Dressing can make or break a salad, and this strawberry vinaigrette dressing is sure to be a hit. A perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will elevate any salad. This homemade dressing is not only delicious, but also a healthy alternative to store-bought versions, as it contains fresh strawberries, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a blend of seasonings.
All the ingredients for this strawberry vinaigrette dressing are fairly common and should be readily available in your local supermarket. However, when choosing strawberries, look for ripe, juicy ones for the best flavor. The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. As for the olive oil, opt for extra virgin for a richer flavor. The salt and pepper are pantry staples that add depth to the dressing.
Ingredients For The Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing
Strawberries: They give the dressing a sweet and fruity flavor. They also contribute to the dressing's vibrant color.
Apple cider vinegar: It adds a tangy taste that balances out the sweetness of the strawberries.
Olive oil: It gives the dressing a smooth texture and a rich taste.
Salt: It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pepper: It adds a little bit of heat to the dressing.
One reader, Hall Stafford says:
This strawberry vinaigrette dressing recipe is a game-changer! The fresh strawberries give it a delightful sweetness, and the tangy apple cider vinegar adds the perfect zing. It's so easy to make and tastes amazing on salads. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Making Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing
How to make strawberry vinaigrette dressing: Blend strawberries, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth.
How to store strawberry vinaigrette dressing: Refrigerate the dressing until ready to serve, and add it to the salad right before serving for the best flavor.
How To Make Strawberry Vinaigrette
This sweet and tart strawberry vinaigrette is a super simple salad dressing that you can make with just 5 ingredients. Its flavors are perfect with greens.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupstrawberries,with tops cut off
- 2tbspapple cider vinegar
- 2tbspolive oil
- ¼tspsalt
- ¼tsppepper
Instructions
-
Make dressing by blending all the ingredients in a blender or food processor.
-
Refrigerate dressing until ready to serve. Add dressing to salad right before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 36.92kcal
- Fat: 3.43g
- Saturated Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.47g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.39g
- Carbohydrates: 1.55g
- Fiber: 0.40g
- Sugar: 0.94g
- Protein: 0.14g
- Sodium: 60.91mg
- Calcium: 3.77mg
- Potassium: 33.04mg
- Iron: 0.11mg
- Vitamin A: 0.21µg
- Vitamin C: 11.17mg
Key Technique for Perfecting Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing
When making your strawberry vinaigrette dressing, it's best to use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If your strawberries are a bit tart, you may want to add a teaspoon of honey or sugar to balance out the acidity from the apple cider vinegar. Additionally, emulsify the dressing well to ensure the olive oil and vinegar combine smoothly, creating a dressing that's not separated. This can be achieved by blending the ingredients on high speed in your blender or food processor until the dressing is creamy and well combined.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Vinaigrette Dressings
Prep ahead: Chop and wash the strawberries in advance to save time when making the dressing.
Use a blender: Utilize a high-speed blender to quickly and efficiently blend the ingredients for the vinaigrette.
Multi-task: While the dressing is chilling, use that time to prepare the other components of your meal.
Streamline process: Opt for pre-measured ingredients to expedite the dressing preparation.
Organize ingredients: Lay out all the ingredients and tools needed before starting to make the dressing for a smoother process.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries have a similar tartness and sweetness to strawberries, making them a suitable substitute for creating a fruity vinaigrette.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar offers a rich, sweet-tart flavor that complements the strawberries and adds depth to the vinaigrette.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a similar viscosity to olive oil, making it a good alternative for the vinaigrette.
salt - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a touch of sweetness while balancing the acidity in the vinaigrette, similar to the role of salt.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, earthy flavor that won't visually disrupt the color of the vinaigrette, while still providing a subtle heat.
Presenting Your Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the salad in a visually appealing manner, using vibrant and contrasting colors to create an eye-catching presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and aroma by sprinkling fresh basil or mint leaves over the salad.
- Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating delicate and colorful edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums to enhance the visual appeal.
- Utilize unique serving vessels: Present the salad in unconventional vessels such as chilled glass bowls or edible Parmesan cheese bowls to add an element of surprise and sophistication.
- Create height and dimension: Build the salad upwards using a ring mold to create a layered effect, adding depth and visual interest to the dish.
- Add a drizzle of the vinaigrette: Use a squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle the vibrant strawberry vinaigrette dressing over the salad, creating an artistic and appetizing finish.
Essential Tools for Making Vinaigrette Dressings
Blender: A blender is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to puree, mix, and emulsify ingredients. It is perfect for blending the strawberries and other ingredients to create a smooth vinaigrette dressing.
Refrigerator: The refrigerator is essential for storing the vinaigrette dressing until it's ready to be served. It helps to keep the dressing fresh and chilled.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing
This strawberry vinaigrette dressing can be stored in an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The olive oil may solidify when chilled, so be sure to let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes and shake well before using.
If you have extra strawberries that you want to save for future batches of dressing, you can freeze them. Wash, hull, and slice the berries, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen strawberry slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 6 months.
You can also freeze the prepared strawberry vinaigrette dressing. Pour the dressing into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dressing cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, thaw the desired number of cubes in the refrigerator overnight. The thawed dressing may separate slightly, so be sure to shake or blend it well before using. Frozen dressing cubes will keep for up to 3 months.
If you find that the dressing is too thick after freezing and thawing, you can thin it out by whisking in a little water, apple cider vinegar, or olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
Interesting Fact About Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing
Strawberry vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that can also be used as a marinade for meats or drizzled over grilled vegetables.
Is Making Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing at Home Cost-Effective?
This strawberry vinaigrette dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Strawberries are generally affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. The dressing can be used in various ways, making it versatile and a good value for the money. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $5-$7, depending on the price of the strawberries and other ingredients.
Is Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing Healthy?
This strawberry vinaigrette dressing recipe is a healthier alternative to many store-bought dressings. Here's why:
- The main ingredient is fresh strawberries, which are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Apple cider vinegar has been linked to various health benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting weight loss.
- Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.
- The recipe uses minimal added salt and no added sugars, which is a plus for those watching their sodium and sugar intake.
However, there are a few ways to make this dressing even healthier:
- Increase the ratio of strawberries to oil and vinegar to boost the nutrient content and reduce the calorie density of the dressing.
- Use a light or extra-light olive oil to cut down on the calorie content without sacrificing the heart-healthy benefits.
- Add a handful of fresh herbs, such as basil or mint, to the blender for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients.
- Experiment with other vinegars, such as balsamic or red wine vinegar, to vary the flavor profile and potential health benefits.
- Consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness, but be mindful of the added sugar content.
Editor's Opinion on This Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
This strawberry vinaigrette dressing recipe is a delightful addition to any salad. The combination of fresh strawberries, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile that perfectly complements a variety of greens. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make this dressing a versatile and convenient option for elevating your salads. The vibrant color and refreshing taste of this dressing will surely impress your guests and elevate any dish. Enjoy experimenting with different salad combinations to showcase the bright flavors of this delightful vinaigrette.
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Why trust this Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe:
This strawberry vinaigrette recipe guarantees a burst of fresh, fruity flavor in every bite. The strawberries provide a natural sweetness, while the apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. The olive oil creates a smooth and luscious texture, and the salt and pepper balance the flavors perfectly. Trust this recipe for a delightful and wholesome dressing that will elevate any salad to a whole new level.
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