Allspice Balsamic Vinaigrette

Our allspice balsamic vinaigrette combines the robust tang of balsamic vinegar with the warm, earthy notes of allspice. This unique dressing adds a burst of flavour to your favourite greens, transforming every bite into a delicious mouthful!

Small clear jar of salad dressing with whole cloves on the side and small plate of allspice in a measuring spoon.

Why You’ll Love Allspice Balsamic Vinaigrette

A balsamic vinaigrette is a simple salad dressing you can make on the fly. But if you’re looking to add a little punch to the recipe, try adding some allspice!

You’ll love this allspice recipe because it offers a unique twist on traditional vinaigrettes, making it a standout choice if you’re looking to try something different.

The recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find, making it easy to make in the comfort of your own kitchen and is easily customisable. You can adjust the amount of allspice or even add other spices to suit your taste preferences.

It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, from fresh greens to fruits, nuts, and cheeses, allowing for endless salad combinations. So does our pomegranate molasses dressing and sumac dressing.

What is Allspice?

Contrary to popular belief, allspice is not a blend of spices. I must admit I did think that too.

Allspice is in fact a berry. Related to the clove, it is native to the West Indies and Central America. Its flavours resemble those of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Now you see why it’s like adding teaspoons of pure joy into your dishes, which is used in both sweet and savoury.

The berries are harvested when they are green, then fermented and then dried where upon they turn a reddish-brown colour. The most famous dishes that use allspice is in Mexican mole recipe and in Jamaican jerk seasoning.

Where Can I Buy Allspice?

You should be able to find it in the spice section of your supermarket.

Allspice is heavily used in Middle Eastern cuisine so if your local supermarket doesn’t have it, try a Middle Eastern supermarket.

What is Another Name for Allspice?

Another name for allspice is “pimento,” not to be confused with the red bell pepper known as pimiento. Allspice got its name because its flavour resembles a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

It is sometimes also referred to as Jamaican pepper.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need for allspice balsamic vinaigrette:

Individually labels ingredients for Allspice Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • Olive oil: Investing in good olive oil in salad dressings is imperative. It really does make a difference.
  • Balsamic vinegar: Gives the dressing that rich tart flavour. Don’t get a sticky balsamic or a balsamic glaze as the texture is too thick for this salad dressing recipe.
  • Garlic: An added punch to the overall recipe. Crush it so all the flavours are released into the dressing.
  • Sugar: Additional sweetness to the overall flavour profile.
  • Allspice: You’ll be surprised how such a simple ingredient can make such a significant different to an otherwise familiar recipe.

Variations and Substitutions

Substitute for allspice: Allspice is known for its unique flavour that combines the tastes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. To replicate this flavour when you don’t have allspice on hand, you can create a substitute using these three spices in equal parts.

Cinnamon provides a warm, sweet flavour with a hint of spiciness. Cloves add a strong, pungent, and slightly sweet taste. Nutmeg contributes a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour.

By combining these spices, you can create a blend that closely resembles the taste of allspice and can be used in recipes that call for allspice. Start with small amounts of each spice and adjust to taste, as cloves can be quite potent.

Sugar variation: The balsamic vinegar already has some sweetness so if you prefer not to add any sugar, it will still work perfectly. 

Alternatively, you can substitute the sugar with plant-derived noncaloric sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.

Balsamic vinaigrette: In the absence of allspice, you can just make a traditional balsamic vinaigrette.

Instructions

Step by step instructions for how to make allspice balsamic vinaigrette:

In a small mixing bowl, add balsamic vinegar and slowly drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until emulsified.

Whisking olive oil with balsamic vinegar in a clear bowl

Then add the garlic, sugar, and allspice.

Whisking balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a bowl and adding cloves of fresh garlic
Adding sugar with a teaspoon with a salad dressing mixture in a clear bowl
Adding allspice with a teaspoon into a mixing bowl of garlic and balsamic vinegar

Mix until well combined.

Whisking ingredients in a clear bowl for Allspice Balsamic Vinaigrette

How To Make This Dressing Perfectly [Expert Tips]

Use quality ingredients: For this allspice recipe to be perfect, use a good olive oil or extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. As you’re consuming it in its natural form, there’s no hiding substandard ingredients.

Proper emulsification: To ensure the vinaigrette emulsifies perfectly, you can slowly drizzle the olive oil into the vinegar while whisking vigorously or use a blender or food processor for a creamier texture.

How to Store

If not consuming immediately, store the vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Take it out about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature and shake or whisk it again before using.

Best Salad for This Dressing

Vegan Wild Rice Salad with Puffed Quinoa and Dried Figs

Who would have thought an old-world grain and some grass could taste so magnificent? we show you how to introduce a vegan wild rice salad to your dinner party table.

Vegan Wild Rice Salad with Puffed Quinoa and Dried Figs on a white plate
Small clear jar of salad dressing with whole cloves on the side and small plate of allspice in a measuring spoon.

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Small clear jar of salad dressing with whole cloves on the side and small plate of allspice in a measuring spoon.
Print Recipe
5 from 33 votes

Allspice Balsamic Vinaigrette

Our allspice balsamic vinaigrette combines the robust tang of balsamic vinegar with the warm, earthy notes of allspice. This unique dressing adds a burst of flavour to your favourite greens, transforming every bite into a delicious mouthful!
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Salad Dressing
Cuisine: International
Suitable for Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
Additional Dietary: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 21.38kcal
Author: Amy Chung

Ingredients

Click on the toggle below for conversion to US Cooking Units.

Instructions

  • In a small mixing bowl, add balsamic vinegar and slowly drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until emulsified.
  • Then add the garlic, sugar and allspice.
  • Mix until well combined

Notes

  • Need a substitute for allspice? Allspice is known for its unique flavour that combines the tastes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. To replicate this flavour when you don’t have allspice on hand, you can create a substitute using these three spices in equal parts.
  • Cinnamon provides a warm, sweet flavour with a hint of spiciness. Cloves add a strong, pungent, and slightly sweet taste. Nutmeg contributes a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour.
  • By combining these spices, you can create a blend that closely resembles the taste of allspice and can be used in recipes that call for allspice. Start with small amounts of each spice and adjust to taste, as cloves can be quite potent.
  • You can substitute the sugar with plant-derived noncaloric sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
  • For this allspice recipe to be perfect, use a good olive oil or extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. As you’re consuming it in its natural form, there’s no hiding substandard ingredients.
  • To ensure the vinaigrette emulsifies perfectly, you can slowly drizzle the olive oil into the vinegar while whisking vigorously or use a blender or food processor for a creamier texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 21.38kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.02g | Protein: 0.17g | Fat: 0.95g | Saturated Fat: 0.13g | Sodium: 95.53mg | Potassium: 8.96mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 2.23g | Vitamin A: 23.58IU | Vitamin C: 0.23mg | Calcium: 3.12mg | Iron: 0.06mg

*Disclaimer: Nutritional information provided is an estimate only and generated by an online calculator.

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10 Comments

  1. Jacqueline Debono says:

    5 stars
    I have to confess I didn’t realize allspice was a berry. I’ve also never used it in salad dressing but am intrigued and definitely want to try this recipe out!

    1. To be honest I didn’t for the longest time too! I just thought it was “all sorts” of spices! LOL. It has such great flavours and definitely great for salads.

  2. 5 stars
    This vinaigrette looks amazing! Such an easy recipe to add flavor to salads.

  3. veenaazmanov says:

    5 stars
    A Bottle of this in my kitchen will always be useful for Salads and quick and easy to make Dinner Salad option.

  4. 5 stars
    This vinaigrette sounds incredible! I absolutely love the addition of the allspice. It all comes together so easily too!

  5. 5 stars
    I have never thought to use allspice in a salad. Time to change that. I’ll be trying this recipe out ASAP!

    1. Allspice is such a great addition to any vinaigrette or salad dressing. Just gives it that extra lift. If you have some handy, you can definitely give it a try!

5 from 33 votes (28 ratings without comment)

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