Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

FAQs

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making vinaigrette? ›

Generally speaking, the healthiest salad dressing will be a vinaigrette like balsamic or oil and vinegar, while Caesar, ranch or anything with the word “creamy” will be the unhealthiest. The exception? We like products made with healthy swaps—think Greek yogurt in place of mayo or heavy cream.

Homemade vinaigrettes that include fresh or cooked vegetables (like garlic), herbs and fresh citrus juices will last around three days, according to Ziata. Preservative-free vinaigrettes you'll typically find in the refrigerated section of the grocery store will last a little longer, three to five days.

This versatile vinegar may enhance skin health, support healthy weight maintenance by increasing satiety, promote digestive health, lower blood pressure and improve blood sugar control. However, overconsumption may damage tooth enamel and lead to acid reflux or heartburn.

The most common emulsifiers in your kitchen are likely egg yolks, mayonnaise, prepared mustard (preferably Dijon), honey, and tomato paste (though I'm not a fan of raw tomato paste, the flavor works quite well in a vinaigrette). For a more neutral flavor, use mayonnaise.

Bottled dressings are often rich sources of saturated fat, calories, sodium, and added sugar.

Caesar dressing. Made up of mayonnaise, cheese, salt and oil (and all too often, anchovies), Caesar tends to be one of the least healthy options out there. Those ingredients cause it to be high in both saturated fats and sodium.

Ranch Dressing

The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper. A creamier and richer version often features sour cream or yogurt for enhanced taste.

Crunchy Noodles, Wontons, and Tortilla Strips

All they add to your salad are calories (around 120 per half cup) and fat (half of those calories, at around 60 grams). Same goes for tortilla strips or wontons.

It is pretty rare for balsamic vinegar to go bad, but it can still happen occasionally — especially if you do not store it properly or you buy a product that is not 100 percent vinegar. First, you should look at the vinegar to see if its appearance has changed.

What happens when balsamic vinegar goes bad? ›

We can say that aged balsamic vinegar has an indefinite shelf life. However, it would be convenient to use the product once opened, within two to three years, and the one that has yet to be opened, within five years. After that time, its color may change, and the flavor will no longer be as bright and fresh as before.

Balsamic vinaigrette, when unopened, can last for up to 1-2 years after the printed date on the package if kept properly in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should ideally be consumed within 2-3 months. For homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it will generally last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Both types of vinegar provide minor sources of minerals, including healthful amounts of potassium. Balsamic provides 18mg of potassium per tablespoon, while apple cider only has 11mg. Balsamic's antioxidants also help lower LDL cholesterol, while apple cider works similarly to lower lower blood lipid levels.

A lab study also found acetic acid in vinegar had fat-lowering characteristics in mice. So while balsamic vinegar won't melt excess fat overnight, it might be a helpful tool for a healthy weight loss journey, if that's your goal.

Heart health and blood pressure

Balsamic vinegar can reduce the concentration of triglycerides and total cholesterol in the body; these have been linked to heart attacks and stroke. Also, due to its low saturated fat content, balsamic vinegar is believed to enhance heart health and reduce high blood pressure.

How Long Does Homemade Vinaigrette Last? Traditional vinaigrettes, like the balsamic version listed below, will last longer—sometimes up to a few weeks. However, anything with fresh garlic should be consumed within a few days, as the combination of garlic and oil can form harmful bacteria over time.

According to Reader's Digest, oil-based salad dressings, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing, tend to last longer than mayo-based dressings. In general, these dressings can last for up to a few weeks (via Know Your Pantry). However, once they've expired, they will give off a noticeable rancid smell.