Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe | The Gracious Pantry (2024)

FAQs

What is the best healthy balsamic vinaigrette brand? ›

Best: Bolthouse Farms Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette

"It's made with extra virgin olive oil and has no artificial flavors or preservatives. It's also a great lighter dressing option with only 30 calories per 2 tablespoons," she adds.

The polyphenols found in balsamic vinegar have antioxidant properties that multiple studies show may help improve cardiovascular health. While not a substitute for medication, incorporating balsamic vinegar into a heart-healthy diet could be a small but flavorful step toward maintaining healthy blood pressure.

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.

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.

A balsamic vinaigrette typically involves adding oil, sugar, and/or mustard to balsamic vinegar, along with seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. While it can be made in a way that makes it healthier than several other salad dressing options, it can't compare to simply using the vinegar and oil.

Balsamic vinegar contains six percent acetic acid, which is slightly higher than the acetic acid rate in distilled and apple cider vinegar. Balsamic is one of several types of vinegar thought to limit spikes in blood glucose levels.

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.

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

What type of balsamic vinegar is best for salad dressing? ›

O Olive Oil White Balsamic Vinegar

For a milder vinegar flavor for salads, fruit, desserts, and more, this white balsamic vinegar option is one we recommend. It is made from Muscat grapes in California and won't overpower any other tastes.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Ken's Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Balsamic Vinaigrette isn't going to derail your diet — it's 100 calories per serving with 3 grams of sugar. Not too much of a difference from the other dressings we found, but of the most popular brands, this was the most caloric and contained the most sodium.

A balsamic vinaigrette typically involves adding oil, sugar, and/or mustard to balsamic vinegar, along with seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. While it can be made in a way that makes it healthier than several other salad dressing options, it can't compare to simply using the vinegar and oil.

Good quality balsamic vinegar will have its ingredients listed as “Grape must, tradizionale'. This means that it has been aged for at least 12 years, and the vinegar will thick and sweet. Cheaper vinegar will be combined with a wine vinegar, caramel, flavourings and other ingredients.

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.