Honey Vinaigrette

Salads and vegetable dishes need a topper to complement to the delicate produce and fresh flavors. That's where our honey vinaigrette comes in.

This dressing won't overpower your dish. Whether it's adorning a salad or sandwich, it enhances, but doesn't overwhelm. It's subtle, but this dressing still has interest, an intriguing combination of flavors that will captivate and delight at the dinner table.

Learn how to make honey vinaigrette. Once you make a batch of this, you'll never think of turning to the bottled, store-bought stuff ever again.

What Is A Vinaigrette?

A vinaigrette is a type of salad dressing primarily made up of oil and vinegar. The typical ratio is three parts oil to one part vinegar, with other seasonings and flavorings added in for a smooth and mildly tangy result.

Emulsified by whisking or shaking, these dressings have an acidic bite thanks to the vinegar in the mix. Compared to other types of dressings, which could have a dairy base, mayonnaise base, and more, vinaigrette is a light but flavorful dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce, perfect for complementing spring or summer dishes.

Ingredients for Honey Vinaigrette

Just six ingredients are needed for this tangy-sweet vinaigrette, perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted veggies, or to use as a marinade. To make honey vinaigrette, you'll need:

• Canola oil: The neutral base of the vinaigrette, adding a rich mouthfeel.
• White balsamic vinegar: Adds a mild acidity to the vinaigrette to brighten and balance the flavors.
• Honey: Adds a floral sweetness.
• Red onion or shallot: For a mild, oniony flavor to add depth.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the vinaigrette.

How To Make Honey Vinaigrette

While you can also whisk to emulsify the ingredients together, shaking this vinaigrette up in a mason jar is a foolproof way of making a deliciously smooth dressing every time. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Combine ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a jar.
• Step 2. Cover and shake: Cover and shake until blended.
  

Honey Vinaigrette Variations

Give this dressing some added complexity and interest with these ingredient substitutions and additions:

• Oil: For a more robust flavor, swap the canola oil with olive oil or avocado oil.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and more can be used in the place of the white balsamic vinegar, if needed.
• Sweetener: While honey adds a uniquely floral note to this vinaigrette, you can opt for maple syrup, agave, or other sweeteners as preferred, depending on the application.
• Mustard: To add extra tanginess and spice, add Dijon or whole grain mustard into the mix.
• Herbs: Amp up the fresh flavor of the vinaigrette with finely chopped thyme, parsley, tarragon, or basil.
• Citrus: Add a citrusy punch with the zest of a lemon, lime, or orange, or use citrus juice in the place of some of the vinegar.
• Spice: Add a pinch of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for warmth.

Ways To Use Honey Vinaigrette

This dressing isn't just the perfect addition to lettuce. Our Test Kitchen professionals recommend adding it to a cold grain salad or even served over a tart fruit salad or citrus slices. The sweetness of the dressing plays well with lots of flavors, but especially sharp, zesty tastes.

You can also brush it over grilled or roasted vegetables, use as a light dipping sauce for crudité, a marinade for chicken, seafood or pork, or brushed over grilled meats as a sweet and tangy glaze.

How To Store Honey Vinaigrette

Honey vinaigrette is the prefect dressing to keep on hand for the week ahead. Mixing it up on Sunday ensures a few days of elevated meals on the dinner table or for lunch at the office. Refrigerate honey vinaigrette in a sealed jar or airtight container for up to one week, checking for signs of spoilage before using (changes in color, smell, or consistency).

Why This Recipe Gets Rave Reviews

Easy to prepare, well-balanced, and delicious, this honey vinaigrette recipe is a winner all around. And we're not the only ones who think so:

Erin Oliver Yaggy commented, "I am no chef... but this vinaigrette made me feel like one =)"

A Southern Living community member said, "My go-to salad dressing," and another commented, "love this dressing when my son visits and he sees that I made it he takes it home. It is light and refreshing perfect for a hot summer day salad"

More Tasty Dressing Recipes You'll Love

When it comes to making homemade dressing, you'll be amazed at how quickly and easily they come together. Making scratch-made dressing at home also gives you the ability to adjust the ingredients to your tastes. Try these recipes, and we're sure you'll be giving those bottles of store-bought dressing the boot:

• Tomato Vinaigrette
• Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
• Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
• Poppy Seed Dressing
• Spicy Avocado Dressing
• Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.