Homemade dijon balsamic vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful combination of dijon mustard and balsamic to make the best vinaigrette dressing.

Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing on Salad (left) Dripping off of spoon (right)

Creating your own dijon balsamic vinaigrette at home is surprisingly easy. With just a quick mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and salt, you can whip up a sweet and tangy dressing. It’s great for everyday salads and impressing dinner guests on special occasions.

We love making homemade dressings because not only are they super tasty and easily customizable, but they also can be a healthier choice than store-bought options. You get to be the boss of what goes in, ensuring top-notch ingredients and avoiding unwanted additives or preservatives.

Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing in Jar

Ingredients for Dijon Balsamic Dressing

Making your own vinaigrette at home is simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need.

Extra-virgin olive oil: EVOO is the base of the dressing, providing a smooth and rich flavor. Opt for a high-quality oil.
Balsamic vinegar: gives your dressing a tangy, slightly sweet taste. Choose a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
Dijon mustard: adds a sharp, tangy, and slightly spicy kick to the dressing. We use the Grey Poupon brand.
Brown sugar: light brown, to balance the tanginess of vinegar and mustard.
Salt: a pinch of regular table salt will round out the dressing.

Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Dijon Mustard, Brown Sugar, Salt on Marble Surface

✨ Have you been to a specialty oil and vinegar store? We love to shop locally for high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Supplies & Favorite Tools for Making Dressings

All you need are just a few basic kitchen tools.

Measuring cups and spoons – have you seen the cute “pinch, dash, smidgen” measuring spoons?
Container with lid – a mason jar or salad dressing shaker with a blender ball.

Salad with Dressing (left) Dressing in Jar with Spoon (right)

How to Make Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to mix up your delicious dijon balsamic vinaigrette. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1 | Add ingredients to mason jar

In a mason jar or dressing shaker, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, dijon mustard, and salt.

Step 2 | Shake Vigorously

Once you’ve added all the ingredients to the jar, make sure the lid is tightly secured. Give the jar a good shake until the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3 | Taste & adjust if needed

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more mustard or salt if you’d like.

Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette in Mason Jar with Lid Next to It and Salad Behind

Congrats! You have just made your very own homemade dijon balsamic vinaigrette. This made-from-scratch dressing is perfect for drizzling over your favorite salads, grilled vegetables, or marinating chicken or fish.

Pouring Dressing from Mason Jar onto Salad in White Bowl

What is Dijon Balsamic?

Dijon balsamic is a variation of the classic balsamic vinaigrette dressing that starts with a base of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then incorporates dijon mustard which adds a distinct sharp and tangy flavor.

It’s one of our all-time favorite vinaigrettes which we normally serve with an avocado tomato romaine salad. But you can also use this delicious dressing as a marinade, on roasted veggies, as a sandwich topping, and much more.

✨ Fun Fact – we’ve been making this dressing for years. Our college friend used to make it after a night out. Skip the pizza or tacos—instead, she would whip up vinaigrette and a salad.

Storage Tips

Store homemade balsamic dressing in the fridge for up to two weeks in an airtight container or a glass jar. Just shake well before each use to recombine the ingredients, as they may separate over time.

Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette on Spoon Pouring on to Green Salad in Bowl

Ways to Use Dijon Balsamic Dressing

There are so many amazing ways you can use this homemade dressing. From jazzing up your salads to giving your sandwiches an extra kick, here are our favorites.

Salad Pairings

Dijon balsamic vinaigrette pairs perfectly with a variety of salads. Our all-time favorite is an avocado tomato romaine salad. Drizzle your homemade vinaigrette on top, or toss it all together to coat evenly.

This dressing also pairs well with spinach, mixed greens, arugula, or kale salads. Try adding cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, grated carrots, and olives.

Pasta Salad

For a delicious pasta salad, cook your favorite pasta, such as rotini or penne, according to the package instructions. Once cooled, add halved cherry tomatoes, quartered artichoke hearts, diced red peppers, and cubes of mozzarella cheese. Top with a generous amount of dijon balsamic vinaigrette and mix until everything is evenly coated.

Caprese Salad

Add a unique twist to the classic Caprese salad with the addition of dijon balsamic vinaigrette. Arrange slices of ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella on a plate, then top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle the dressing over the top.

Marinades and Other Uses

Dijon balsamic is not only for salads. Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken, steak, or vegetables. Mix equal parts of the vinaigrette and your favorite barbecue sauce for a tangy combination.

You can also use this dressing as a dipping sauce for crusty bread, as a sandwich spread, or drizzled over roasted vegetables. So many possibilities!