Strawberry Salad Dressing is a fresh, fruity, and slightly tangy vinaigrette that brings bright flavor and a beautiful pink hue to any salad. Made with ripe strawberries, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness, this dressing pairs especially well with greens, nuts, cheeses, and grilled chicken or fruit-based salads. It’s quick to make and perfect for spring and summer meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, sweet, and tangy flavor
- Perfect way to use ripe strawberries
- Takes just minutes to make
- Healthier alternative to store-bought dressings
- Great on a variety of salads, especially those with fruit or cheese
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh strawberries, hulled
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Dijon mustard (optional for a tangy balance)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Water (to adjust consistency if needed)
Directions
- Add strawberries, vinegar, honey (or syrup), mustard (if using), salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness as needed.
- If the dressing is too thick, blend in a small amount of water.
- Transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.
Servings and timing
- Servings: Makes about 1 cup (8 servings)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Use balsamic vinegar for a richer, deeper flavor
- Add a handful of fresh basil or mint for a herbaceous twist
- Replace honey with agave for a vegan version
- Mix in a bit of Greek yogurt for a creamy consistency
- Add a splash of orange or lemon juice for citrus brightness
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days
- Shake before use: Ingredients may separate slightly
- Freezing: Not recommended—fresh fruit dressings don’t freeze well
- Reheating: Not needed—serve chilled or at room temperature
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
What type of vinegar is best?
Apple cider or balsamic vinegar work well—use what suits your taste.
Is this dressing sweet?
It has a natural sweetness from the strawberries and honey but is balanced with vinegar.
How do I make it vegan?
Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Can I make it creamy?
Yes, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a bit of avocado for a creamy texture.
How long does it last?
Up to 5 days in the fridge in a sealed container.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What salads pair well with this?
Spinach, arugula, mixed greens with goat cheese, nuts, and berries are all excellent choices.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it makes a delicious marinade for chicken or pork.
Can I reduce the acidity?
Use a milder vinegar or add more honey to balance the tang.
Conclusion
Strawberry Salad Dressing is a delicious and colorful way to enhance your salads with fresh, fruity flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a homemade dressing that outshines anything from the store. It’s a perfect match for spring and summer salads, and once you try it, you’ll want to keep it stocked in your fridge all season long.
Print
Strawberry Salad Dressing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Strawberry Salad Dressing is a sweet, tangy, and vibrant vinaigrette made with fresh strawberries, perfect for drizzling over leafy greens or fruit salads.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place strawberries, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness as desired.
- Transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before serving.
Notes
- Use balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor variation.
- Dressing will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Great on spinach salads, goat cheese, or fruit-forward dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg