An easy creamy balsamic dressing with just 7 ingredients and no cream in sight! This is a great everyday dressing for salads, grain bowls, and more. It's a robust dressing with the balsamic vinegar and mustard, just right for hearty meals. Homemade dressing is so much better than store-bought and ready in seconds!
Serve the dressing over an autumn harvest bowl, use it as an alternative dressing for a rainbow salad, or have it with any green salad you like. It's a good staple to have in the fridge for anytime.

Jump to:
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Balsamic vinegar: any type will work. Most balsamic vinegars we can get in North America aren't true balsamic, but wine vinegar with added grape must, since the process to make balsamic is so time consuming and expensive.
- Oil: I recommend extra virgin olive oil, but another cold-pressed oil can be used if preferred.
- Honey: substitute maple syrup for a fully vegan option.
- Mustard: use a blended dijon mustard for the best taste. Grainy mustard doesn't incorporate fully and will prevent the dressing from getting as creamy.
How to Make a Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Step 1: add all of the ingredients but the oil to a jar. Mix with a fork.
Step 2: add the oil in a slow stream while mixing until blended.
Top Tips
- Make sure to emulsify: this is an important part of what makes the dressing creamy! If you mix everything together at once, it'll still taste good, but won't be the smooth, thick dressing pictured.
- Keep the honey: this is a key element both for the flavour of the dressing and the creaminess. You can sub another liquid sweetener, but don't leave it out!
- Season to taste: consider the salt and pepper amounts to be a guideline, and adjust them to suit your preferences.
- Use a blender: this can be made with an immersion blender or small food processor, too.
How to Store
Storage: keep the dressing in the fridge for about a week, covered. It might solidify in the cold but just bring it back up to room temperature and give it a shake before serving.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this.
FAQ
What's the difference between balsamic vinaigrette and balsamic dressing?
The terms are used interchangeably. A vinaigrette should be just vinegar, oil, and flavourings like spices and mustard. A dressing may or may not include additions like yogurt.
Why is balsamic vinegar so expensive?
Traditional balsamic vinegar is aged for at least 12 years and are highly regulated. This long storage time increases the price.
If you make this Creamy Balsamic Dressing recipe or any other vegan sauce recipes on Wholehearted Eats, please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It’s such a help to others who want to try the recipe. For more WHE, follow along on Instagram or subscribe for new posts via email.
Recipe
Creamy Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Add the vinegar, mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper to a jar or bowl. Mix with a fork to combine and break up the mustard and honey.¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Add the oil in a slow stream while mixing until incorporated. This dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week.½ cup olive oil