Save This
This velvety peach honey Dijon balsamic vinaigrette transforms ordinary salads into memorable meals. The natural sweetness of ripe peaches balances perfectly with tangy balsamic and zesty Dijon, creating a dressing that's far more exciting than anything store-bought.
I first created this dressing when my garden produced an abundance of peaches one summer. What began as a way to use extra fruit quickly became my signature dressing that friends and family now request by name at every gathering.
Ingredients
- Ripe peach: Provides natural sweetness and silky texture. Choose peaches that yield slightly to pressure for the best flavor.
- Honey: Adds depth and complexity to the sweetness. Local honey works beautifully here.
- Dijon mustard: Acts as both flavor enhancer and emulsifier. The quality makes a difference so use a good brand.
- Balsamic vinegar: Brings essential acidity and richness. Aged balsamic offers deeper flavor.
- Olive oil: Creates the perfect silky body. Extra virgin provides the best taste.
- Salt: Enhances all other flavors. Sea salt or kosher salt works perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat. Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference.
- Garlic powder: Optional but adds wonderful savory notes. Fresh minced garlic works too.
- Dried thyme: Optional herb that complements the peach beautifully. Fresh herbs intensify the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blend the Base:
- Add your peach, honey, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your blender. Process until completely smooth, about 30 seconds. The mixture should look uniform with no chunks of peach remaining. This foundation builds all the flavor for your dressing.
- Emulsify with Oil:
- With your blender running on low speed, very slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube in a thin, steady stream. This gradual addition is crucial for proper emulsification. Continue blending for about 20 seconds after all oil is added. The dressing will thicken noticeably and turn a beautiful golden peach color.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Stop and taste your dressing on a lettuce leaf or with a small piece of bread. This is your opportunity to perfect the balance. Need more sweetness? Add a teaspoon of honey. More tang? A splash of balsamic. More depth? A pinch of salt. Trust your palate here.
- Finish and Store:
- Transfer your finished dressing to a glass jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid. If using immediately, let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to marry. For storage, refrigerate for up to one week, bringing to room temperature before serving.
Save This
The honey in this recipe is my secret weapon. I discovered through years of cooking that local wildflower honey brings subtle floral notes that perfectly complement the peach flavor. My grandmother actually taught me that the type of honey you choose can completely transform a dressing like this.
Make Ahead and Storage
This vinaigrette actually improves after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together beautifully. I often make a double batch on Sunday for salads throughout the week. Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The olive oil will naturally solidify when cold, so simply remove the dressing from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving or run the sealed container under warm water for a minute. A quick shake will reemulsify any separation.
Seasonal Adaptations
When peaches aren't in season, this versatile dressing base works wonderfully with other fruits. Try substituting the same amount of strawberries in spring, nectarines in summer, or pears in fall. Each variation maintains the same delicious profile while highlighting seasonal produce. Frozen peaches can work in a pinch too, just thaw completely and drain excess liquid before blending.
Serving Suggestions
This vinaigrette truly shines on salads featuring bitter greens like arugula or kale, as the sweetness provides perfect balance. Try it drizzled over a salad of arugula, goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion. Beyond salads, use as a marinade for grilled chicken or brush onto vegetables before roasting. One of my favorite applications is actually as a finishing sauce for grilled pork tenderloin where the fruity notes complement the meat beautifully.
Common Queries
- → Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, thawed frozen peaches work well and keep the dressing flavorful and fresh.
- → How long does it keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to one week. Shake before using if it separates.
- → Is there a vegan option?
For a vegan version, substitute maple syrup for honey for a similar sweetness and texture.
- → Can I use white balsamic vinegar?
White balsamic makes the vinaigrette lighter and slightly fruitier, offering a delicate twist to the flavor.
- → Does this work as a marinade?
Absolutely. Its balance of sweet and tangy works well for marinating chicken, tofu, or vegetables.
- → How do I make it thicker?
Blend in extra peach or reduce the olive oil slightly for a creamier, thicker texture.