Let me tell you something about the Cheesecake Factory.
It isn’t just about their outrageous slice portions (although, let’s be honest, those are pretty amazing, too).
Their salads are no joke, especially with that balsamic vinaigrette.
It’s more than just a dressing; it’s a whole culinary experience.
I might sound like I’m exaggerating a bit, but the Cheesecake Factory balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s light enough to complement the greens on your salad but bold enough to stand on its own.
I’ve tried countless vinaigrettes over the years, but the Cheesecake Factory’s balsamic holds a special place in my heart (and stomach).
Forget store-bought salad dressing—today, we’re bringing it home with this easy copycat Cheesecake Factory balsamic vinaigrette recipe! Because who doesn’t love a copycat recipe?!
This recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to ditch the processed stuff and whip up their healthy, delicious balsamic dressing
It’s an excellent option for those following a low-calorie diet or keto diet or anyone who wants to control the nutrient information in their food. (Note: This recipe doesn’t include the daily values of calorie or nutrient data, but it’s easy to find this information online based on the ingredients and serving size.)
The good news is that you’ll be able to find all of the necessary ingredients at your local grocery store and it only takes about 10-15 minutes to make
Here’s What You’ll Need To Create The Best Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- Extra virgin olive oil (for the best results, use the good stuff!)
- Balsamic vinegar (red wine vinegar can work in a pinch, but balsamic adds a richer flavor)
- Dijon mustard (the tang is key!)
- Brown sugar (a touch of sweetness to balance the tang)
- Garlic cloves (fresh is best!)
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Equipment:
- Small food processor (a blender or whisk can also work, but a food processor creates the smoothest consistency)
- Large bowl
- Mason jar (for storing leftover dressing)
Tips for the tastiest vinaigrette:
- Use freshly ground pepper for the most robust flavor.
- If you’re on a medically restrictive diet (like keto), you can adjust the brown sugar amount or swap it with a keto-friendly sweetener.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to make a bigger batch for the week. Store leftover dressing in a mason jar in the fridge for up to a week.
- Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or a splash of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Feeling adventurous? You can experiment with other oils like sesame oil, but please note that this will yield different results. If you do this, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds to your salad for extra crunch
Now comes the fun part!
Toss your favorite salad ingredients (think cut-up romaine lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, small pieces of granny smith apple, crisp-cooked bacon, Roma tomatoes, thawed corn kernels, bell pepper, green onion, and toasted pecans) with this rich flavor balsamic vinaigrette. Give it a thorough mixing for a really lovely tossed salad.
You can even drizzle it on grilled chicken breasts with a side of green beans for an easy weeknight meal.
Ditch the store-bought salad dressing stuff and create your own dressing with this easy recipe. This copycat Cheesecake Factory balsamic vinaigrette is sure to become your new go-to salad dressing, taking your lunches and dinners from drab to fab!
Happy Eating!
Cheesecake Factory House Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in your small food processor.
- Pulse until emulsified: Pulse the ingredients until well combined and the dressing becomes smooth. If you don’t have a food processor, you can whisk vigorously in a large bowl or blend in a blender until smooth.
- Taste and adjust: Give your dressing a taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. You can add more salt, pepper, or a touch of brown sugar depending on your preference.
