This is a variation of our vinaigrette base recipe. Shopping for salad dressing can be overwhelming when trying to balance flavor, price, quality, and nutrition. An easy solution to this dilemma is to make your own homemade salad dressing! This simple strawberry vinaigrette recipe is a fresh and tasty variation of traditional vinaigrette, is exceptionally nutritious, and comes together in just minutes.
Culinary Tips for Making Strawberry Vinaigrette
Learning how to make strawberry vinaigrette from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, flavor, and cost – triple win!
This is a variation of a standard vinaigrette recipe, so we use the traditional oil to vinegar ratio: three parts oil to one part vinegar. However, this ratio can vary depending on your personal taste. The less acidic the vinegar, the less oil you need. It’s all about balance!
If the vinaigrette is too tangy, add a little honey to taste.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Strawberries: use fresh or frozen. If using frozen, thaw prior to blending.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: substitute avocado oil, canola oil, or infused extra virgin olive oil. Choose an infused oil that would pair well with strawberries. A basil-infused olive oil would create a delicious strawberry basil vinaigrette. We don’t recommend using vegetable oil, as this is not a heart-healthy oil.
- Balsamic Vinegar: aged and infused balsamic vinegars add more complex flavors and often a touch more sweetness. If using infused balsamic vinegar, choose a flavor that pairs well with strawberries.
- Lemon Juice: we recommend using fresh lemon juice, but bottled lemon juice works too. For an extra lemony tang, add a bit of lemon zest.
We love getting our oil and vinegar from Enzo’s Table. Click on the picture below to try out dozens of different oils, vinegars, and more!
Recipe Variations
Once you know the basic vinaigrette ratio and ingredients, there are endless ways you can adjust this strawberry balsamic vinaigrette recipe to your taste!
Get creative with different types of oils and vinegars, then add other ingredients such as mustards, jams, fresh or dried herbs, spices, sweeteners, or other fruits. The sky’s the limit!
Need some vinaigrette recipe inspiration?
Use our vinaigrette base recipe as a guide, or check out our other vinaigrette variations!
Equipment Recommendations for Mixing the Vinaigrette
Mixing oil and vinegar creates an emulsion. Because oil and vinegar don’t like to stay together, this emulsion won’t last forever, but having the right equipment can help!
The traditional way to make salad dressing from scratch is to use a mixing bowl and whisk. Another easy way to make an emulsified vinaigrette is by shaking the ingredients together in a mason jar or shaker bottle.
However, for this recipe, we recommend using an immersion blender, blender, or food processor to blend up the strawberries.
Health Benefits of Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Making your own vinaigrette allows you to choose what goes into your body, which is a great way to promote your health. All of the ingredients in this recipe are ones that you can see, recognize, and pronounce.
Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals. These nutrients promote a healthy body and can help prevent chronic diseases. (1) Using fresh strawberries in a vinaigrette is also an easy way to decrease added sugars; many store bought vinaigrettes contain added sugars that count against your daily sugar limit. (2)
Balsamic Vinegar
Vinegar provides a lot of flavor without providing a lot of calories. The acidity in vinegar balances flavors and can help reduce the amount of salt needed in a dish which may be helpful when trying to manage high blood pressure. (3) Vinegars also contain probiotics, vitamins, minerals, acids, and antioxidants that benefit health in numerous ways, from helping fight off diseases to controlling blood sugar levels. (4, 5)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean Diet. It contains high amounts of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols which may reduce inflammation. Additionally, certain nutrients require fat for absorption; using an olive oil-based dressing on your salad can help you get the most nutritional bang for your buck! (7, 8)
No Unnecessary Ingredients
Not all food additives are bad or dangerous, but we believe that it’s best to be cautious when handing your health over to food manufacturers. Many store-bought salad dressings contain fillers, stabilizers, and flavor enhancers that may not promote your health. Making your own salad dressing can give you some peace of mind; you will be able to see, pronounce, and taste all of the ingredients!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Strawberry Salad Dressing
Use this strawberry vinaigrette salad dressing tossed in with a green salad, mixed into a grain salad, or as a marinade for chicken.
How to Store Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette
For best quality, store strawberry balsamic vinaigrette in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
The vinaigrette may solidify in the fridge. Don’t worry if this happens! Simply let it sit at room temperature for 5-15 minutes, then shake vigorously to redistribute the emulsion. If that doesn’t work, microwave it for a few seconds until the oil liquifies again.
Want some more healthy recipes?
Vinaigrettes aren’t just for green salads! Check out more of our healthy salad dressings in some of our favorite non-leafy salads:
Warm Farro Salad with Spring Veggies
Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Roasted Red Peppers
Strawberry Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, stems removed
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- Dash kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine strawberries, oil, vinegar, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Add salt to taste. Enjoy!
