Upon first taste, strawberry vinaigrette may seem complicated, but it only takes a few steps to get to this well-balanced dressing. The luscious fruitiness of strawberries combines with zesty lemon juice and tart apple cider vinegar to create a complex symphony of flavors. The tiny crunch of poppy seeds adds the perfect textured backdrop.
Whether jazzing up green salads or drizzling over a log of goat cheese, strawberry vinaigrette will be welcome at any table. Using frozen strawberries means you can taste summer sunshine all year round.
Ingredients for Strawberry Vinaigrette
- Strawberries: Our recipe calls for frozen strawberries, but fresh ones work just as well. Use any leftovers in frozen strawberry recipes like shakes, cakes or daiquiris!
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice lends some zing to the mix, adding a much-needed tart citrus note and balancing the berry’s sweetness. For best results, learn how to juice lemons easily and squeeze them fresh!
- Sugar: A touch of sugar amplifies strawberry flavor and ensures this dressing is more fruit-forward.
- Cider vinegar: Vinegar provides the signature acidity of a great salad dressing. The best type of vinegar for this vinaigrette is cider vinegar, but you can use red, white, or champagne vinegar instead.
- Olive oil: Smooth, velvety, earthy olive oil adds texture and body to a vinaigrette. Here are a few of the top olive oil brands we recommend.
- Poppy seeds: They may get stuck in your teeth, but poppy seeds make the texture of our dressing more complex and add a subtle, nutty flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Make the strawberry puree
Place the strawberries in a blender. Cover and puree the fruit until smooth.
Editor’s Tip: After blending, strain the strawberries through a fine mesh sieve to make your vinaigrette seed-free.
Step 2: Finish the dressing
Add the lemon juice and sugar to the blender. Cover and process until combined. While processing, gradually add the vinegar and oil in a steady stream and blend until everything is emulsified and thickened. Stir in the poppy seeds. Transfer to a large bowl or jar. Cover and store in the refrigerator.
Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe Variations
- Add different herbs and seasonings: To make this dressing shine, use various types of herbs and spices. Some easy additions include cracked black pepper, fresh basil or Italian blend seasoning.
- Try other fruits: What is your favorite fruit? Many different berries will work well in this recipe. Blueberries are great for a vinaigrette, and my family in Montana uses local huckleberries in almost everything. Find the flavor that suits you best.
- Switch up your oils: While olive oil is always my go-to, avocado, flax and grapeseed oil are all good choices for this vinaigrette.
How to Store Strawberry Vinaigrette
Store strawberry vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe Tips
Can I use fresh strawberries for vinaigrette?
Absolutely! This dressing is a wonderful way to use overripe strawberries. Just-ripe strawberries also work.
How do you use strawberry vinaigrette?
Use strawberry vinaigrette on dark greens, like this asparagus spinach salad with chicken, or spread on a bistro-inspired turkey sandwich or marinated grilled chicken breast. It would also taste great drizzled on goat cheese served with crackers or crispy grilled bread.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making vinaigrette?
Avoid common vinaigrette mistakes like not shaking, stirring, or whisking well enough. Ensuring the ingredients are combined takes a little extra time, and blending everything until it’s smooth means your emulsion will stay together longer, meaning more consistent flavor from bite to bite. Testing the balance of flavors before dressing the salad is always a great idea, as it allows you to fine-tune any ingredient levels.
