balsamic vinaigrette salad recipe

The Best balsamic vinaigrette salad recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite balsamic vinaigrette salad recipe. This salad is a staple in our household, and I make it at least twice a week. It’s a perfect recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with family and friends. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables, fruits, and nuts. I like to use fresh arugula as the base, but you can also use spinach or mixed greens if you prefer. The key to this recipe is the homemade vinaigrette dressing, which is made with just a few simple ingredients: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. The tangy flavor of the balsamic vinegar pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the vegetables and fruits, creating a delicious and refreshing taste experience.

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and health benefits. The antioxidants in the vegetables help to protect your cells from damage, while the healthy fats in the olive oil support heart health. I love serving this salad as a side dish or using it as a topping for sandwiches and wraps. It’s also a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables – just add their favorite fruits and nuts to make it fun and engaging!

My kids adore this salad, and I’m sure yours will too! One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. For example, if you’re gluten-free, simply substitute the Dijon mustard with gluten-free mustard or omit it altogether.

If you’re vegan, swap out the honey for maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice. The possibilities are endless! Another reason I adore this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time. Simply prepare the vinaigrette dressing and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the greens with the vinaigrette dressing and add your desired toppings.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad

4.5 from 1959 votes

A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

4 cups mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Set aside.
2The mixture should be smooth and emulsified, with no visible oil separation.
3In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
4Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad mixture.
6Toss gently to coat all the salad ingredients evenly with the dressing.
7Ensure that the salad is evenly coated and glistening with the vinaigrette.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Whisk
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 30g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: Adjust the vinaigrette ingredients to taste. For a tangier dressing, add more balsamic vinegar. For a sweeter dressing, add more honey.

Watch Video Of How Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Works

This balsamic vinaigrette salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Simply reheat or serve chilled when needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad

1.

What is balsamic vinaigrette?

Balsamic vinaigrette is a type of salad dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and salt.

2.

Can I make balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette dressing up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

3.

Is balsamic vinaigrette suitable for children?

This salad is perfect for kids – simply add their favorite fruits and nuts to make it fun and engaging!

4.

Can I use store-bought balsamic vinegar?

No, I highly recommend making your own homemade balsamic vinegar using just 2-3 simple ingredients – white wine vinegar, water, sugar, salt – as it tastes better than store-bought.

5.

How do I store leftover salad?

You can store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

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