Peach Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Peach Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette brings bright summer flavor to anything it touches. Fresh peaches and honey blend with balsamic and Dijon to create a light, tangy dressing that is perfect on salads, as a marinade for grilled chicken, or drizzled over roasted veggies. The recipe comes together in minutes and tastes so much better than bottled dressings.

I whipped this up after a trip to the farmers market when I had way too many peaches on hand. Now it is my go-to anytime I want to make a salad extra special for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

• Ripe peach: peeled and diced or use half a cup peach purée for convenience. Look for fragrant peaches that give slightly when pressed for the best flavor.
• Honey: adds natural sweetness and helps emulsify the vinaigrette. Opt for local or raw honey if possible.
• Dijon mustard: brings tang and helps hold the dressing together. Classic French Dijon works beautifully.
• Balsamic vinegar: balances sweetness and gives depth. Choose a good quality aged balsamic for more complex taste.
• Olive oil: adds richness and creates a smooth texture. Extra virgin olive oil offers the most flavor.
• Salt: seasons and enhances all the other flavors. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best control.
• Black pepper: adds a gentle kick. Freshly cracked has the brightest flavor.
• Garlic powder: brings subtle umami and can be skipped or swapped for fresh grated garlic if you love garlic.
• Dried or fresh thyme: offers herbal notes. Fresh thyme is lovely but dried works well for convenience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blend the Base:

Combine the peeled diced peach honey Dijon mustard balsamic vinegar salt black pepper and garlic powder if using in a blender. Blend everything on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This smooth base ensures every bite is packed with peach flavor.

Emulsify:

With the blender running on low speed slowly pour in the olive oil. Continue blending until the dressing looks creamy and thoroughly combined. Drizzling the oil in slowly helps the vinaigrette become perfectly smooth.

Adjust the Flavor:

Taste a little bit on a spoon. If you want it sweeter add a bit more honey. For extra tang add an extra splash of balsamic. Adjust salt and pepper to taste until the flavor makes you smile.

Serve and Store:

Pour the vinaigrette into a clean jar or bottle. Use it immediately on salads as a marinade or as a drizzle for roasted vegetables. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh and tasty for up to one week.

Save

Peaches are my favorite summer fruit and their natural sweetness transforms this vinaigrette into something really special. I remember my youngest tasting this for the first time and asking if we could have salad every day that week.

Storage Tips

Store vinaigrette in a glass jar with a tight lid in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before each use as the oil and vinegar may separate. If you want to keep it longer portion it into ice cube trays and freeze then thaw as needed for single servings.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegan version simply swap honey for maple syrup which brings a slightly deeper sweetness. If you do not have fresh peaches canned or frozen peaches will work just be sure to drain any syrup. Try white balsamic vinegar for a milder fruity flavor or swap in stone ground mustard for a different spice profile.

Serving Suggestions

This vinaigrette shines on green salads with goat cheese toasted nuts and sliced stone fruits. It is also a flavorful marinade for grilled chicken or pork. Try drizzling it over grain bowls or roasted sweet potatoes for a quick flavor boost.

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Peach season creates a burst of possibilities and vinaigrette is a classic way to extend the freshness of summer fruit. The combination of honey and balsamic is centuries old and popular across Mediterranean cuisines making this dressing both modern and timeless for any table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute peaches with another fruit?

Yes, ripe nectarines or apricots make great alternatives for peaches, offering similar sweetness and texture.

→ Is there a vegan alternative for honey?

Maple syrup is an excellent vegan substitute that maintains sweetness and blends smoothly.

→ How long will the vinaigrette keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it keeps fresh for up to one week. Shake well before each use if separation occurs.

→ Can I use white balsamic vinegar for a lighter taste?

Absolutely! White balsamic vinegar delivers a milder, fruitier flavor and a lighter color.

→ What dishes pair best with this vinaigrette?

It's perfect for green salads, grilled chicken, roasted summer vegetables, or as a topping for grain bowls.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess?

Add more honey for sweetness or a little extra balsamic for greater acidity and depth.