.
Recipe note: This recipe has been developed for home cooking but has not yet been independently kitchen-tested by Australian Honey Company. Results may vary with ingredients, equipment and cooking conditions.