How to make Strawberry Vinaigrette

As the seasons turn and fresh produce begins to blossom, there’s nothing quite like the sweet symphony of flavors that a Strawberry Vinaigrette can introduce to your table. As an experienced chef and food connoisseur, I’ve come to cherish the vibrance that this dressing brings, not just in its vivid hue but also in the luscious berry-kissed notes it gracefully weaves through each dish.

Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Strawberry Vinaigrette

Strawberry Vinaigrette is a light, refreshing salad dressing that embodies the essence of spring and summer. It whisks together the sun-ripened sweetness of strawberries with the clean, acidic notes of vinegar to create a sublime balance on the palate. Often made with fresh strawberries for a bright and fruity burst, this vinaigrette can also incorporate the tangy sharpness of balsamic vinegar or the subtlety of apple cider or red wine vinegar for varied flavor profiles.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine American

Servings 1 serving

Calories 7 kcal

Equipment

• 1 bowl
• 1 blender

Ingredients

  

• 1 heaping cup fresh strawberries washed and hull (you can also use frozen strawberries)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/2 cup water or as needed
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/8 tsp black pepper or to taste

Instructions

 

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl of a blender and blend until smooth
• Taste and add more water if you want, adjust dressing as needed.
• Store dressing in an air tight container and keep in the fridge, use within a week.

Keyword balsamic vinegar, strawberries

Cooking Tips about Strawberry Vinaigrette

• Select the Best Strawberries: For the most vibrant taste, opt for ripe, in-season strawberries. They should be rich in color, plump, and fragrant. Fresh local strawberries tend to have more flavor than those that have been shipped for long distances.
• Consider the Vinegar: The type of vinegar you use can significantly affect the dressing’s taste. Balsamic vinegar can bring out the sweetness in strawberries, while red wine vinegar offers a sharper tang that contrasts well with the berry’s natural sugars. White balsamic or champagne vinegar can provide a lighter, more delicate option.
• Balancing Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and personal taste, you may want to add a touch of honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. This enhances the dressing’s sweetness and helps balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• Emulsify for Creaminess: Add a consistent stream of oil while whisking or blending to create a stable emulsion. This technique will give your vinaigrette a creamy texture without using dairy.
• Enhance with Add-Ins: Complement the strawberries with additional flavors such as a pinch of salt to enhance natural sweetness, freshly ground black pepper for spice, or even a little Dijon mustard for depth and to aid emulsification.
• Strive for the Right Consistency: If you prefer a smoother vinaigrette, strain the pureed strawberries to remove seeds and pulp. For a thicker dressing, reduce the ratio of oil to fruit and vinegar or add a small amount of xanthan gum or soaked chia seeds as thickeners.
• Use Fresh Herbs with Caution: Herbs like basil or mint can add an interesting twist to your vinaigrette but use them sparingly to not overwhelm the strawberry flavor.
• Storage: Keep your vinaigrette refrigerated in an airtight container. It should remain fresh for up to a week. Always shake or stir well before serving, as separation is natural.

Serving suggestions about Strawberry Vinaigrette

• Mixed Greens with a Berry Twist: Drizzle Strawberry Vinaigrette over a salad mix of fresh spinach, arugula, and romaine. Add slices of fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of goat cheese, and a handful of toasted almonds for a salad that’s both visually appealing and full of complex flavors.
• Refreshing Summer Fruit Salad: Toss the vinaigrette with a selection of summer fruits like melon, peaches, and more strawberries. Its acidity and sweetness will enhance the fruit’s natural flavors, making it a perfect dish for brunch or dessert.
• Grilled Protein Glaze: Use the vinaigrette as a glaze on grilled chicken or pork. The sweetly acidic taste pairs excellently with savory meats, providing a welcome contrast and a lovely sheen.
• Vegetable Dip with a Kick: Blend the Strawberry Vinaigrette with Greek yogurt to create a creamy dip that’s perfect for raw vegetables or pita chips.
• Cheese Pairing Elegance: Pair it with a plate of soft cheeses like brie or camembert, adding complexity to the cheese tasting experience.
• Vibrant Roasted Veggies: Brush or toss your favorite roasted vegetables—like asparagus, carrots, or brussels sprouts—with the vinaigrette before serving to add a hint of berry sweetness and a zesty finish.
• Savory Grain Bowl Booster: Spoon it over quinoa or farro bowls topped with avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and grilled halloumi cheese for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
• Seafood Enhancer: Complement the delicate flavors of scallops, shrimp, or a white fish like tilapia with Strawberry Vinaigrette to add a fruity balance to seafood dishes.

Top 5 FAQs about Strawberry Vinaigrette

• How do you create a smooth texture for Strawberry Vinaigrette? To achieve a silky-smooth texture for Strawberry Vinaigrette, start by pureeing fresh strawberries until they’re completely smooth. For an even finer consistency, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and any remaining solid bits. Then, when emulsifying the oil into the vinegar and strawberry mixture, blend slowly and steadily to form a cohesive, velvety dressing.
• Can Strawberry Vinaigrette be used beyond salad dressings? Absolutely. While it’s commonly used as a salad dressing, its versatility extends far beyond greens. Try using Strawberry Vinaigrette as a marinade for chicken or pork, a glaze for grilled fish, a dip for fruit skewers, or even as a vibrant sauce drizzled over goat cheese on crostini.
• What oil works best for making Strawberry Vinaigrette? A light, mild-flavored oil is best for letting the strawberry flavor shine through in the vinaigrette. Options include extra-virgin olive oil for a slightly fruity note, canola oil, or grapeseed oil for their neutral taste. The choice of oil ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired flavor balance.
• How long can homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette be stored? Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically keeps well for up to one week. The acidity from the vinegar and the oil helps preserve it, but always check the dressing before using it to make sure it hasn’t spoiled.
• Is Strawberry Vinaigrette considered healthy? Strawberry Vinaigrette can be a healthier option compared to creamy or sugar-laden dressings. Strawberries add vitamins and antioxidants, while the oil provides healthy fats. To keep it on the healthier side, monitor the amount of added sugars and use a quality oil. However, like any condiment, portion control is key to ensuring it remains a healthy addition to your meal.

Strawberry Vinaigrette stands as a delectable representation of a culinary dressing that boasts the ability to transform an ordinary salad into an extraordinary feast for the senses. At its core, it combines the joyful sweetness of ripe strawberries with the intriguing piquancy of quality vinegar, creating an irresistible alliance that stirs the taste buds.

Embracing the essence of strawberries not only lends a natural sweetness and a robust flavor to the dressing but also infuses it with the berries’ vivid hues, making it as visually appealing as it is flavorful. The vibrant reds of the pureed strawberries paint each salad leaf with a brushstroke of summer’s bounty, enticing with both taste and presentation.

With a versatility far beyond mere salad dressing, Strawberry Vinaigrette’s uses span across the culinary spectrum—as a bright accent to a cheese platter, a charming glaze over grilled meats, or even a tantalizing drizzle on fruit-based desserts. This illustrates the creative potential contained within each bottle of this dressing, revealing its capacity to be the centerpiece or a subtle yet significant enhancer in various culinary creations.