Do you find yourself reaching for the same store-bought dressing every week? This Mediterranean Balsamic Vinaigrette is easy to make at home and packed with fresh flavors, making healthy salads anything but boring.
Imagine the aroma of fresh oregano and garlic mingling with tangy balsamic vinegar. That's the magic of this Mediterranean Balsamic Vinaigrette, a flavor-infused dressing that will transform your salads.
Unlike my Greek version of this recipe, this iteration is slightly sweet from the pomegranate molasses and has 3x more herbs and spices.
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Ingredients You'll Need
Balsamic vinegar: has a complex flavor profile that balances sweet and tangy notes. The sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the grapes.
Pomegranate molasses: Pomegranate molasses is a vibrant syrup that reduces pomegranate juice. It packs a sweet-tart punch with a hint of depth.
Olive oil: Use good quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
Herbs and spices: Finely minced garlic, dried mint, oregano, and sumac are the key ingredients to giving this balsamic vinaigrette a Mediterranean flavor profile.
How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette
Add the balsamic vinegar, molasses, garlic, herbs and spices, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl. Stir to dissolve the salt.
Slowly add olive oil while whisking until a smooth, burgundy vinaigrette forms.
Serve this balsamic vinaigrette with any Mediterranean salad, such as fattoush, Shirazi, arugula salad, or beet salad (with yummy goat cheese!).
Creative Ways to Use Your Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Grain Bowls: Drizzle a touch over farro, brown rice, or quinoa bowls for a tangy dressing.
- Soup Enhancer: Add a spoonful to tomato soup or lentil soup for a burst of brightness.
- Glaze for Vegetables: Reduce the vinaigrette slightly in a pan for a quick glaze to finish roasted green beans, sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.
- Cheese Board Addition: Offer a small dish of the vinaigrette alongside strong cheeses such as blue cheese or aged cheddar to provide a sweet and savory contrast.
- Pizza Drizzle: Drizzle a touch over a finished pizza fresh out of the oven for a unique and flavorful topping.
How to Store
Store in an airtight jar. Refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving: The olive oil might solidify slightly in the fridge.
Take the vinaigrette out 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature and regain its consistency. Give it a good shake before using it to re-emulsify the ingredients.
More Crave-Worthy Vinaigrette Recipes
Mediterranean Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Servings 1x
Description
Make your salads stand out with homemade Mediterranean Balsamic Vinaigrette, packed with fresh flavors and tangy balsamic vinegar. (Good for 1 salad recipe). Double the recipe and use it for the week!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried mint
- ¼ teaspoon sumac
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- pinch of black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add the balsamic vinegar, molasses, garlic, herbs and spices, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl. Stir to dissolve the salt.
- Slowly add olive oil while whisking until a smooth, burgundy vinaigrette forms.
- Store in an airtight jar. Refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving: The olive oil might solidify slightly in the fridge.
Notes
This balsamic vinaigrette is inspired by my Fattoush Salad Recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salads & Dressings
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Tina says
I've tried a couple recipes and this one is the best 👌.