Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest balsamic vinaigrette? ›

Fat Quality and Content: The type of oil in your vinaigrette makes a big difference in its healthfulness. Look for dressings that use extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil, which are great sources of unsaturated fats that are good for heart health.

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.

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.

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.

Lemon Juice, Molasses and Soy Sauce

This combination may sound unconventional, but it hits all the right notes to achieve a pretty solid substitute for balsamic vinegar. Lemon juice offers acidity, molasses imparts color and sweetness and soy sauce infuse the optimal dose of umami into every drop.

Supports Blood Sugar Regulation

Studies suggest that it may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the glycemic response after a meal. Overall, aged balsamic vinegar is a flavorful and healthful addition to any vinaigrette dressing.

Common ingredients used as emulsifiers in vinaigrettes include Dijon mustard, honey, egg yolks, tomato paste or even roasted garlic (some are better emulsifiers than others).

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Martin says, "It's got a hint of sweetness with little to no added sugar and is packed with heart-healthy unsaturated fats." Plus, the lack of sugar can be good for those looking to lose weight in particular, as well as for those on low-sugar and low-carb diet plans.

So the next time you're dressing a salad, reach for the balsamic vinegar–in the long run, not ingesting that extra fat and sugar makes a big difference!

What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar in balsamic dressing? ›

For every 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, substitute 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus ½ tsp. sugar.

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.

If you're using balsamic vinegars primarily for salads and like them chilled, they can be refrigerated. If you're using them for sauces, marinades, and reductions, store them in a cupboard. The shelf life of balsamic vinegar should be between 3-5 years.

Best Overall: Fini Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

This classic balsamic vinegar has a smooth, balanced flavor that makes it ideal for a variety of uses beyond dressing a salad.

Balsamic vinegar helps regulate blood sugar when eaten as part of a meal. One review that examined the scientific effects of vinegar found that balsamic vinegar has an antiglycemic impact when consumed, meaning a person's blood sugar will spike less drastically after a meal.

The Best Salad Dressing: Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette

Our tasters tipped their hats to Newman's Own brand vinaigrette. Flavor won top scores, with tasters saying it's “just what you want when you order balsamic vinaigrette,” with a notable balsamic flavor that wasn't too sour or too sweet.

1) Balsamic Vinaigrette: “This is probably the healthiest, especially when it's truly just balsamic vinegar and olive oil,” Hunnes explains. Studies suggest that balsamic vinegar, in addition to containing very few calories and being fat-free, contains antioxidants that may lower cholesterol and promote healthy skin.

Both apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar have potential health benefits, but apple cider vinegar may be considered slightly healthier due to its lower calorie content and potential for aiding in weight management and digestion.

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.