Description
This creamy balsamic vinaigrette recipe is a healthy, family-friendly dressing perfect for elevating salads and roasted vegetables. Its rich, velvety texture and tangy flavor can be whipped up in minutes and kept in the fridge for easy meal prep.
Ingredients
- 60 ml balsamic vinegar
- 120 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 60 ml vegetable-based mayonnaise
- 30 ml tahini
- 10 ml alcohol-free Dijon mustard
- 15 ml maple syrup
- 5 g minced garlic (1 medium clove)
- 5 ml sumac, plus extra for garnish
- 2.5 ml sea salt
- 1.25 ml freshly ground black pepper
- 5 ml toasted white sesame seeds, for garnish
- 5 g fresh mint leaves (small handful), chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Aromatics & Seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, alcohol-free Dijon mustard, minced garlic, maple syrup, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well combined and fragrant, making a harmonious base.
- Add Creamy Elements: Add the vegetable-based mayonnaise and tahini to the bowl. Whisk thoroughly for another minute until the mixture is smooth and lump-free, ensuring the tahini is fully incorporated for a uniform, creamy base that looks perfectly blended and velvety.
- Slowly Emulsify with Oil: While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil in a thin, steady stream. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely emulsified, thick, and velvety smooth, taking about 1-2 minutes until it coats the spoon beautifully. If the vinaigrette looks separated or too oily, keep whisking steadily; a strong, consistent whisk is your best friend here, or add a tablespoon of warm water to help it come together.
- Stir in Sumac: Stir in the 5 ml (1 tsp) of sumac into the vinaigrette. This will infuse the dressing with a tangy flavor and a subtle reddish hue, adding visual interest directly into the creamy base.
- Taste & Chill: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or maple syrup to your liking. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the creamy balsamic vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.
- Serve & Garnish: Generously drizzle the homemade creamy balsamic vinaigrette over a vibrant mixed greens salad or colorful roasted vegetables. Create a pleasing visual by scattering toasted white sesame seeds and finely chopped fresh mint leaves over the dressed dish, adding both crisp texture and a bright green color pop. Arrange a few whole mint leaves artfully for additional visual flair.
Notes
For faster and extra creamy results, combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, or use an immersion blender until smooth. If the vinaigrette is too oily, whisk in a tablespoon of warm water, broth, or extra balsamic vinegar until the texture is balanced. If too tart, add a small amount of extra maple syrup or honey, a quarter teaspoon at a time, tasting after each addition until you reach your desired sweetness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Whisking, No-cook
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Calories: 130 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: creamy balsamic, vinaigrette, healthy dressing, easy recipe, salad dressing, homemade, no-cook, plant-based, meal prep