Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

Funny how things happen sometimes. We were grabbing lunch at one of our local favorite pizza joints not long ago. The lunch special comes with a small side salad. For the dressing my wife went with the balsamic smoked honey vinaigrette. I was intrigued. She was intrigued. Smoked honey? You know, that has to be good. Well, it was. It was “bring me a bottle of that dressing so I can drink it” good. Of course, that means I had to make a version of it when I got home. And it was good. Very good.

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

A Different Kind Of Salad Dressing

This is a great, simple dressing even without the smoked honey. With it, this balsamic smoked honey vinaigrette becomes something a bit different. The smoke flavor isn’t overwhelming, but it’s there. Kinda in the background. It adds to the flavor but doesn’t overwhelm it. Depending on the honey that you use, I recommend adding just a bit at first and tasting to see if you want to add more.

Smoked honey is fun to cook with. I like substituting it for ‘regular’ honey in any recipe that calls for it.

Also try my copycat Portillo’s sweet Italian salad dressing.

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

This is a great, simple dressing even.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 254 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk all ingredients until well combined in a small bowl.
  • Cover until ready to use.

Notes

Give the dressing a good shake or stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 0.1gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 586mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3IUCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword balsamic, honey
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Portillo’s Sweet Italian Salad Dressing

I gotta have a little something, a little sweet, in my vinegar-based dressings. I am a fan of vinegar but sometimes it’s a bit strong for me. That’s where the sweet comes in. It tames that vinegar hit down, but keeps the vinegar flavor. This copycat Portillo’s sweet Italian salad dressing does just that. Super tasty balsamic vinegar meets up with just a bit of sugar, just enough, to make this a wonderfully smooth dressing. With a hint of garlic and oregano, this was the perfect dressing for my side salad tonight.

Copycat Portillo's Sweet Italian Salad Dressing

Shake Before Serving

If you happen to have any leftover of this copycat Portillo’s sweet Italian salad dressing, make sure you give it one heck of a good long shake before serving it. The oil likes to separate from the vinegar. A good shake takes care of that.

I updated the original recipe to specify that you might want to add a bit more sugar and salt than stated. I made the dressing and then gave it a good taste. It needed something, so I added a pinch more of both sugar and salt. I gave it another good shake and tasted it again. Perfect!

Also try my homemade creamy Italian dressing.

Copycat Portillo's Sweet Italian Salad Dressing

Copycat Portillo’s Sweet Italian Salad Dressing

Shake well before serving.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a small container with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Shake well and serve immediately.
  • If you have any leftover dressing, make sure you give it a good long shake again before serving.

Notes

You can substitute your favorite sweetener for the sugar.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 0.2gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 27mgFiber: 0.05gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 0.2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword balsamic, copycat, sweet
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!