I love me some balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It’s a RARE occasion that I don’t order it with a salad when out for dinner. And I LOVE to make it at home for my lunch salads. {More on my recent ‘saladforlunch-atarian’ confession.}
I think balsamic vinaigrette ‘goes’ on just about any salad, but it’s especially delicious on this Italian inspired salad. Toss this gluten free salad and dressing all together to enjoy for lunch or a light dinner!
Italian Salad with Homemade Balsamic Dressing
Salads are ten times better with this homemade dressing!
Servings - 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Tbsp apple juice
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp oregano, dried
- 1/4 tsp thyme, dried
- 1/4 tsp basil, dried
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Pinch onion powder
- Pinch chives, dried
- Pinch parsley, dried
- 1 heart of romaine, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/3 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/3 large cucumber, cut in large chunks
- 1/3 cup baby carrots
- 1/3 cup plum tomatoes, chopped
- Capers and kalamata olives, optional
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, apple juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, thyme, basil, black pepper, salt, onion powder, chives & parsley in a lidded jar. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds and set aside while you prepare the salad.
- Chop, dice, and chunk all veggies how you like them, and add all to a large salad bowl.
- Toss with the homemade Balsamic dressing and serve immediately.
Beth says
Yum! I didn’t see balsamic vinegar on the recipe (how much should I add?) thanks for another good looking recipe, Erin!
Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom says
We have updated the recipe Beth…so sorry!
Jen Havard says
Isn’t there balsamic vinegar in this?
We have update the recipe, sorry!
Marge Bowman says
Recipe says 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 🙂
Lynn Miller says
Modena balsamic wine vinegar is a dressing all by itself!!