I sat in a hospital from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. yesterday as my dad had surgery. I brought plenty of my Paleo snacks with me so I would make healthy choices while I was there. But after only eating snacky type foods all day, I woke up craving veggies. I had to head back to the hospital so I didn’t have time to really make anything labor intensive. Instead, I whipped up a quick homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing to throw on top of a salad.
It took all of a few minutes to make and it’ll last up to a week in the fridge. The ingredients are all things I had on hand, making this a pretty cheap and efficient way to jazz up my salads. If I have extra towards the end of the week, I’ll often use it as a marinade for some chicken breasts and get a few extra miles out of this homemade dressing.
The salad I’m eating it with today is just some mixed greens, sliced apples, sliced red onion, a handful of pili nuts and a baked chicken breast. Quick and easy. I made the exact same one to go with me back to the hospital for later, too. I use these cute little guys for packing/meal prepping salads or anything that needs dressing. I just throw it in the container with the salad so it’s all there when I’m ready to eat.
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette: Do it Yourself Salad Dressing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a container with seal
- Store in refrigerator up to 1 week
- Shake well before using
- Use one half, or double recipe for larger or smaller quantities
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Liz p says
This is really good! I love how smooth and tasty it is. Like others, I normally add a little honey, but starting a whole30 round tomorrow, so not this time. Thanks for the delicious recipe!
★★★★★
paleobailey says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
Loukia Bratsis says
I make this all the time. Its delicious. I
don’t buy balsamic dressing anymore.
★★★★★
paleobailey says
I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you so much!
Sue says
Does this need to be refrigerated? It’s delicious!!
★★★★★
Chloe says
Delicious!
★★★★★
paleobailey says
Thank you!!
Barb says
First day on the whole 30 diet and made this dressing for a kale and veggie salad! I’m very impressed!????
paleobailey says
Happy Whole30 day 1!! I’m so glad you liked it! Good luck with your round! <3 - B
Emily Sharpe says
Perfectly tart! I don’t tolerate basil, so I left that out and added a bit more parsley. Both my husband and I devoured it. If I wasn’t on a whole30 I would probably add a teaspoon of honey as well and would make it even better.
★★★★
paleobailey says
I’m so glad you loved it! I often add a bit of honey to my homemade dressings when not on a round too! Just adds the perfect amount of sweetness! 🙂
Natalie says
Excellent moist sweet tasty and easy to make
★★★★★
paleobailey says
Thank you!