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    Home » Recipes » Dressings

    Oil-Free Creamy Balsamic Dressing

    Published: Feb 28, 2023 · Modified: May 13, 2025 · by Puja Verma

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This oil-free creamy balsamic dressing is a healthier alternative to traditional salad dressings. It’s vegan-friendly, light in calories, and packed with flavor. Follow along for a simple recipe that’s rich, tangy, and easy to customize.

    Creamy balsamic dressing in an open glass bottle next to fresh herbs and fruit.

    Easy oil-free creamy balsamic dressing

    Oil-free creamy balsamic dressing is my lighter take on traditional oil and mayo-based dressings. This version contains zero oil (hence the name), but it does not lack in the flavor department!

    It’s perfectly tangy and zesty, and it’s much healthier compared to oil-based recipes. Plus, since it contains fewer calories, don’t worry about drizzling a little more onto your favorite salads!

    This oil-free salad dressing requires just 5 simple ingredients and comes together in about 5 minutes. I use Dijon for an emulsifier and maple syrup for sweetness, but I’ve listed options for customizations. Serve it as a salad dressing, a dip for vegetables, or even a marinade. The choice is yours!

    Is creamy balsamic dressing vegan?

    Creamy balsamic dressing is easy to make vegan or non-vegan, it just depends on the ingredients included in the recipe!

    • Sweetener: Instead of honey, choose a vegan option like maple syrup.
    • Emulsifier: You can use Dijon mustard in place of egg yolks or mayo.

    With these simple adjustments, you can make virtually any vinaigrette-style dressing 100% vegan-friendly.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Labeled ingredients laid out for oil free balsamic dressing.
    • Balsamic vinegar: Choose a high-quality balsamic vinegar, preferably from Italy with the D.O.P. seal. No balsamic vinegar on hand? Use another acid like white balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
    • Nutritional yeast: Imparts a savory, cheesy, and umami element that shouldn’t be skipped! If you don’t have nutritional yeast, add a small amount of white miso paste.
    • Maple syrup: Helps balance the acidity of the vinegar. I suggest 100% pure maple syrup, but you can also use agave for a similar effect.
    • Dijon mustard: Provides a perfect tang and kick. You will want smooth mustard for this dressing, not grainy. You can also use another emulsifier like tahini.
    • Dried oregano: For a savory and herbaceous addition, I love to add dried oregano. Fresh oregano also works. Just make sure to mince it finely.

    Instructions

    Creamy balsamic dressing an open blender bottle.
    • Step 1: Add all the dressing ingredients to a small personal blender. Blend it on high until emulsified.
    Creamy balsamic dressing in an air tight bottle next to herbs and fruit.
    • Step 2: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.
    Creamy balsamic dressing pouring into a small serving bowl.
    • Step 3: When you need some oil-free creamy balsamic dressing, drizzle it over your favorite salads and/or veggies.

    What to serve with creamy balsamic dressing

    I always love having this oil-free salad dressing on hand! It’s such a delicious flavor enhancer for dishes like this:

    • Bread: Use it as a dip with homemade semolina bread or Turkish flatbread. 
    • Salad: Add a drizzle to a strawberry goat cheese salad, harvest salad, or pickled beet salad.
    • Vegetables: Pair this dressing with roasted winter veggies or roasted beets and fennel.

    Storage

    Leftover oil-free creamy balsamic dressing? No problem! Check out these simple storage instructions:

    • Fridge: Store your oil-free salad dressing in an airtight glass container (like a mason jar). Keep it in the fridge for up to a few weeks.
    • Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this dressing. The texture will change too much once thawed.

    Variations

    • Herbs & spices: In place of dried oregano, you can try other herbs and spices like basil, smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, turmeric, or Italian seasoning.
    • Oil: If you want to add oil, ‌add ¼ cup at a time until you reach your ideal flavor and consistency. I recommend extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.
    • Avocado: If you’re looking to add heart-healthy fats to your diet and want a creamy dressing, add some avocado to the blender.
    • High-protein: For a creamy consistency and high-protein option, you can blend silken tofu with your dressing.
    Spoonful of balsamic dressing drizzling down in a small serving bowl.

    Top tips

    • Use a blender: The quickest and easiest method to emulsify the dressing is with a blender. Plus, it transforms all the ingredients into one smooth texture.
    • Consistency: Change the consistency by adding more water for a thinner dressing, or add more Dijon to make it thicker.
    • Make a double batch: You won’t regret making a double recipe to keep on hand for meals all week long! Just keep it in an airtight jar in the fridge.
    • Taste and adjust: This recipe is very personal, so use it as a guide. If you prefer yours tangier or sweeter, adjust the measurements accordingly.

    FAQ

    Is this dressing gluten-free?

    Yes, this oil-free salad dressing is also gluten-free. If you’re unsure about your specific ingredients, it’s always best to double-check they’re not made in a facility where there is cross-contamination. 

    Can I make this recipe creamier? 

    Yes, if you would like to make this recipe creamier, try adding nuts. Some of my favorites include cashews, almonds, or sesame seeds. Just soak them for about 3-4 hours before blending and use a high-speed blender.

    Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon in this recipe? 

    Yes, you can use regular mustard instead of Dijon in this recipe. Just note that the overall taste and consistency will be slightly different.

    Similar recipes

    If you enjoyed this oil-free creamy balsamic dressing recipe, don’t forget to check out some more of my favorite sauces like these:

    • Sweet Onion Sauce: A simple copycat recipe of Subway’s famous sauce.
    • Vegan Kewpie Mayo: Dairy-free Kewpie mayo with the same great texture and flavor!
    • Southwest Salad Dressing: A creamy, spicy, and tangy recipe made in 5 minutes.
    • Homemade Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: An easy dressing made from pantry staples.
    • Sweet Balsamic Glaze with Maple: This two-ingredient dressing transforms any food into an interesting bite of intense flavors.
    Oil free creamy balsamic dressing in a glass bottle next to fresh herbs and fruit.

    Oil Free Creamy Balsamic Dressing

    5 from 2 votes
    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Total Time: 5 minutes mins
    Serving Size: 4 people
    Author Puja Verma
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    DESCRIPTION

    Oil-free creamy balsamic dressing made with just 5 simple ingredients. It's rich, tangy, and packed with flavor. Serve it as a salad dressing, a dip for vegetables or fresh bread, or even a marinade.

    INGREDIENTS
      

    • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 4 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    • 4 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 4 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

    METHOD
     

    • Blend all of the ingredients in a personal blender.
    • Store in an air-tight container and refrigerate.
    • When ready to use, drizzle it on your salads, fruits or veggies or dip it in some fresh homemade bread.

    NOTES

    • Use a blender: The quickest and easiest method to emulsify the dressing is with a blender. Plus, it transforms all the ingredients into one smooth texture.
    • Consistency: Change the consistency by adding more water for a thinner dressing, or add more Dijon to make it thicker.
    • Make a double batch: You won’t regret making a double recipe to keep on hand for meals all week long! Just keep it in an airtight jar in the fridge.
    • Taste and adjust: This recipe is very personal, so use it as a guide. If you prefer yours tangier or sweeter, adjust the measurements accordingly.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: Condiments, Dressing
    Cuisine: All
    Keyword: creamy balsamic dressing, oil free salad dressing
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Oil-Free Maple Dijon Dressing
    Vegan Lentil Curry »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. LindaO says

      March 02, 2023 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      I liked this dressing! I made it as written. My nutritional yeast was a bit strong so I added a little more dijon and balsamic.still tasting it, so I added a little soy sauce. That made me happy.
      Next time I'll just cut back a bit on the yeast instead of changing anything.

      Reply
      • Puja Verma says

        March 16, 2023 at 11:20 pm

        So glad you liked it! It's one of my new faves now. I find this balsamic vinaigrette more flavorful than the typical store bought ones. I love dipping some sourdough bread in it.

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Puja from Green Heart Love

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