This classic balsamic vinaigrette is creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and a whole lot of healthy!

This is hands down my favorite salad dressing EVER! It’s ridiculously easy to make at home with only 5 ingredients, and the twist of elderberry will keep you coming back for more!

To be honest, I’m picky about my balsamic vinaigrette. Lately, it seems every kind I buy has something off about it. It’s too oily, too sweet, too vinegary. It’s been driving me absolutely nuts.

So I decided to take matters into my own hands. Because when you can’t find what you’re looking for… you head to the kitchen!

Why Make Homemade Salad Dressing?

There are so many great reasons to make your own salad dressing. 

Here are my top 5:

1. It’s fresh! How can store-bought dressings sit on the shelves so long? Preservatives, that’s how. When you make homemade dressing, you know without a doubt that it’s fresh.
2. It’s made with real ingredients. Real ingredients over artificial any day. This dressing is made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, organic elderberry syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. You avoid any additives or thickeners. It’s crazy what they can add to that store-bought bottle, isn’t it? No, thank you!
4. It’s cheaper! Prices are insane for a good, clean dressing. When buying the ingredients and making it yourself, you’re saving some big bucks in the long run. 
5. It’s crazy easy. Seriously. In under 5 minutes and with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dressing that will be the star of any salad.

What Is Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Made Of?

We’re all about clean, real ingredients in this house. So you can expect nothing less with this delightful Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. 

After a few rounds of trial and error, I finally perfected this recipe, and I’m so excited to share it with you. 

This recipe is made up of:

• Olive Oil — It’s important to use high-quality olive oil. 
• Balsamic Vinegar — Look for aged balsamic vinegar. 
• Dijon Mustard — Adds depth and flavor while acting as an emulsifier.
• Garlic — Fresh is always best, but minced from a jar will do well too!
• Elderberry Syrup — Sweetens the dressing while also adding immune-boosting properties.
• Salt & Pepper — Always finish your dressing off with basic seasoning.

 

 

That’s it! Simple ingredients for the tastiest sweet and savory dressing out there. Yum!

What’s the Difference Between Balsamic Vinaigrette and Balsamic Vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar is a dark, sweet italian vinegar with an intense flavor. While balsamic vinaigrette is a dressing made with oil, balsamic vinegar, and a variety of other ingredients. 

So basically, balsamic vinegar is an ingredient in balsamic vinaigrette. 

How to Make Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette is incredibly easy to make. The flavor is tangy, savory, and bright, then balanced with a touch of sweetness from the organic elderberry syrup.

Ready to get moving on this recipe? Great!

Grab a medium mixing bowl, a hand whisk, and these few simple ingredients: 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp dijon mustard 
• 2 tsp organic elderberry syrup
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, organic elderberry syrup, garlic, and salt.
2. Add the olive oil and whisk until thoroughly combined.
3. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge. Shake well before serving.

How Long Does This Dressing Last?

Store this homemade Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. You may notice it thickens while sitting in the fridge. That’s completely normal!

Just shake well or whisk before using again.

How To Serve Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette has so many tasty uses! It adds a pop of flavor and brightens up any dish.

This recipe is perfect for any type of salad! Even warm salads, such as a quinoa bowl. 

You can also use it is as a delicious marinade for chicken, beef, or pork tenderloin.

Use as a Drizzle

Want to try drizzling this sweet and tangy vinaigrette over roasted potatoes, veggies, grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, caprese, or any of your favorite side dishes? 

If you want a thicker drizzle, you’ll want to create a simple reduction first. 

Don’t worry, it only takes 10 minutes and 1 ingredient — your Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. 

Instructions:

1. Add 1 cup of your Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring often so it doesn’t burn. Stir until it becomes how thick you want your reduction to be. Remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools down. 

That’s it! 

Use this reduction as a drizzle and elevate any dish to “everyone’s-begging-for-the-recipe” level.

 

 

Did you know that adding elderberry into your daily recipes can be super easy and downright delicious?! Follow us on social media @elderberryqueen to stay up to date on our newest recipes!