Avoid watery, separated messes. This Sugar free balsamic vinaigrette is emulsified with Dijon for a glossy, unified sauce that grips your salad. It balances sharp aged vinegar with oil for a rich, coating texture that feels like a restaurant luxury.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Perfect Emulsion Every Time
The Dijon mustard isn’t just for flavor; it acts as a powerful emulsifier. This means your dressing stays creamy and unified rather than separating into oil and vinegar instantly.
Bold, Restaurant-Quality Flavor
By using real garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper, you get a depth of flavor that feels gourmet. It transforms plain lettuce into a crave-worthy side dish you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Pantry-Friendly Magic
No obscure ingredients here. You likely have everything you need sitting in your cupboard right now, making this a lifesaver for those busy nights when you need a flavor boost fast.
Ingredients & Texture Notes
The star of this low carb balsamic vinaigrette recipe is, of course, the balsamic vinegar. I recommend using an aged balsamic if you can find it—it has a naturally richer, more complex flavor that requires less sweetener to balance. We swap the traditional honey or sugar for a liquid sugar-free sweetener (like allulose or monk fruit), which dissolves instantly and keeps the texture smooth.
For the oil, a high-quality extra virgin olive oil provides that classic peppery finish. If you prefer a milder taste, avocado oil works wonderfully too. The result is a dressing that is glossy, thick enough to coat a spoon, and bursting with Mediterranean vibes.
Making this is ridiculously simple. I start by whisking the vinegar, Dijon, sweetener, and spices in a medium bowl. This step is crucial—ensure the salt and mustard are fully dissolved before the oil touches the bowl.
Then comes the magic: whisk continuously while slowly streaming in the olive oil. Watch as the dark vinegar and golden oil transform into a creamy, cohesive sauce right before your eyes.
Once it’s emulsified, I pour it into a glass jar. You can use it immediately, but I find the flavors meld beautifully if you let it sit for about 10 minutes. It’s fantastic on a hearty salad like this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glazed Chicken—the acidity cuts right through the richness of the chicken.
Expert Tips for Success
The “Slow Pour” Rule: Don’t dump the oil in all at once! Drizzling slowly while whisking creates that luxurious, velvety mouthfeel that mimics restaurant dressings.
Storage Savvy: Olive oil can solidify in the fridge. If your dressing looks thick or solid the next day, don’t panic. Just let the jar sit on the counter for 5–10 minutes and give it a vigorous shake to bring it back to life.
Garlic Punch: I use garlic powder for a smoother texture, but if you love a bite, a finely grated fresh garlic clove adds an incredible “zing.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this stay fresh?
Since there are no fresh herbs or dairy, this vinaigrette keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week. The vinegar acts as a natural preservative, keeping the flavors bright.
Can I use a blender instead of a whisk?
Absolutely! An immersion blender or a small bullet blender will create an even thicker, creamier emulsion in seconds. It’s a great trick if you want a dressing that clings heavily to hearty vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts.
Is balsamic vinegar strictly low carb?
Balsamic vinegar does contain some natural fruit sugars from the grapes. However, because we use a small amount per serving and avoid added refined sugars, this recipe fits into many low-carb lifestyles. Many readers find it to be a satisfying compromise that doesn’t derail their goals.
This robust and tangy dressing offers the classic savory-sweet profile Americans love, but without the excess sugar often found in store-bought bottles. By using a sugar-free sweetener and a hint of garlic, this vinaigrette achieves a perfect balance that clings beautifully to crisp greens, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. It is a satisfying, wholesome addition to any meal plan.
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (approx. 0.3 g)
Base & Acids
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar (quality aged vinegar recommended) (80 ml)
2 tablespoons creamy Dijon mustard (30 g)
1 tablespoon sugar-free liquid sweetener (such as liquid monkfruit, allulose, or sugar-free maple syrup substitute) (15 ml)
Oil
½ cup extra virgin olive oil (120 ml)
Instructions
Prepare the flavor base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar-free liquid sweetener, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the mustard is fully dissolved and the mixture looks uniform.
Emulsify the dressing: While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle the olive oil into the bowl in a thin, steady stream. Do not rush this step; adding the oil slowly helps create a creamy, stable emulsion that won’t separate immediately.
Adjust and store: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Pour the finished dressing into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Serve: Shake the jar vigorously just before serving to re-combine any settled ingredients.
Notes
Low-Carb Compliance: Standard balsamic vinegar contains natural fruit sugars from grapes. While this recipe creates a “low-carb” profile by removing added honey, strictly monitor portion sizes if you are adhering to a very rigorous ketogenic limit.
Storage: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The olive oil may solidify slightly when cold; simply let the jar sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes and shake well before using.
Creamier Texture: For a thicker consistency, you can use an immersion blender to combine the ingredients in a tall jar.
Allergy Alert: This recipe contains Mustard. Ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free if you have a gluten sensitivity.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimates per 2-tablespoon serving)
Calories: 133
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 165mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1.8g (Naturally occurring from balsamic vinegar)
Net Carbs: ~2g
Protein: 0g
Disclaimer: These are approximate estimates based on standard nutritional data. Values may vary based on brands (especially the specific balsamic vinegar used), exact measurements, and specific ingredients. For precise calculations, use a nutrition tracking app like MyFitnessPal or consult a reliable database.
I hope this dressing becomes a staple in your fridge just like it is in mine! It’s amazing how a simple swap can make your daily greens feel so much more exciting. Remember, these are just my kitchen adventures—chat with your doctor for personalized nutritional tips!
Kristina Hanson is an independent wellness researcher and the founder of DailyZests. After a PCOS diagnosis, she focused her research on managing insulin resistance through evidence-based nutrition. Her work translates the science of DASH, Mediterranean, and Low-Carb eating into easy, family-tested recipes.
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