Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing: With No Sugar Added

This Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing with no sugar added is a simple, homemade dressing that comes together in minutes using five basic pantry staples that can be customized to your liking. And, it's dietitian-approved for insulin resistance, prediabetes or diabetes.

Unlike many store-bought dressings that contain added sugars, refined oils, emulsifiers, and preservatives, our simple dressing uses just a handful of clean ingredients.

Why This Balsamic Vinaigrette Is Helpful for Insulin-Resistance

This simple dressing supports balanced blood sugar and helps manage insulin-resistance by:

• Eliminating added sugars, which are common in commercial vinaigrettes
• Including healthy fats that slow digestion and help stabilize glucose and insulin response
• Encouraging regular vegetable intake, which supports insulin sensitivity through whoe food sources of fiber.

If you're interested in reading more about insulin resistance and how to eat for a healthy metabolism, read our Insulin Resistance Guide.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil – Provides loads of flavor and supports insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, and improves satiety after meals.
• Balsamic Vinegar - Adds sweetness and acidity without added sugar. What's more, vinegar has been shown to help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes when consumed with carbohydrates.
• Red wine vinegar - Adds a sharper acid layer for complexity of flavor.
• Salt and pepper – Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is our go-to choice, and it's ideal for dressings because it dissolves easily. We recommend freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.

Optional Add-Ins for Flavor & Variety

Keeping this dressing simple is good when only basic ingredients are available, or if you find yourself in a hurry. If you have a little extra time, though, we recommend one or more of the following for extra flavor.

• Dijon mustard provides a bold, sharp, tang, and creates natural emulsification when whisked or shaken (think of it as a natural thickener with a pungent flavor)
• Chopped shallots for mild sweetness and antioxidant compounds
• Dried herbs like thyme, marjoram, basil, rosemary, or oregano for depth and variety. Check the expiration date on your herbs since expired herbs tend to lose their flavor.
• Fresh Chopped Garlic gives the dressing a sharp, spicy edge and provides nutrients and antioxidants.

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be used in place of red wine vinegar. Studies show that ACV can improve fasting glucose levels and hemoglobin A1c if used on a regular basis (3 month average of your blood glucose).
• Fresh lemon juice is also a great replacement for all or some of the red wine vinegar, or may be added for extra acidity and freshness.
• Avocado oil may be substituted for olive oil if preferred. While extra-virgin olive oil offers more polyphenols, avocado oil offers more vitamin E. Vitamin E acts mainly as an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidation. Polyphenols also help reduce oxidative stress.
• Fresh, finely chopped herbs can be used as a substitute for dried herbs when available.

How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl or jar.
2. Whisk or shake vigorously until fully combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Store in the refrigerator and shake before using.

Serving Suggestions for Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

• Drizzle over leafy green salads with non-starchy vegetables
• Toss with roasted vegetables, like our Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower, for a warm salad option
• Pour over some fruit, like a pear, that has walnuts and goat cheese added.
• Drizzle over any baked or grilled protein (chicken, steak, fish, etc.) for added flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe

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