Balsamic Dressing with a Twist

This balsamic dressing is a recipe of my mom’s, and it is HIGHLY requested. Family members specifically request her dressing for our big family dinner salads, and every time I’ve made for friends, the dressing is a hit and always disappears super quick.

Jump to Recipe

This recipe is perfect for one large salad served family style. Our favorite salad usually consists of romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, thinly sliced apples, and thinly sliced red onions. We eat it ALL the time, and it pairs extra well with meals such as steak + rice dishes. (More salad ideas below)

Otherwise, this recipe makes enough for around 4 lunch salads for me. I will double the recipe when making for a party or salad bar. You can also multiply the recipe to make more, but it is super quick to make fresh so you don’t have to take up room in your crowded fridge.

The Secret Ingredient

The “secret ingredient” or nontraditional ingredient is Maggi seasoning. My family grew up eating Maggi, and it is essential in this recipe to add an extra kick of flavor. Many balsamic dressings also use Dijon mustard, but this recipe doesn’t use any.

Balsamic Dressing + Salad Pairings

This balsamic dressing goes really well with a ton of salads. Here are some of my favorite salad combinations to pair with the dressing if you need ideas. Enjoy!

• Romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, thinly sliced apples, thinly sliced red onions
• Romaine/spinach mix, hard boiled egg, bacon, avocado, chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes
• Romaine/spinach mix, bell peppers, cucumber, berries, roasted sweet potato, chicken, mint, feta
• Romaine, avocado, roasted bell peppers, roasted cauliflower, roasted sweet potato, feta

Check out one of my favorite kitchen items – Pampered Chef’s Mix & Pour for salad dressings! They recently redesigned the product, but you can still find the old one sold online from other retailers.