Strawberry Vinaigrette

Recipe Highlights

Cultural Influence: Contemporary twist on a classic French vinaigrette

Primary Cooking Technique: Blended for smooth consistency

Suitable for: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Dominant Flavor Profile: Sweet, Tangy, and Fresh

Skill Level Required: Beginner-Friendly

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Vinaigrette

Burst of Freshness: The sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries combined with balsamic vinegar create a refreshing vinaigrette that brightens any salad.

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from strawberries, this vinaigrette is a delicious way to add a nutritional boost to your meals.

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up this vinaigrette in minutes, making it perfect for busy days.

Key Ingredients

• Strawberries: These juicy berries add natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the vinaigrette. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and blend until smooth for a perfect consistency.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy depth that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. For a more intense flavor, use balsamic glaze. Best quality balsamic vinegar comes from the town of Modena so if you can get your hands on some high quality balsamic vinegar, do it!

• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the strawberries and vinegar, making the vinaigrette more savory. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste as needed.

• Dried Basil: Adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. Crush the dried basil between your fingers before adding to release its oils and enhance its flavor.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, silky texture and helps emulsify the vinaigrette. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and health benefits.

How to Make Strawberry Vinaigrette

Step 1

Add your fresh strawberries, dried basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt to a jar or directly into a blender.

Step 2

Using an immersion blender, or regular blender, blend all the ingredients together until well-combined.

Step 3

Pour the vinaigrette mixture into a serving container or jar. Serve or refrigerate.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry vinaigrette is perfect for spring and summer, capturing the season’s essence with its fresh, vibrant flavors. The sweet and tangy combination of strawberries and balsamic vinegar adds a refreshing twist to any salad.

Light and versatile, it complements the abundance of fresh produce available during these warmer months, making it an ideal dressing for your seasonal dishes.

Some great salads for the warmer months that can accompany strawberry vinaigrette:

• Grilled Peach Salad Recipe with Feta and Zaatar
• Beet Salad Recipe With Feta And Zaatar
• Strawberry Salad With Goat Cheese
• Burrata with Tomatoes and Peach

Recipe Tips

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, add a small amount of honey or maple syrup. Taste and adjust as needed.

• Balance the Acidity: If the vinaigrette is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or a splash more olive oil to balance the acidity.

• Experiment with Herbs: While dried basil adds a nice touch, feel free to experiment with other herbs like fresh mint, thyme, oregano or rosemary for different flavor profiles.

• Enhance with Mustard: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mix for an extra layer of flavor and a bit of creaminess.

• Mixing Method: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender or food processor.

Vinegar Substitutes

• Apple Cider Vinegar: For a milder acidity, replace balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar.
• Balsamic Glaze: Use my balsamic glaze recipe for a denser flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Use red wine vinegar for a sharper, tangier vinaigrette.
• White Wine Vinegar: This will give a lighter flavor, allowing the strawberries to stand out more.

Herb Alternatives

• Fresh Basil: Use fresh basil instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Mint: Dried mint adds a refreshing twist to the vinaigrette, perfect for summer salads.
• Thyme or Rosemary: These herbs can add a more earthy, savory note to the dressing.

Additional Flavor Enhancers

• Garlic: Add a clove of minced garlic for a bit of bite and depth.
• Shallots: Finely chopped shallots can add a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
• Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard can provide a slight tang and help emulsify the vinaigrette.

Sweetness Adjustments

• Honey or Maple Syrup: If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. This can also help balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• Agave Nectar: A good alternative for those who prefer a vegan sweetener.

Storage

Refrigeration:

• In a Jar: Store your strawberry vinaigrette in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. This will help preserve its freshness and flavor.
• Shelf Life: Properly stored, the vinaigrette will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Freezing:

• Not Recommended: Freezing is not recommended for this vinaigrette due to the fresh strawberries and olive oil, which can change texture and flavor when frozen and thawed.

Preparation Tips:

• Small Batches: If you prefer the freshest taste, consider making smaller batches more frequently. This ensures you always have a vibrant and flavorful dressing on hand.

Serving:

• Room Temperature: For the best flavor, let the vinaigrette sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the olive oil to liquefy and the flavors to meld perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions