Hey there, it’s Natasha, and today I’m sharing one of my favorite summer recipes: Peach Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette. This dressing is a game-changer for salads, grilled veggies, and even meats. It’s sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of ripe peaches, honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar.
I first made this vinaigrette for a backyard barbecue, and it was such a hit that I’ve been making it on repeat ever since. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for those warm summer days when you want something fresh and flavorful. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just toss everything in a blender, and you’re done!
Why This Vinaigrette is a Must-Try
What I love most about this dressing is how versatile it is. The sweetness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the tangy Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar, while the honey adds a touch of richness. It’s a well-balanced dressing that works on everything from simple green salads to grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
And let’s not forget how easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and some fresh peaches. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even grill the peaches before blending them for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious vinaigrette:
2 peaches, diced (ripe peaches are key for the best flavor)
2 tablespoons honey (for natural sweetness)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds tanginess and depth)
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar (or cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for richness and smoothness)
1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (adds a savory umami kick)
1 clove garlic, minced (for a hint of sharpness)
Salt and pepper to taste (to enhance all the flavors)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Making this vinaigrette couldn’t be easier. Here’s how I do it:
Prepare the Peaches
If you want to add a smoky flavor, grill the peaches for a few minutes on each side until they’re slightly charred. Otherwise, just dice them up fresh.
Blend Everything Together
Add the peaches, honey, Dijon mustard, white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, tamari (or soy sauce), garlic, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Adjust the Consistency
If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of water or extra vinegar to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Store and Serve
Transfer the vinaigrette to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’s ready to use right away, but the flavors will deepen if you let it sit for an hour or so.
How I Like to Use This Vinaigrette
This dressing is so versatile, and I’ve found so many ways to enjoy it. Here are a few of my favorites:
Salads: Drizzle it over a simple green salad, a spinach and goat cheese salad, or a grain bowl.
Grilled Vegetables: Toss it with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Meats: Use it as a marinade for chicken, pork, or shrimp, or drizzle it over grilled meats as a finishing sauce.
Bread Dip: Serve it as a dip for fresh bread or crusty baguettes.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss it with roasted sweet potatoes or carrots for a flavorful side dish.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Vinaigrette
Use Ripe Peaches: The sweeter and juicier the peaches, the better the flavor of your dressing.
Grill the Peaches: If you have time, grilling the peaches adds a smoky depth that takes this vinaigrette to the next level.
Adjust the Sweetness: If your peaches are very sweet, you can reduce the amount of honey. Taste as you go!
Storage: Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good shake before using.
Easy Substitutions for This Recipe
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are some easy swaps to make this Peach Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette work for you:
Peaches: No fresh peaches? Use canned peaches (drained) or even peach preserves for a similar sweet flavor.
Honey: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different kind of sweetness.
Dijon Mustard: Regular yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
White Balsamic Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even lemon juice for a tangy alternative.
Olive Oil: Any neutral oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil will work if you don’t have olive oil.
Tamari or Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can replace tamari or soy sauce.
Garlic: Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
These substitutions make this recipe flexible and adaptable, so you can still enjoy a delicious vinaigrette even if you’re missing an ingredient or two!
Why You Should Make This Vinaigrette
If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful dressing that’s perfect for summer, this Peach Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette is it. It’s sweet, tangy, and incredibly versatile, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of this Peach Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette, here are a few other recipes that you might enjoy. They’re all fresh, flavorful, and perfect for summer (or anytime!):
Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Swap the peaches for fresh strawberries for a sweet and tangy dressing that’s perfect for spinach salads or drizzling over grilled chicken.
Mango Lime Vinaigrette
Blend ripe mango with lime juice, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of chili powder for a tropical twist on a classic vinaigrette.
Citry Honey Mustard Dressing
Combine orange juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil for a bright and zesty dressing that’s great on salads or as a marinade.
Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad
Use this vinaigrette as the dressing for a salad with grilled peaches, arugula, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
Balsamic Glaze
Simmer balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey until it thickens into a glaze. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even desserts like vanilla ice cream.
Herb Lemon Vinaigrette
Blend fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro with lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of garlic for a fresh and herbaceous dressing.
Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce
Turn this vinaigrette into a BBQ sauce by adding tomato paste, smoked paprika, and a bit of heat from chili flakes. Perfect for grilling!
FAQs About Peach Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette
1. Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes! If using canned peaches, drain them well. For frozen peaches, thaw and pat them dry before blending.
2. What can I use instead of white balsamic vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar, champagne vinegar, or even regular balsamic vinegar can work as substitutes, though they may slightly alter the flavor.
3. How can I make this dressing vegan?
Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version.
4. How do I store this vinaigrette, and how long does it last?
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake or stir before using, as separation is natural.
5. What if my dressing is too thick?
Thin it out with a little water, extra vinegar, or olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Can I make this without a blender?
Yes! Mash the peaches very well with a fork or use a mortar and pestle before whisking everything together. The texture will be chunkier but still delicious.
7. What are some serving suggestions?
Drizzle over salads, use as a glaze for roasted meats, toss with grilled vegetables, or serve as a dip with fresh bread.
So, grab those peaches and give this recipe a try. I promise, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine.
Peach Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 2 peaches diced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- For added depth of flavor, grill the peaches before blending.
Notes
- If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a little water or extra vinegar.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Try it as a glaze for roasted meats or as a dip for fresh bread.
