on Apr 11, 2021, Updated Aug 18, 2023
About Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
I am always looking for interesting salad dressing recipes, and this strawberry balsamic vinaigrette is my current favorite. It is an exciting twist to the regular vinaigrette, where ripe, sweet, and tangy strawberries are added to the classic vinaigrette recipe. This quick, vibrant red and simple strawberry vinaigrette salad dressing gets ready in under 5 minutes using 6 simple ingredients. Homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette is healthier and more economical than store-bought ones. You know what is going into it and can customize the recipe per your taste preferences. There are no added preservatives, no color, and no chemicals in the homemade version. Isn’t it reason enough to make a batch at home? The best part is that this strawberry balsamic dressing is super versatile. Use it as a salad dressing, dipping sauce, marinade, etc. It is vegan, gluten-free, Keto-friendly, low in calories, and contains no refined sugar. You can make a big batch by doubling or tripling the recipe. If you love a good salad dressing in your salads, here are some more for you
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Ingredients and Substitutes
Strawberries – Get your hands on bright red and juicy strawberries. Avoid the ones that have soft patches or black marks. You can use fresh strawberries or frozen strawberries to make this strawberry salad dressing. You can freeze strawberries when they are in season and use them year-round. Read my post on How To Freeze Strawberries. Oil – I have used extra virgin olive oil in this strawberry vinaigrette recipe, but you can use any good cold-pressed oil of your choice. Try experimenting with flaxseed oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or sesame oil. Acid – Balsamic vinegar makes a great pair with strawberries, which is why I have used it in this recipe. But feel free to use vinegar like apple cider vinegar, sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, etc. Maple Syrup – Add some maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. You can also use honey or agave syrup. Seasoning – I have kept the seasoning basic to salt and pepper. Try adding garlic powder, red pepper flakes, herbs, dijon mustard, etc. Play with the seasonings for a new flavor profile each time you make this recipe.
How To Make Strawberry Vinaigrette
Start by preparing the strawberries. Rinse 8 oz (250 g) strawberries and chop off their top leafy part. Cut the strawberries into rough slices. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them until they are softened. Add
sliced strawberries 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoon maple syrup 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper
into the small jar of a blender or a food processor. Blend until smooth. Your strawberry balsamic vinaigrette is ready. Store it in a glass bottle and refrigerate it until use. Shake well before using.
Usage Suggestions
Salad Dressing – This delicious strawberry vinaigrette can be poured over your salad recipes. It tastes delicious in green salads such as spinach salad, kale salad, etc. I like to pour it over my strawberry spinach salad, Strawberry Walnut Salad, Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Salad, and Cucumber Avocado Salad. Fruits – This also works great over a bowl of chilled mixed fruits like watermelon, bananas, kiwi, and berries. Marinade – Pour strawberry vinaigrette over chicken, pork, fish, seafood, or veggies, and let them marinate for an hour before grilling them. Gift – Strawberry balsamic dressing also makes a great holiday homemade gift. I am sure your friends and family will be very happy when they see this sweet-tart dressing as a gift. Others – Use it as a sandwich spread or dipping sauce.
Storage Suggestions
It’s best to make this strawberry vinaigrette dressing fresh. You could refrigerate it for a maximum of 3 days if you made an excess of it. Store it in an airtight container, and always use a clean, dry spoon to remove the dressing.
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