5-Minute Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing – Summer Bliss!

Oh, the magic of fresh strawberries in summer! I wait all year for those juicy, ruby-red berries to hit the farmers’ markets, and this strawberry vinaigrette dressing is my favorite way to celebrate the season. It’s like bottling sunshine—sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor that makes even the simplest greens sing. I first whipped this up during a heatwave when my usual vinaigrette felt too heavy, and now my family demands it weekly. The best part? It takes just 5 minutes in the blender—no cooking, no fuss—just pure, fresh strawberry goodness that’ll make your salads the star of any summer table.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

Trust me, once you try this dressing, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Here’s why:

• 5-minute magic: Just toss everything in the blender – no chopping, no cooking, just whir and done!
• Real strawberry flavor: Made with fresh, juicy berries (none of that artificial stuff)
• Perfect balance: Sweet honey plays with tangy balsamic for that “just right” taste
• Super versatile: Amazing on greens, but also try it on grilled chicken or fresh mozzarella
• No weird ingredients: Just simple, wholesome stuff you can pronounce

My neighbor Karen calls it “summer in a bottle” – and she’s not wrong!

Ingredients for Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

Grab these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most already! The key is using ripe, fragrant strawberries (those slightly soft ones that smell amazing work best). Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled (about 8 medium berries)
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (the good stuff makes a difference!)
• ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin for maximum flavor)
• 1 tablespoon honey, packed (local if you can get it)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (my secret flavor booster)
• ¼ teaspoon each salt & black pepper

Pro tip: If your strawberries aren’t super sweet, add an extra teaspoon of honey. Taste as you go – that’s the beauty of homemade!

How to Make Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

Making this dressing is so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the bottled stuff! Just follow these simple steps – I’ll walk you through each one like we’re cooking together in my kitchen.

Step 1: Blend the Base

First, toss those gorgeous strawberries into your blender (no need to chop them first – the blender will do all the work!). Add the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Now here’s my trick: pulse a few times first to break up the berries, then blend on high for about 30 seconds until completely smooth. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture turns a beautiful rosy pink with no chunks left.

Step 2: Emulsify with Oil

This is where the magic happens! Keep the blender running on low speed and slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the opening in the lid. I mean slow – like counting to 30 as you pour. This gradual addition helps create that perfect, silky emulsion that won’t separate. When done right, the dressing will thicken slightly and take on a lovely sheen.

Step 3: Adjust and Store

Stop the blender and taste your creation – this is the fun part! Need more honey? Add another teaspoon. Want more tang? A splash more vinegar. The dressing is ready to use immediately, but if you’re storing it, pour it into a glass jar with a tight lid. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just give it a good shake before using, as it may separate slightly when chilled.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

After making this dressing more times than I can count (my family’s obsessed!), I’ve learned a few tricks to make it foolproof every time:

• Berry ripe: Use strawberries that smell sweet and have deep red color – underripe ones won’t give you that amazing flavor
• Shake it up: If storing in the fridge, always shake well before serving – the oil and fruit separate naturally
• Taste as you go: Adjust honey after blending – berry sweetness varies, so your perfect balance might need tweaking
• Room temp magic: Let chilled dressing sit out for 10 minutes before serving – the flavors bloom beautifully

Oh, and don’t throw out those strawberry tops! I freeze them for smoothies – waste not, want not!

Variations for Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your mood! some fun some fun twists I’ve tried:

• Sweetener swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor – perfect with spinach salads
• Herb infusion: Toss in a few fresh basil leaves while blending for an herby kick
• Citrus zing: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to brighten things up
• Creamy version: Blend in 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt for a richer texture

Last summer I even tried it with raspberries instead of strawberries – divine! The possibilities are endless.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

Oh, this dressing is way too good to limit to just salads! Here are my favorite ways to use it:

• Summer salad superstar: Toss with mixed greens, goat cheese, toasted almonds, and fresh berries
• Protein perfect: Drizzle over grilled chicken or salmon – the sweetness caramelizes beautifully
• Unexpected dip: Serve with fresh mozzarella balls or as a fruit dip with sliced peaches
• Grain bowl magic: Swirl into quinoa or farro bowls with roasted veggies

My kids even love it as a sandwich spread – try it on turkey and brie! The options are endless once you start playing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

This dressing keeps like a dream in the fridge! Just pour it into a glass jar with a tight lid (I save my old jam jars for this) and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The oil and fruit might separate a bit – no worries! Just give it a good shake before using. And no reheating needed – the flavors actually get better as they mingle in the fridge. Pro tip: If it thickens when cold, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing FAQs

I get asked about this dressing all the time – here are the answers to the most common questions that pop up in my kitchen!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in this delicious dressing (per 2 tablespoon serving):

• 80 calories – light enough to drizzle generously!
• 6g fat (the good kind from olive oil)
• 5g sugar (all natural from the berries and honey)
• 60mg sodium – way less than store-bought versions

Remember, these numbers can vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients – especially how sweet your strawberries are! But compared to bottled dressings packed with preservatives, this homemade version is a total win for both taste and nutrition.

Share Your Strawberry Vinaigrette

I’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo of your salad masterpiece and tag me on Instagram – I always do a little happy dance when I see my recipes in your kitchens. And if you tweaked fun way fun way fun way fun way, drop a comment below to share your genius with fellow strawberry lovers!

Print