Bobby Flay Balsamic Vinaigrette

Bobby Flay’s Balsamic Vinaigrette is a simple yet flavor-packed dressing that brings any salad to life. This versatile vinaigrette blends tangy balsamic vinegar with smooth olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of sweetness, resulting in a balanced, restaurant-quality dressing you can whip up at home in minutes.

What is Bobby Flay’s Balsamic Vinaigrette?

It’s a homemade salad dressing made from pantry staples like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a sweetener like honey or brown sugar. Bobby Flay’s take uses the right ratio of acid to oil to create a bold, silky vinaigrette that coats greens beautifully and enhances everything from roasted vegetables to grilled meats.

Other Bobby Flay Recipes

• Bobby Flay Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Bobby Flay’s Italian Meatloaf
• Bobby Flay Turkey Meatloaf
• Bobby Flay Orzo Salad
• Bobby Flay Caesar Salad

Why You Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 5 minutes
• Customizable – Adjust sweetness, acidity, and seasoning to your taste
• Restaurant-quality flavor – Balanced and bold
• No preservatives – Made fresh with real ingredients
• Versatile use – Works with salads, roasted veggies, and marinades

Ingredients Needed to Make Bobby Flay Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Balsamic vinegar – ¼ cup
• Extra virgin olive oil – ¾ cup
• Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
• Garlic (minced or grated) – 1 clove
• Honey or brown sugar – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper – ¼ teaspoon

Optional:

• Shallot (minced) – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon (for added brightness)

Instructions to Prepare Bobby Flay Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Combine base ingredients – In a medium bowl or jar, add balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and honey.
• Slowly whisk in olive oil – Pour the olive oil in a thin stream while whisking vigorously to emulsify.
• Season and adjust – Add salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice or shallots. Whisk again until smooth.
• Store or use immediately – Pour into a bottle or jar and shake before serving.

What Goes Well With Bobby Flay’s Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Drizzle over mixed greens – Especially with arugula, spinach, or spring mix
• Pair with grilled vegetables – Brings out natural sweetness and smokiness
• Toss with roasted root vegetables – Adds a punch to carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets
• Use as a chicken marinade – Perfect for grilled or baked chicken breasts
• Serve with mozzarella and tomatoes – A fresh twist on Caprese salad

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Bobby Flay Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Use high-quality balsamic vinegar – It makes a noticeable difference
• Balance acidity with sweetness – Adjust honey or sugar to your taste
• Whisk or blend for best texture – Creates a smooth, emulsified dressing
• Add shallots for extra depth – They give a nice bite without overpowering
• Let it sit before serving – Flavors meld better after 10–15 minutes
• Shake well before each use – Natural separation occurs over time

Variations of Bobby Flay’s Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Creamy balsamic vinaigrette – Add 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or mayo for a thicker texture
• Maple version – Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a warm, rich flavor
• Spicy kick – Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
• Herb-infused – Add chopped basil, thyme, or rosemary for earthy undertones
• Lemon-balsamic combo – Add lemon zest and juice for bright acidity
• Shallot-forward – Use finely minced shallots for a French-inspired version

Storage Guidelines for Bobby Flay Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Keep in a sealed glass jar or bottle – Helps maintain freshness
• Store in the refrigerator – Lasts up to 1 week
• Bring to room temperature before using – Olive oil may solidify when chilled
• Shake well each time – Ingredients may naturally separate
• Avoid freezing – The texture and flavor will not hold after thawing

Reheating Tips for Bobby Flay Balsamic Vinaigrette

• No reheating required – Best served at room temperature
• Warm gently if needed – Let sit out or place the sealed jar in warm water
• Re-blend or shake before use – Emulsify the dressing if separation occurs
• Add fresh garlic or herbs if flavor fades – Brightens up stored vinaigrette

Nutritional Value (per Serving – 2 tablespoons)

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Sugars: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

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FAQs

How long does homemade balsamic vinaigrette last in the fridge?

Homemade balsamic vinaigrette lasts up to 1 week in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed jar or an airtight container.

Can I make balsamic vinaigrette without Dijon mustard?

Yes, you can leave out Dijon mustard or replace it with a small amount of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to help emulsify the dressing.

Why did my balsamic vinaigrette separate?

Separation is natural since oil and vinegar don’t stay mixed. Shake or whisk the vinaigrette before each use to recombine the ingredients.

Is balsamic vinaigrette healthy?

Balsamic vinaigrette is generally healthy when made from scratch. It contains heart-healthy fats and no preservatives, especially when using olive oil and limiting added sugars.

Final Words

Bobby Flay’s Balsamic Vinaigrette is the go-to dressing when you want fresh, punchy flavor with minimal effort.