Easy and Fresh Chive Balsamic Vinaigrette
Upgrade your salads with this Easy and Fresh Chive Balsamic Vinaigrette. This homemade vegan vinaigrette combines fresh chives, rich balsamic vinegar, and olive oil to create a healthy dressing that adds vibrant flavor to any salad or vegetable dish.
Salads are all about the dressing, am I right? I’ve always believed that a great vinaigrette can completely transform a simple bowl of greens into something crave-worthy. This chive balsamic vinaigrette is one of my favorites because it’s fresh, tangy, and packed with vibrant flavor that makes every bite shine.
What I love most is how quick and versatile it is. Whether I’m tossing it with a light lunch salad or drizzling it over roasted veggies, it instantly adds that homemade, wholesome touch my family loves.
Spotlight on This Easy and Fresh Chive Balsamic Vinaigrette
- It’s easy to make: Literally, throw all of the ingredients into a small mason jar, give it a good shake, and it’s ready to drizzle over your next salad. How easy is that?
- It’s fresh-tasting: This homemade vinaigrette tastes way better than any bottled dressing from the grocery store. It’s light and fresh on the palette and will turn a boring salad into an interesting one, I promise.
- It’s healthy: One of the best parts of making homemade dressing is the fact that there is no junk hidden in the ingredients.
- It’s dairy-free: This delicious dressing is made with no dairy products. Just simple, plant-based ingredients. Whether you are a vegan or not, you will love this dressing.
- It’s a keeper. This will easily become one of your favorite homemade salad dressings. You’re going to want to keep the recipe on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
The only alternative that would work is avocado oil. I would not recommend any other variety.
Of course you can. I do love how the sweetener ties in the savory flavors nicely but if you are looking for no added sugar, then skip this ingredient.
Simply swap out the chives for thinly minced shallots, minced red onion, or any fresh herbs such as basil or parsley.
I recommend leaving it out on the counter at room temperature for about an hour before tossing it into the salad. It must be stored in the fridge after the hour mark.
I recommend adding it to this Summer Kale and Berry Salad. It’s absolutely packed with flavor!
The Ingredients
Extra Virgin olive oil: Grab a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to make the best-tasting dressing. It’s really all about the olive oil, in my opinion. You can swap this for avocado oil if needed. I wouldn’t recommend any other oil variety.
Balsamic vinegar: There’s just something so nice about the combination of balsamic vinegar and strawberries that makes my tummy happy. I know you will agree once you give this salad a try.
Dijon mustard: The little spice that Dijon mustard brings to this vinaigrette is perfect. Do not replace it with regular yellow mustard.
Maple syrup: This natural sweetener is the perfect option for this vinaigrette. You can swap this out with honey if needed.
Fresh garlic: I always recommend using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. It really does make a huge difference.
Chives: I love the added light and fresh flavor that the chives bring to this salad and dressing. Make sure to use fresh chives and not dried. It makes all the difference, trust me.
Sea salt and black pepper to taste. As little or as much as you’d like.
The Instructions
Step one: Place all of the salad dressing ingredients into a small bowl, or a mason jar, secure the lid, and give it a shake or whisk in a bowl. This includes olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, maple syrup, garlic, chives, salt, and pepper.
Step two: Drizzle the desired amount over a salad and toss it up until everything is coated. Enjoy!
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips + Modifications
The dressing will become hard in the fridge due to the olive oil. This is normal.
Remove leftover dressing from the fridge about 30 minutes to an hour before serving to allow the oil to come to room temperature. Give it a big shake before pouring.
More Delicious Vegan Dressing Recipes
The Best Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Ultimate Easy Japanese Carrot Ginger Dressing (in the blender)
5-Minute Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Chipotle and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Vinaigrette
Simple Sun-Dried Tomato and Shallot Vinaigrette
Easy and Fresh Chive Balsamic Vinaigrette (vegan)
Equipment
- 1 mason jar with lid
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced chives
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup *honey can work, too
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place all of the salad dressing ingredients into a small bowl, or a mason jar, secure the lid, and give it a shake or whisk in a bowl. This includes olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, maple syrup, garlic, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the desired amount over a salad and toss it up until everything is coated. Enjoy!
