Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette: 10-Minute Magic

Name: Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sun dried tomato pieces (use sun dried tomatoes in oil); 1/4 cup aged Modena balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup water (plus 2–3 tablespoons more if needed); 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If your salads have been feeling a little… uninspired lately, let’s fix that right now. Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette is the bold, zesty, flavor-packed dressing your fridge has been begging for. It’s rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and bursting with Mediterranean vibes — all in just 10 minutes.

And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your kitchen already.

As Chef Omar always says, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel gourmet. This is one of those magical recipes that tastes like you whisked it together in a tiny Italian café — but really, you made it between answering emails and helping with homework.

Let’s dive in. Apron on. Blender ready. Flavor mode activated.

Why You’ll Love This Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

There are a million dressings out there. So why this one?

Because this Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette is:

Ready in just 10 minutes (yes, really)
Made with simple pantry staples
Naturally dairy-free (unless you add Parmesan)
Packed with bold balsamic flavor
Perfect for Mediterranean and Italian salads
Great for meal prep (hello, busy week!)

It’s rich thanks to extra-virgin olive oil. Tangy from aged Modena balsamic vinegar. Slightly sweet and deeply savory from sun dried tomatoes in oil. And fresh basil? That’s the bright, herbal pop that ties everything together.

This isn’t just a dressing. It’s a personality upgrade for your salad bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. That’s how we roll in Chef Omar’s kitchen.

½ cup sun dried tomato pieces (use sun dried tomatoes in oil)
¼ cup aged Modena balsamic vinegar
½ cup water (plus 2–3 tablespoons more if needed)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

That’s it. No mystery ingredients. No complicated prep.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is almost too easy. Almost.

Step 1: Blend the Flavor Base

Add the Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, water, fresh basil, and sun dried tomatoes to a blender.

Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed. You want everything fully incorporated.

At this stage, the color will be a gorgeous deep red — like a sunset in Tuscany. (Okay, maybe your backyard. Still stunning.)

Step 2: Emulsify Like a Pro

Turn the blender to low speed.

Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil over 10–20 seconds. This step is key. Pouring slowly helps create a creamy, emulsified vinaigrette instead of a separated oil layer.

Don’t rush it. This is where the magic happens.

If the dressing feels too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons of water and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Season and Adjust

Add sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Taste it. Always taste.

Want more tang? Add a splash of balsamic.
Need it thinner? A touch more water.
Craving boldness? A little extra mustard does wonders.

Cooking is a conversation between you and your ingredients.

Step 4: Store It Smart

Transfer the vinaigrette into an airtight container or mason jar with a lid.

Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Give it a good shake before using — natural separation can happen, and that’s totally normal.

Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette in a mason jar with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes on the side — This rich and creamy Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette is blended to perfection and stored in a mason jar for easy meal prep.

Chef Omar’s Flavor Tips (Because We’re Not Basic Here)

Let’s elevate this dressing even more.

Want It Thinner?

Add 1–2 tablespoons of water at a time until it pours easily.

Love Garlic?

Toss in 1–2 chopped garlic cloves before blending. It adds a punchy kick that’s incredible on grilled vegetables.

Prefer Shallots?

Add 1 tablespoon chopped shallots for a softer, slightly sweet bite.

Feeling Cheesy?

Blend in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Just remember to add 2–3 tablespoons of extra water to keep it pourable.

And here’s a little secret: this dressing is AMAZING drizzled over roasted chicken or used as a marinade. I once brushed it over salmon before baking — my family thought I’d ordered takeout from a fancy restaurant. Nope. Just 10-minute magic.

How to Use Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

This is where the fun really begins.

Try it with:

Mixed greens and arugula
Mediterranean salads with olives and feta
Italian chopped salads
Roasted vegetable bowls
Grilled chicken wraps
Pasta salad
As a dip for crusty bread

Your kitchen will smell like a five-star bistro. And your weeknight dinner? Instantly upgraded.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made this Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette, it was one of those chaotic evenings. Unexpected guests. Sink full of dishes. Zero plan.

I grabbed a bag of mixed greens, some leftover grilled chicken, and whipped up this dressing in minutes. When I poured it over the salad, everything changed. Suddenly it wasn’t “throw-together dinner.” It was vibrant, flavorful, intentional.

That’s the power of a good dressing. It transforms simple ingredients into something special.

And trust me — once you make this, store-bought vinaigrette just won’t cut it anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dry-packed sun dried tomatoes?

Yes, but soak them in warm water for about 10–15 minutes first to soften them. Sun dried tomatoes in oil blend more smoothly and add extra richness.

How long does Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps for up to 1 week. Shake before using.

Can I make this without a blender?

You can use a food processor. If neither is available, finely chop the sun dried tomatoes and whisk everything vigorously — it won’t be as smooth, but it will still taste amazing.

Is this dressing healthy?

It’s made with extra-virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and simple ingredients. One serving contains about 262 calories and mostly heart-healthy fats. It’s rich, so a little goes a long way.

Can I freeze it?

Technically yes, but the texture may change slightly once thawed. It’s so quick to make that fresh is usually best.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Calories: 262
Total Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: 230mg
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 1g

(Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Bring Bold Flavor to Your Table

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette. It’s quick. It’s fresh. It’s bursting with personality.

And in a busy life filled with meetings, carpools, and never-ending to-do lists, having a go-to homemade dressing feels like a small but powerful win.

So grab those sun dried tomatoes, fire up the blender, and give your salads the glow-up they deserve. This Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette isn’t just a recipe — it’s your new secret weapon for effortless, gourmet flavor at home.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking.

More Delicious Ways to Use This Vinaigrette

If you’re loving this bold, tangy dressing, here are a few delicious ways to turn it into a full meal moment:

Toss it with crisp veggies and herbs alongside this fresh Mediterranean coleslaw with bright, zippy crunch for a colorful side that steals the spotlight.
Drizzle it generously over beans, feta, and chopped veggies in this Mediterranean bean salad with feta for easy meal prep—perfect for lunches that actually excite you.
Serve it with warm, fluffy easy homemade flatbread that’s perfect for dunking because honestly, nothing should go to waste when flavor is this good.
If bold sauces are your thing, you’ll fall in love with this best-ever chimichurri recipe for bold, herby flavor—another simple way to elevate everyday meals.
And if you’re curious to explore another delicious spin, check out this flavor-packed Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette variation from Flavorful Life for even more inspiration.

Because once you start making homemade dressings, there’s no going back — and your kitchen is about to taste amazing.