If you love pesto, this Pesto Balsamic Dressing is going to be your new obsession. It's herby, tangy, a little sweet, and comes together in under 5 minutes.
I make it when I need a salad dressing that's more exciting than plain vinaigrette, but still easy enough to throw together while the pasta boils or the grill heats up.
The flavors are bold yet balanced, making it perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or even as a bread dip.
why this recipe works
- Ridiculously quick as it takes less than 5 minutes from measuring to drizzling.
- Everyday ingredients - no hard-to-find items here.
- It is so versatile - it works as a dressing marinade, or dip!
- Full of flavor - pesto + balsamic is a match made in heaven.
ingredients
- Pesto - Use good quality store-bought pesto or homemade if you have it. Fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan bring the flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil - smooths and rounds out the dressing.
- Balsamic vinegar - rich, tangy, and slightly sweet; choose a good quality one for best results.
- Honey or maple syrup.
- Salt & pepper to taste.
how to make pesto balsamic dressing
Believe me when I tell you that this is the easiest salad dressing to make!
In a jar with a lid, combine the pesto, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Close tightly and shake until emulsified. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if needed. That's it. It doesn't get any easier.
a tip from the kitchen
- For a creamy texture, shake the ingredients in a jar, instead of stirring.
- Double it - this recipe disappears quickly, so you might want to make a bigger batch!
storage and refrigeration
Store any leftover dressing in a sterilized jar with lid and keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
If the oil solidifies, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes and shake before using.
other sauces and dressings
- Guacamole Yucatan
- Parsley Red Wine Vinegar Cilantro Chimichurri
- Moroccan Chermoula Sauce
- Homemade Nandos Peri peri Sauce
more delicious recipes
- Feta and Butterbean Salad
- Halloumi and Chickpea Salad
- Easy Hummus Recipe
- Black Bean Corn and Feta Dip
- Beetroot Hummus
- German Lentils
- Ground Beef and Kidney Beans
- Curried Chickpeas and Potato Stew
📖 Recipe
Pesto Balsamic Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pesto
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the pesto, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Close the lid and shake well until combined and emulsified.
- Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
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