Salad Dressing
This dressing tastes great after being left on the counter for a few hours.
The recipe calls for golden balsamic vinegar- white balsamic is the same thing.
Smashing a whole garlic clove with the side of a chef's knife releases the juices and makes it very easy to peel.
We decided to combine all the ingredients. As the garlic was left relatively whole, the flavor becomes more pronounced the longer it sits.
Before mixing. Notice the drops of Worcestershire- pretty! We noticed that "drops" of Worstershire can vary greatly, so we ended up measuring, and added 1/4 teaspoon altogether.
After shaking, we seasoned. As the garlic flavor will become more pronounced, and the flavors will meld, it's a good idea to season gently at the beginning, and then re-taste later.
Food52 Review: We love the fact that this dressing can be made in just a few minutes and also contains a couple of surprises: the additions of both golden (or white) balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. (Why didn't we think of that last one?) But what thrills us the most is Leslie's suggestion to just throw everything in a jar and shake. It's an easy way to emulsify the ingredients, and storing leftovers is a snap. We added 1/4 teaspoon of Worcestershire, as the "drops" from our bottle seemed quite small. The dressing benefits from some sitting time, which simultaneously intensifies and rounds out the flavors. - A&M - A&M
Serves 1 cup
- 3/4 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (regular)
- 2 tablespoons golden balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove
- freshly ground pepper
- 4 drops Worcestershire sauce
- Place mustard and the garlic clove, which has been lightly crushed with the side of a knife, in a bowl or glass jar.
- Add the olive oil, the two balsamic vinegars, Worcestershire sauce, and ground pepper (to taste) and mix well (or shake, if in a jar).
- Taste for seasoning and add more of any of the ingredients to get the right balance.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Your Best Salad Dressing Contest Winner!


4 days ago dianajburgess
my two twin boys love this salad dresssing and now will eat any type of salad with the amazing dressing
6 months ago Mark Campidonica
I think the comment "Do not refrigerate" refers to letting the dressing age at room temperature for a couple hours before use. You probably should refrigerate it after that if you plan not to use it up that day. The vinegar will act as a preservative, regardless. Best to make as much as you need for one salad, however.
over 2 years ago Pattiji
MadameSel, I also just make a smaller amount - fresh for every salad. Blend it all with a wire whisk right in the bottom of your salad bowl until it's emulsified. Add greens, toss, and serve!
over 2 years ago Madame Sel
How long does it last unrefrigerated and don't you have to worry about botulism?
over 2 years ago fulmar
This is also my long-time technique for making salad dressing. I do refrigerate the unused dressing and have not found that this presents a problem, so long as I don't try to use it straight from the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using. You can avoid the refrigeration issue from the get-go by making a smaller portion of dressing, sized to the salad you will be serving. This is what I usually do.
over 2 years ago rayva
Wow, this is exactly my technique, in a jar with smashed garlic clove, dijon mustard, olive oil and a changing array of acidity. I love brown rice vinegar with a splash of ume plum vinegar, also lemon juice mixed with sherry or other vinegars, and sometimes straight balsamic.
over 2 years ago Pattiji
How long will it last unrefrigerated?
over 2 years ago sexyLAMBCHOPx
Is golden the same as white vinegar or is there an actual "golden" variety? I love using mason jars to make and store home-made salad dressings - less mess & fuss and inspires me to make my own more often. Can't wait to try this one!
over 2 years ago RecipeSoup
Yes, there actually is such a thing as white balsamic vinegar, and my favorite is the one sold at Trader Joe's under their house label. Not only does it make excellent salad dressings, the price is right too! It has a smooth, mellow flavor that brings out the goodness in salad greens and I use it in nearly all my salad dressings.
over 3 years ago Foodie!
I'm always looking for new dressing recipes. I will be trying this one out tonight!
over 3 years ago tatiana131
I actually made this tonight, and it's quite delicious. I don't know if it's the end all of dressings for me, but it's a great base. For me, I added a hint of apple cider vinegar, a tiny whole crushed clove of garlic, and a tsp of salt.
almost 4 years ago Nancy Jo
I am a BIG fan of Leslie's cooking and Steve's garden bounty! I can't wait to try this dressing.