If you’ve been searching for a way to brighten up your salads, vegetables, or even grilled chicken, this Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with natural sweetness balanced by a pleasant tang, making it incredibly versatile. Plus, it only takes a handful of simple ingredients to make, delivering that perfect harmony of fruity flavor and subtle acidity every single time. Once you try it, you might find yourself dreaming up excuses to drizzle it over everything!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe relies on just a few essential ingredients that each bring something unique to the table. From the juicy burst of strawberries to the smooth richness of olive oil, every component plays a crucial role in building this flavorful dressing.
- Frozen strawberries: Using frozen strawberries makes the vinaigrette easy to blend and ensures a consistent sweet-tart flavor all year round.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a sharp tang that balances the sweetness and brightens the overall taste.
- Honey (or maple syrup): Provides gentle natural sweetness to round out the acidity.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Gives the dressing a smooth, luscious mouthfeel and enhances the flavor with its fruity notes.
- Salt: Elevates the flavors and ties everything together perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice for depth and complexity.
How to Make Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base Ingredients
Start by combining the frozen strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, and olive oil in a food processor or with an immersion blender. Blend everything until smooth and fully combined, making sure the strawberries break down nicely to create a vibrant pink dressing with a rich fruity texture.
Step 2: Season the Dressing
Next, add salt and pepper to taste. Briefly blend again to ensure those seasonings are evenly incorporated. This step really heightens the flavors by balancing sweetness with a touch of savory and a hint of spice.
Step 3: Store or Use Immediately
Transfer your freshly made strawberry vinaigrette to an airtight container. You can enjoy it right away for peak freshness or refrigerate it for later use. The vinaigrette’s flavors will slightly meld over time, becoming even more delicious after a day or two.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Creation
Pour this delightful dressing over crisp greens, roasted veggies, or even use it as a marinade for chicken or fish. The possibilities are endless, and it’s such an easy way to add bright, fresh flavor to any meal.
How to Serve Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your salad presentation by sprinkling toppings that complement the fruity vinaigrette. Try adding sliced almonds, crumbled goat cheese, or fresh basil leaves. These garnishes add texture and flavor contrast that make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This strawberry vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a classic spinach salad. The sweet and tangy dressing breathes new life into these sides, making them festival-ready without any extra fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, drizzle your strawberry vinaigrette over grilled peaches or drizzle it atop a platter of fresh berries and mixed greens. You can even use it as a zesty dipping sauce for grilled shrimp skewers or as a glaze for roasted salmon. This recipe invites you to get creative and explore beyond the usual salad bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover strawberry vinaigrette in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to a week. Since it contains fresh fruit, the flavor stays freshest in the first few days, but it’s still tasty throughout the week with a quick shake before serving.
Freezing
While freezing vinaigrette is uncommon, you can freeze small portions in ice cube trays for up to a month. This makes it easy to add just the right amount for salads or marinades without waste. Thaw in the fridge overnight and shake well before use.
Reheating
Generally, strawberry vinaigrette is served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended as it can compromise the texture and fresh flavor. Instead, give it a good stir or shake before drizzling on your dishes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work wonderfully especially when they’re in season and at their peak sweetness. Frozen strawberries, however, tend to blend more smoothly and help thicken the vinaigrette slightly.
Is it possible to make this vinaigrette vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and you’ll have a completely vegan Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe that’s just as delicious.
How long does the dressing last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 7 days. Always give it a good shake before using as ingredients might settle or separate over time.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet vinaigrette, reduce the honey or syrup, or balance it out with a little more apple cider vinegar to suit your personal taste perfectly.
What salads pair best with this strawberry vinaigrette?
This dressing shines brightest on green salads featuring baby spinach, arugula, mixed greens, or even kale. It also pairs beautifully with salads that include nuts, cheeses, and fresh fruits to complement the vinaigrette’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe a try because it brings such a special touch to everyday meals. It’s one of those homemade dressings that’s easy to make, delightfully fresh, and endlessly adaptable—exactly what you want when you crave something flavorful and vibrant. Enjoy discovering all the ways you can jazz up your dishes with this lovely vinaigrette!
Print
Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 cups
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette perfect for salads, vegetables, or as a flavorful marinade. Made with frozen strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, and extra virgin olive oil, this dressing combines natural sweetness with a tangy kick for a deliciously balanced taste.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries (whole or chopped)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: Using a food processor or an immersion blender, blend the frozen strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, and extra virgin olive oil together until the mixture is smooth and the oil is fully incorporated with the strawberries, creating a vibrant vinaigrette base.
- Season the Dressing: Add salt and pepper to taste, then briefly blend again to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the vinaigrette for balanced flavor.
- Store the Vinaigrette: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container. You can enjoy it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use, where it will keep well for several days.
- Serve and Enjoy: Use your homemade strawberry vinaigrette to dress salads, enhance vegetables, or as a delicious marinade for chicken or fish to add a fresh, fruity twist to your meals.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a small amount of water or more apple cider vinegar while blending.
- For a chunkier texture, pulse the blender less to leave small pieces of strawberries.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, stirring before each use as the ingredients may separate.
- This dressing is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
