Zero-Added-Sugar Balsamic Dijon Vinaigrette
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.
- Total Time10 minutes
- Yield8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for savory depth) (approx. 0.8 g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) (approx. 1.5 g)
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment / Dressing
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired