Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe – A Tangy, Creamy, and Delicious Copycat
If you’ve ever dined at LongHorn Steakhouse, you know their salads are just as crave-worthy as their steaks — thanks to their signature White Balsamic Vinaigrette. This creamy, tangy dressing perfectly complements fresh greens, grilled chicken, and even roasted vegetables. Today, we’re recreating that restaurant-quality flavor at home with this Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe that’s simple, delicious, and made with wholesome ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a light dressing for meal prep, a crowd-pleasing salad for a family dinner, or a flavorful marinade, this homemade vinaigrette will quickly become a kitchen staple.
What Is Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette?
The Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette is a slightly sweet and tangy dressing that combines white balsamic vinegar with olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and seasonings. The result is a smooth and balanced vinaigrette that enhances salads without overpowering them.
Unlike traditional balsamic vinegar, white balsamic vinegar has a lighter flavor and color. It’s perfect for those who prefer a milder tang and a cleaner, fresher taste.
This copycat recipe captures all the creamy, savory, and subtly sweet notes of the restaurant version — and you can whip it up in less than 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
There are plenty of reasons this dressing stands out from the rest:
- Restaurant-Quality Taste: It tastes just like the LongHorn Steakhouse original — maybe even better!
- Simple Ingredients: Made from everyday pantry staples.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes.
- Versatile: Works beautifully as a salad dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce.
- Healthier Option: No preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Once you make this from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought dressings again.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make the Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette:
🧂 Basic Ingredients:
- ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar – The star of the show. It’s slightly sweet, mild, and tangy.
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil – Provides richness and smoothness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds body and a bit of zest.
- 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup) – Balances out the acidity.
- 1 garlic clove, minced – Adds a punch of savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – A little spice for balance.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional) – Gives it a creamy, Longhorn-style texture.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional) – Adds subtle herb flavor.
How to Make Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette
You’ll be amazed how quickly this comes together!
🥄 Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a small bowl or blender, combine the white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise (if using).
🥣 Step 2: Whisk or Blend
Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking continuously, or blend everything until smooth. This helps emulsify the dressing, giving it a creamy and well-mixed consistency.
🧊 Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Taste your vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. For extra tang, add a touch more vinegar.
🫙 Step 4: Store Properly
Pour the vinaigrette into a glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
- Use high-quality vinegar and olive oil. The flavor of your vinaigrette depends heavily on these two ingredients.
- Emulsify properly. Whisk or blend slowly to create a creamy consistency that doesn’t separate easily.
- Add herbs for depth. Try basil, thyme, or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it creamy. Add a small amount of mayo, Greek yogurt, or sour cream for a richer texture.
- Shake before serving. Natural separation can occur, so always shake the jar before using.
How to Serve Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
🥗 1. Classic Garden Salad
Drizzle over a mix of romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and croutons for a refreshing and light salad.
🍗 2. Grilled Chicken Salad
Combine grilled chicken breast, mixed greens, feta cheese, and sliced strawberries, then toss with this vinaigrette for a sweet and savory meal.
🍤 3. Shrimp or Salmon Salad
Seafood pairs wonderfully with the mild tang of white balsamic vinegar. Use it as a dressing or even a marinade before grilling.
🥬 4. Roasted Vegetable Bowl
Toss roasted asparagus, sweet potatoes, and peppers with this vinaigrette for a flavorful, plant-based lunch.
🍞 5. Bread Dip or Marinade
Use it as a dip for artisan bread or as a marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu — it adds a delicious depth to your main dishes.
Copycat Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe Card
Here’s a printable-style summary of the recipe:
🥣 Ingredients:
- ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly whisk in olive oil until the mixture emulsifies.
- Add mayonnaise and Italian seasoning if desired, then mix well.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
- Shake before use and drizzle over your favorite salad or grilled dishes.
⏱ Prep Time:
10 minutes
🧊 Chill Time:
30 minutes
🍴 Servings:
About 1 cup (8 servings)
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Protein | 0g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands.
White Balsamic Vinegar vs. Regular Balsamic – What’s the Difference?
White balsamic vinegar is made from the same grapes as traditional balsamic, but it’s cooked at a lower temperature and aged for a shorter period. This keeps its color light and its flavor milder, making it perfect for light salads, vinaigrettes, and sauces.
In contrast, regular balsamic vinegar is darker, thicker, and has a more robust, caramelized flavor. The white version is ideal for dishes where you want the flavor of balsamic without altering the color or overpowering delicate ingredients.
Variations of Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Here are a few fun twists you can try once you’ve mastered the base recipe:
🌿 Herbed Version
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives for extra freshness.
🍋 Lemon Balsamic
Replace half of the vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
🧀 Creamy Parmesan
Stir in 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for a rich and tangy variation.
🌶 Honey Mustard Kick
Add a bit more Dijon mustard and honey for a stronger sweet-tangy punch.
🥑 Avocado Blend
Blend in ¼ of a ripe avocado for a creamy, dairy-free alternative that adds healthy fats.
How to Store Homemade White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Homemade vinaigrette should be stored in a sealed glass jar or container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week. Before each use, shake or whisk well to re-emulsify the ingredients.
Pro tip: If the olive oil solidifies in the fridge (which is normal), let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead?
Yes, but it will change the flavor and color. Regular balsamic is sweeter and darker. White balsamic gives a lighter, more refreshing taste closer to Longhorn’s version.
❓ What can I substitute for honey?
You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a few drops of stevia for a lower-sugar version.
❓ Is this vinaigrette gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your mustard and vinegar labels.
❓ Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together.
Why This Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
This Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is everything you want in a salad dressing — light yet flavorful, tangy yet slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a perfect way to elevate any dish.
So next time you’re craving that famous Longhorn Steakhouse salad, skip the restaurant line and make this dressing at home. Your greens (and taste buds) will thank you!
🍽 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re tossing it with crisp lettuce, drizzling it over grilled chicken, or using it as a marinade, this homemade Longhorn White Balsamic Vinaigrette adds instant gourmet flair to your meals. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.
Try it once, and it’ll quickly become your go-to dressing for every occasion!
