Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

Summer is upon us, and that means fresh produce is in abundance. One of my favorite ways to highlight summer flavors is with a vibrant homemade strawberry vinaigrette. 

Not only does it complement a variety of dishes, but it also brings a sweet and tangy twist that can elevate even the simplest of salads. Let me take you on a journey through this delightful recipe, from pairing suggestions to tips and tricks for the perfect vinaigrette.

What Can You Pair with Strawberry Vinaigrette?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of making this vinaigrette, let’s talk about what you can pair it with. After all, a good dressing is only as good as the salad it adorns.

Greens: A fresh mixed greens salad is a classic option. Spinach, arugula, and butter lettuce all work wonders.

Fruits: Consider adding sliced peaches or apples. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the tanginess of strawberries.

Cheese: A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese adds creaminess and richness, contrasting the vinaigrette’s acidity wonderfully.

Nuts: Toasted almonds or walnuts lend a satisfying crunch that enhances the overall texture of your salad.

With that in mind, let’s dive right into the details.

Strawberry vinaigrette isn’t just eye-catching; it’s also packed with flavor. Homemade dressings often outshine their store-bought counterparts because they allow you to control ingredients and adjust flavors to your liking. In this post, I will guide you through the process of creating a luscious strawberry vinaigrette. It’s easier than you might think!

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What is Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette?

Homemade strawberry vinaigrette is a fruit-based dressing that combines fresh strawberries with olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of sweetener. The result is a light, vibrant dressing perfect for summer salads. It brings a refreshing burst of flavor that can transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Why This Recipe Works

Now, let me break down why you’ll definitely want to try this recipe.

1. It’s Fresh and Flavorful
Using fresh strawberries creates a natural sweetness and vibrant color. Unlike store-bought dressings, which can sometimes be overly processed and artificial, this vinaigrette provides a genuine taste of summer.

2. Customizable Ingredients
You can adjust the recipe based on what you have. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Prefer a sharper taste? A splash of vinegar does the trick.

3. Quick and Easy
You can whip this vinaigrette up in under 10 minutes. Just throw the ingredients into a blender, pulse, and voilà! You have a beautiful dressing.

4. Healthier Choice
Everything is made from scratch, so you skip the unnecessary preservatives and additives. Plus, it offers heart-healthy fats from olive oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

To make this delicious homemade strawberry vinaigrette, gather the following ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (cold-pressed preferred)
  
• 2 tablespoons honey or natural cane sugar, adjust to taste
  
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
  
• 4 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  
• 2 tablespoons aged red wine vinegar
  
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
  
• 1/2 teaspoon balsamic glaze
  

How to Make This?

Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries

Start by washing your strawberries thoroughly. Hulking them is crucial so that you can blend them smoothly. Slice them and set aside.

Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients

Gather all the other ingredients. Having everything in one spot makes the blending process easier. Trust me; it saves time and keeps your workflow smooth.

Step 3: Blend Together

In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries, honey, mustard powder, red wine vinegar, and orange zest. Blend until smooth. The vibrant red of the strawberries and the yellow of the mustard make for quite a colorful mix!

Step 4: Add Olive Oil

With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This method helps emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Once blended, taste your vinaigrette. Now’s the time to add salt, black pepper, and any additional honey if you want it sweeter. Don’t be shy—this is your chance to make it your own!

Step 6: Finish Up

Lastly, drizzle in the balsamic glaze. This step enhances the vinaigrette with a rich tangy sweetness, rounding out the flavors.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Vinaigrette

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and high-quality olive oil make a world of difference in taste.
Adjust Sweetness: You can start with less honey and add it gradually. It’s always easier to add than to take away.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to include herbs like basil or mint for an added depth of flavor.
Try Different Acids: Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute if you want a different flavor profile.
Serve Chilled: Let the vinaigrette chill in the fridge before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition Information

A serving (2 tablespoons) of this homemade strawberry vinaigrette roughly contains:

This is a general estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.

How to Store the Leftovers?

If you find yourself with some leftover vinaigrette, don’t fret! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again, as the ingredients might separate over time.

Recommended Side Dishes for Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

What else goes well with this fruity dressing? Here are a few suggestions that are sure to impress.

• Grilled Chicken Salad: Toss your vinaigrette over grilled chicken with leafy greens and veggies for a protein-packed meal.
  
• Quinoa Salad: Mix cooked quinoa with cucumbers, bell peppers, and chickpeas, drizzled with vinaigrette. It’s light yet filling.
  
• Charcuterie Board: Use the vinaigrette as a dip on the side of a cheese and meat platter. It adds a fresh flavor that complements savory ingredients.
  
• Pasta Salad: Toss cold pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and spinach. Drizzle with the vinaigrette for a refreshing bite.
  

Substitute Options for the Ingredients

Don’t have everything on hand? No worries! Here are some swap options you can consider.

1. Olive Oil: You can use avocado oil or canola oil in lieu of extra virgin olive oil, though each imparts a different flavor.

2. Honey: Maple syrup can be a good alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option.

3. Aged Red Wine Vinegar: If you don’t have this, try balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead.

4. Mustard Powder: If you’re out of mustard powder, feel free to substitute with whole grain mustard or Dijon mustard for a similar tang.

Conclusion

There you have it! Homemade strawberry vinaigrette is easy to make, versatile, and an excellent way to bring summer flavors to your table. This dressing can turn any standard salad into something extraordinary, and the best part is that you control the ingredients. Fresh strawberries, zesty orange, and tangy vinegar come together in a way that’s not just delicious but also healthy.

So grab those fresh strawberries, give this recipe a try, and watch as your family and friends rave about your culinary skills. Your summer salads will never be the same again! Would you ever have guessed that a simple vinaigrette could pack such a punch? Enjoy each and every drop!

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