A delicious vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar

27 October 2023
|In Recipes with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
|By Redazione Acetaia Marchi

Vinaigrette is a classic sauce used in cooking to dress salads, vegetables and other preparations. Its simplicity is its strength, but that does not mean it has to be monotonous! In fact, there are several methods to make it. With this in mind, today we are going to dive into the world of cooking and see how to prepare a delicious balsamic vinegar vinaigrette, a dressing that will add a sweet and rich note to your dishes.

Vinaigrette: the basic recipe

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Vinaigrette is a salsa with an intoxicating flavour, a base of vinegar, oil and salt. Its origin is French, and the name itself comes from the word ‘vinaigre’ meaning vinegar. In addition to the basic recipe, there are numerous variations to try. In fact, vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar is very popular. This dressing can be customised with a variety of ingredients including:

 

  • aromatic herbs,
  • spices,
  • mustard,
  • garlic,
  • honey,
  • much more.

 

Overall, this sauce is a versatile dressing that can transform any salad or other dish into an even more delicious and satisfying dish.

The unique taste of balsamic vinegar vinaigrette

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As you know, balsamic vinegar is an Italian treasure well known for its complex flavour and special texture. It is produced in the region of Emilia Romagna, where grape must is aged in wooden barrels for years, often decades, until it develops its characteristic sweet-and-sour taste and enveloping aroma. Balsamic vinegar is mainly available in two types: Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena D.O.P. and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena I.G.P. Generally, the latter product (less aged than the traditional one) is ideal for preparing the condiment we are talking about. It will make your balsamic vinegar vinaigrette unique!

How to prepare balsamic vinaigrette

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To prepare a delicious balsamic vinegar vinaigrette, here is a very simple recipe. You will need the following ingredients:

 

  • 3 tablespoons of good quality balsamic vinegar,
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil,
  • 1 teaspoon mustard,
  • 1 teaspoon of honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness),
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar

The preparation of balsamic vinegar vinaigrette

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To prepare this dressing, place the balsamic vinegar and mustard in a bowl and, if you wish a sweeter vinaigrette, add the teaspoon of honey. Mix the ingredients well with a whisk or fork to obtain a smooth mixture. Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil, drizzling it in while continuing to mix. This step is essential to emulsify the vinaigrette and create the desired consistency. Finally, taste the vinaigrette and add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavour according to your preference.

Once ready, your balsamic vinegar dressing can be used to dress salads, grilled vegetables, roast meats or even as a marinade for chicken or fish. Its balance of sweet and sour will make it a perfect condiment for any culinary occasion! You can find excellent balsamic vinegar to use in your recipe directly in our online shop and also in our Bottega. The latter is located just a few minutes from the historical centre of Modena. It is an artisanal shop where you can find all our products: not only the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.D.O. and the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.G.I., but also Balsamic Dressings, Sauces, Compotes and more.