This simple yet delicious Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe Cheesecake Factory Copycat is the perfect homemade dressing for all your fresh salad needs. You need simple ingredients like balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic clove, and extra virgin olive oil. Once you've masted this easy salad dressing, you'll have your favourite restaurants' healthy greens at home any time!
> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Best Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
I remember one of my favourite salads was from The Cheesecake Factory many years ago.
While Cheesecake Factory salad dressing is delicious, it is a tad on the salty side. Cheesecake Factory Balsamic Vinaigrette nutrition facts contain 75mg sodium per tablespoon of balsamic vinaigrette dressing. That is why I prefer to make my own dressing to control the amount of salt and sugar added.
This copycat recipe is perfect for anyone concerned about their daily values and macros. Compared to store-bought salad dressing, homemade balsamic dressing recipes are easy to make, and you can work it into healthy meal prep ideas for weight loss on a budget!
Jump to:
This salad condiment recipe is suitable for anyone with Celiac disease, which follows a gluten-free diet, is lactose intolerant and is vegan.
It is delicious over fresh, grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts or carrots!
Check out this quick story summary of our recipe!
Ingredients and Substitutes
You may already have most, if not all, of the ingredients to make this delicious homemade vinaigrette! It is so refreshing you will want to add it to cut-up romaine lettuce, arugula, cherry tomatoes or Figs and Beet Salad with Roma tomatoes!
Below is a cheap meal prep grocery list for the perfect easy meal prep for the week's salad dressing! It comes together in just 5 minutes. You can either whisk everything by hand or use a small food processor!
- Balsamic Vinegar - choose a good quality balsamic vinegar
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar or Monk Fruit Sugar
- Dijon Mustard
- Fresh Garlic Clove
- Sea Salt
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- Shallots or Red Onions
Adjust the ingredients to make it your own balsamic vinaigrette. For example, if you prefer a more tangy dressing or want to add a little bit of honey or maple syrup. It is up to your own preferences! Have fun and experiment!
Most dry goods ingredients, tools and supplies can be purchased at your local Asian grocery store or online at my Amazon Store. I have linked the products for your convenience!
Carbs in Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic vinaigrette is ok for someone following a keto diet. There are approximately 17g carbs in balsamic vinaigrette per 100 grams. The carbohydrates are low when the balsamic vinegar is made into a vinaigrette.
Balsamic Vinegar vs Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic Vinegar is a popular main ingredient in sauce making, especially salad dressings and marinades. This pure vinegar is aged, dark brown in colour and has a touch of sweetness.
Balsamic Vinaigrette (aka balsamic vinegar dressing) is a delicious dressing made with balsamic vinegar and a handful of ingredients such as olive oil, a touch of dijon mustard, honey, etc.
Balsamic Vinegar Substitute
If you are in a pinch and run out of balsamic vinegar, you can use the following alternatives.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Rice Vinegar
- Lemon Juice, Molasses and Soy Sauce
- Balsamic Vinaigrette - however, be aware that this will add olive oil to your recipe.
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a large bowl and combine with a whisk.
Alternatively, if you want to avoid blending by hand for a long time, you can also use a good-quality food processor. Here are my picks for the Best Food Processors!
Add all ingredients to a small food processor or blender and process for 30 seconds or until emulsified.
For best results, ensure thorough mixing to prevent the oil and vinegar from separating.
Drizzle the BEST Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe on top of your favourite salad recipe, and enjoy!
How To Meal Prep
This plant-based salad dressing has a well-balanced, rich flavour that is not too oily, sweet or sour.
It is so quick and easy to make that you do not need to make it ahead of time. If you decide to make it in advance, you can work this Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing efficiently into your family meal prep ideas for the week.
Storing Balsamic Vinaigrette
Simply double-batch this copycat recipe and store it in an airtight container or mason jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Ours never last that long and are usually gone super fast!
The oil and vinegar may separate over time. If this happens, give the jar a good shake or stir to mix everything together before serving!
What To Serve With Cheesecake Factory Copycat Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
There are different ways to enjoy this delicious homemade dressing. When you feel like a healthy salad, drizzle this vinegar-oil-based dressing and combine lettuce, bell pepper, grilled tofu, crisp-cooked bacon, or chicken breasts.
This is a great recipe to whip up in just five minutes! It comes in handy during holiday dinners!
Other Different Types of Salads Recipes
Air Fryer Simple Corn Summer Salad
I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.
> Recipe Card
PrintBest Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
This simple yet delicious Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (Cheesecake Factory Copycat) is the perfect homemade dressing for all your fresh salad needs. You need simple ingredients like balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic clove, and extra virgin olive oil. Once you've masted this easy salad dressing, you'll have your favourite restaurants' healthy greens at home any time!
- Prep Time: 4
- Cook Time: 1
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 persons 1x
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: Pacific North West, Canadian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- ½ C Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Italian Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar or Monk Fruit Sugar
- 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 3 Fresh Garlic Clove
- ½ tsp Sea Salt
- ½ tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Shallot, finely diced
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl and combine with a whisk.
- Alternatively, add all ingredients to a small food processor or blender and process for 30 seconds or until emulsified.
- For best results, ensure thorough mixing to prevent the oil and vinegar from separating.
- Drizzle on top of your favourite salad recipe, and enjoy!
Equipment
Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor 9-Cup
Buy Now →
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Notes
Alternatively, if you want to avoid blending by hand for a long time, you can also use a good-quality food processor. Here are my picks for the Best Food Processors!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Jar
- Calories: 52
- Sugar: 6.5 g
- Sodium: 367.2 mg
- Fat: 1.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.9 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: balsamic vinegar, balsamic vinaigrette, salad dressings, condiment, olive oil, quick and easy, vegan, plant based, vegetarian, low carb, keto, pacific northwest, pnw, canadian, american
PIN the above image to your Vegan Plant-Based Recipe Board to bookmark this page! We are so excited to share our recipes with you!
MORE VEGAN RECIPES:
- Super Alkaline Kale Salad
- Double-Steamed Snow Pear with Fritllaria Bulb Recipe 川貝燉雪梨
- Hawthorn Goji Berry Tea 山楂杞子茶
- Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu
- Vegan Okonomiyaki Cauliflower Bites
- Anti-Inflammatory Vegan
- Hojicha Oat Milk Nice Cream (No Churn, Egg Free, Dairy Free)
- No Mayo Apple Vinegar Coleslaw
- Traditional Dalgona Whipped Coffee Recipe 달고나 커피
- Espresso Latte with Dalgona Chocolate Recipe (Easy)
- Best Vegan Korean Spicy Beef Stew (Yukgaejang) 육개장
- NeNe Chicken Vancouver
This post contains affiliate links and/or products submitted to Nomss for editorial consideration. To find out more, please visit our About/Disclaimer page.
Remove Ad-Block to view shopping guide!
Jo Keohane says
Looks amazing Nancy, love anything with balsamic! Thanks for posting.
★★★★★
Elena says
This dressing is absolutely delicious!! It will definitely be a part of my weekly routine. Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Sean says
Wonderful, useful, simple recipe. I've been making vinaigrettes (and salad dressings in general) for years, and I'm so glad I don't feel the need to buy them pre-made any more. That said, I can get a little lazy about them, and your recipe here is inspiring me to do a bit more - especially vis a vis the garlic and shallot. Cheers!
★★★★★
Nancy says
I hear you Sean! Somethings it's just the convenience factor that gets us reaching for store bought or processed foods. I'm so happy to hear that this post has inspired to make more! It's nice when this balsamic dressing will last some time in the refrigerator too!
Mina says
Out of all the dressings, the balsamic vinaigrette is my absolute favorite. Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe. I have been looking for the best vinaigrette recipe to use for my salads. Yay!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks Mina, I'm so happy that you enjoy it. I really like a simple and versatile balsamic vinaigrette too!
Marcellina says
The perfect combination of simple vinegarette ingredients! I particularly like extra garlic in mine so this is exactly my kind of recipe!
★★★★★
Nancy says
I love extra garlic in mine too! I can call it a Balsamic Garlic Vinaigrette 😛
Andrea says
this dressing turned out so delicious!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks !!
megane says
Perfectly simple. very tasty and I wouldn't change a thing.
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks! I'm so happy to hear that it is Megane approved!
Marie-Pierre Breton says
This is a well-balanced dressing, pretty similar to my favourite one. Although I use maple syrup in mine. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Nancy says
THanks Marie - I like drizzling a little maple to finish my salad off too!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
This dressing is really delicious. And it’s so easy to make. My husband really enjoyed a salad with it! He’s not typically a veggie eater.
★★★★★
Nancy says
I'm so happy to hear that your hubby approves! Maybe he will eat more greens now 🙂
Vanessa says
I love a good homemade salad dressing and this one definitely hit the spot! Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks Vanessa - this one is good to keep handy! So easy to whip up too!
Bernice says
I have been making my own salad dressing for years and a classic vinaigrette like this one is my favourite. The photos make me want to pour it over everything!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks Bernice! I truly believe a good salad dressing is better made at home than with preservatives!
Holly says
This really is the best dressing! The ingredient amounts are spot on. Very nice recipe.
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks Holly! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Katie says
Love this balsamic vinegrette!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Hooray! Thanks Katie!
Kushigalu says
What a refreshing dressing to try on salads. Thanks a lot for sharing
★★★★★
Nancy says
you are so welcome! Enjoy this easy easy ready in 5 minutes salad dressing!
Janie says
I am a fan of vinaigrette dressings and your balsamic one is my new favorite. I made a large batch to leave at work cause I pack my salads for lunch and will use it all this week.
★★★★★
Nancy says
I hope there are no work lunch pirates that steals your own stash of salad dressing!
Mitch says
I'm obsessed with Balsamic Vinaigrette! It's just sooo good!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks so much Mitch!
Sonal says
Thank you so much for this recipe! I love a good balsamic vinaigrette and this was so good and creamy!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks Sonal and I'm so happy to hear that you love the perfect balanced ratio of this balsamic vinaigrette
Vireo Kitchen says
The perfect vinaigrette! Simple and delicious.
★★★★★
Nancy says
easy easy and ready in five minutes!
Anjali says
I made a Greek salad for lunch and topped it with this vinaigrette and it was absolutely delicious!! It tasted even better than the Cheesecake Factory version!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Oh that greek salad sounds so delicious!
Kathleen says
This copycat Balsamic vinaigrette sounds fabulous. I'm looking forward to trying it.
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks Kathleen!
Stacey says
I love a good PF Changs copycat!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Is PF Changs' salad dressing the same as the Cheesecake Factory?
Nancy says
Nothing like a homemade and very flavourful vinaigrette. I loved this recipe so much, won't be buying dressing anytime soon.
★★★★★
Nancy says
I agree - it is too easy to make and much cheaper compared to buying salad dressings!