Though I love the traditional olive oil-based vinaigrettes, I’m always on the lookout for something unique that I can use on salads – and I think I’ve found it. Sweet, tangy and so easy to make, this strawberry vinaigrette dressing is my secret weapon when I’m serving salads to friends and family. Strawberry is an excellent pairing with leafy greens and this one certainly encourages me to eat mine. Aside from the vibrant pink color and creamy texture, the thing I love most about this strawberry salad dressing is I can enjoy it anytime I want. This recipe uses frozen strawberries over fresh, which makes it easier on the budget without sacrificing taste. It’s also super adaptable – you can make it 100% sugar-free, add other flavors, or swap out ingredients to fit your diet or lifestyle.
What Is Strawberry Vinaigrette Made of
Strawberries: The best strawberries for this dressing? Frozen! You can make it with fresh ones, but if you’re making this out of season, frozen strawberries are so much better. Honey: I use this for an extra boost of sweetness when using frozen strawberries, though you can leave it out if you’re using fresh. Agave or maple syrup can be used if you want to make the strawberry vinaigrette vegan. Olive Oil: I prefer extra-virgin olive oil, but any healthy, neutral oil will work: avocado, grapeseed, or vegetable oil. Apple Cider Vinegar: The best acid for salad dressing in my opinion, but white wine vinegar or lemon juice will also work well. Or, for a boost of flavor that blends really well with the strawberry, try balsamic vinegar. Salt and Black Pepper: Add to taste. Chives (optional): Use fresh so they release the most flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Vinaigrette
This strawberry salad dressing is ready in minutes. Allow your frozen strawberries to thaw slightly before using – this will make blending easier and ensure you don’t have chunks of strawberry in your vinaigrette. Then, simply blend your frozen strawberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper together in a blender until smooth.
How Long Does Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Last
Store your strawberry vinaigrette in an air-tight container and keep it in the fridge after making it. When properly stored, it should keep for up to a week.
What to Use Strawberry Vinaigrette For
Strawberry vinaigrette works best when paired with salads. I use it most frequently in a salad with lettuce and chicken, shredded cheese, and toasted pecans. Strawberries also pair well with darker, leafy greens like spinach, kale, chard, collards, chicory, etc. So you can mix and match leaves, proteins, and mix-ins to make a salad perfect for your tastes. Try this salad dressing with:
A simple spinach and strawberry salad with feta or spinach and blackberry salad, An easy green salad – just swap your usual dressing for this one in your favorite green salad. Add flavor to classics like the Waldorf salad or an easy and filling Quinoa and Avocado Salad.
You could also use the strawberry vinaigrette salad dressing for sweet dishes. It’s easy to drizzle over fresh fruit dishes like my fruit salad, fruit and yogurt parfaits, chia pudding, or overnight oats. You can even use it as a marinade for chicken and pork. Chef’s Tip: This makes for a great homemade gift. Scour the thrift stores for cute jars or recycle some old jam jars (I like the Bonne Maman ones) and label them with a use-by date. You can even use a gift card to share the recipe!
More Strawberry Recipes
Homemade Strawberry Sauce Simple Homemade Strawberry Syrup Strawberry Milk Strawberry Baked Oatmeal
If you try this strawberry vinaigrette recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
