If you love vibrant flavors that brighten up any meal, then you are in for a real treat with this Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s a luscious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes all blended into a gorgeous, ruby-red dressing. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a stunning vinaigrette that livens up salads or doubles as a delightful marinade. This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, promising a fresh burst of flavor that will have you reaching for the bottle again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe plays a vital role: from the juicy strawberries delivering that natural sweetness and vibrant color, to the apple cider vinegar adding tangy brightness, and the olive oil lending smooth richness. The honey balances acidity while the salt and pepper bring it all together just right.
- 2 cups frozen strawberries (whole or chopped): Use frozen for convenience and to get the best flavor year-round.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a refreshing tang that lifts the dressing beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup): Provides natural sweetness that complements the tartness of the vinegar and strawberries.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Gives the vinaigrette a luscious, silky texture while enhancing depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens all the other ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice to finish the dressing perfectly.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base Ingredients
Start by gathering your frozen strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, and olive oil. Using a food processor or immersion blender, combine these until smooth and well integrated. This creates the luscious, fruity foundation of your vinaigrette, where the strawberries break down to release their natural juice and color, melding beautifully with the vinegar’s tang and the honey’s sweetness.
Step 2: Season to Perfection
Next, sprinkle in the salt and pepper. These seasonings are crucial because they balance the vinaigrette by cutting through the sweetness and amplifying the flavors. Briefly blend again to evenly distribute the seasoning, and get ready for a taste sensation.
Step 3: Store or Serve
Pour your strawberry vinaigrette into an airtight container. It’s ready to enjoy immediately, but you can keep it in the refrigerator for later use. Just give it a little shake before serving to remix the ingredients.
Step 4: Enjoy!
This Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe is delicious drizzled over crisp greens or roasted veggies. But don’t stop there—try it as a marinade for chicken or fish to add a bright, fruity twist to your favorite proteins.
How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Top your salad with a sprinkle of toasted nuts, crumbled feta cheese, or fresh herbs like basil or mint to complement the vinaigrette. These garnishes add texture and amplify the fresh, summery vibe that the strawberry vinaigrette creates.
Side Dishes
This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Roasted asparagus, grilled zucchini, or even a simple quinoa salad benefit from the bright, fruity splash of flavor imparted by the dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the vinaigrette in small individual bottles at the table, letting guests add as much as they like. For a fun party twist, drizzle over fresh fruit or use it as a dip for crudités to surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week when stored in a sealed container. Always give it a good shake or stir before each use, as the ingredients may naturally separate over time.
Freezing
Although freezing is possible, it’s generally better to enjoy this vinaigrette fresh. Freezing can alter the texture of the olive oil and strawberries, making the dressing a bit grainy once thawed. If you do freeze it, thaw completely and blend briefly before serving.
Reheating
Since this vinaigrette is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you want a warmer dressing, lightly warm it in a bowl over hot water, but avoid excessive heat to preserve the fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries will work just as well. If they are in season, fresh berries can provide an even brighter flavor and slightly different texture, but frozen are great for convenience and consistent taste year-round.
Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute with white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Just keep in mind that balsamic will add a richer, sweeter tone, while white wine vinegar keeps things light and tangy.
Can I make this vinaigrette vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it fully plant-based without sacrificing the dressing’s natural sweetness.
How long will the vinaigrette last once made?
Stored properly in the fridge, you can expect your vinaigrette to stay fresh and tasty for up to one week. Always check for any off smells or separation before use.
Can I scale the recipe up for a larger batch?
Definitely! This recipe scales nicely, so feel free to multiply the ingredients depending on your needs. Just blend in batches if your processor is on the smaller side.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly joyful about making your own salad dressing, and this Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe delivers that satisfaction in every vibrant spoonful. It’s simple, fresh, and bursting with natural goodness, ready to bring a touch of sunshine to your meals. Go ahead, try it out—you might just find a new favorite way to dress up your greens and more!
Print
Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 ½ to 3 cups
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This fresh and vibrant Strawberry Vinaigrette is a delightful homemade dressing combining the natural sweetness of frozen strawberries with tangy apple cider vinegar and smooth extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for salads, vegetables, or as a flavorful marinade, this easy-to-make vinaigrette adds a burst of fruity freshness to your meals.
Ingredients
Strawberry Vinaigrette 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 ingredients: Using a food processor or immersion blender, combine the frozen strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and the oil is fully incorporated, creating a creamy vinaigrette base.
- Season the dressing: Add salt and pepper to taste, then blend briefly once more to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the vinaigrette.
- Store the vinaigrette: Transfer your homemade strawberry vinaigrette to an airtight container. You can use it immediately or refrigerate it for later use, keeping it fresh for several days.
- Serve and enjoy: Drizzle this flavorful vinaigrette over salads, fresh vegetables, or use it as a fruity marinade for chicken or fish to elevate your dishes with a sweet and tangy twist.
Notes
- If fresh strawberries are available, they can be used instead of frozen for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make it vegan-friendly.
- Adjust the amount of honey or vinegar to balance sweetness and acidity according to your preference.
- Store in the refrigerator and shake well before each use, as separation may occur.
- This vinaigrette is best consumed within 5 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
