Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Fresh strawberry vinaigrette adds bright flavor and a smooth homemade touch to so many salads. This easy strawberry vinaigrette recipe blends fresh strawberries, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil into a light dressing that tastes fresh and vibrant. It pairs beautifully with spinach salad, grilled chicken, mixed greens, and summer fruit salads. The natural sweetness from the strawberries and maple syrup balances the tangy vinegar for a dressing that feels fresh and light. You only need a few simple ingredients and a couple of minutes to make this homemade strawberry vinaigrette from scratch.

I love making strawberry vinaigrette during strawberry season because it instantly makes simple salads feel more fresh and colorful. It is one of those homemade dressings that tastes so much better than anything from the store, and the ingredients are easy to keep on hand. I like keeping a jar in the fridge for quick lunches because it works so well with leafy greens, nuts, feta cheese, and grilled chicken. The fresh strawberries give the dressing a naturally fruity flavor that makes every salad taste a little more special without extra work.

Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe

This recipe will make about 1 1/2 cups of dressing.

Why you will love this recipe

You will love making this strawberry vinaigrette when fresh strawberries are in season because the flavor tastes so fresh and vibrant. It comes together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen, which makes homemade salad dressing to easy to make. The fresh berries blend into a smooth dressing with beautiful color and a light texture that tastes fresh every single time.

Ingredients For This Recipe

• 1 cup of fresh strawberries
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp water
• pinch of salt and pepper

How To Make This Recipe

Step 1: Wash the strawberries well and remove the stems.

Step 2: Add the strawberries, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until the vinaigrette is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Use right away or store in the fridge for later.

Tips For Making

Taste the vinaigrette after blending so you can adjust the flavor to match your preference. A little extra maple syrup adds more sweetness, while a splash more apple cider vinegar brings extra brightness. Letting it sit for a short time in the fridge can help the flavors come together even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Frozen strawberries work when fresh ones are not on hand. Let them thaw fully so they blend smoothly and do not water down the vinaigrette. The flavor will still be fruity, but fresh strawberries give a brighter summer taste. If you are using frozen, then you will not need to add any extra water.

How long does strawberry vinaigrette last in the fridge?

This vinaigrette keeps well in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to five days. Give it a good shake or stir before using since natural separation can happen. The texture comes back together easily once mixed.

Can I make this without a blender?

A blender gives the smoothest texture, but a food processor or immersion blender also works well. If you do not have either, mashing the strawberries very well and whisking everything together can still work. The dressing will be a bit chunkier but still full of flavor.

What if my vinaigrette tastes too tangy or too sweet?

If it tastes too tangy, adding a little more maple syrup will round it out. If it feels too sweet, a small splash more apple cider vinegar brings back balance. Small adjustments make it easy to match your personal taste.

Ways To Use Strawberry Vinaigrette

• Use on any type of salad for a fresh strawberry taste
• Grain bowls with quinoa or rice and roasted vegetables for extra flavor
• Fresh fruit salads to add a light tangy sweetness over berries and melon
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and asparagus for a bright finishing drizzle
• Roasted chicken sliced thin and topped with a spoonful for extra flavor
• Sandwich wraps as a spread to bring a fruity tang to each bite

Recipe Variations

• Fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Honey instead of maple syrup for a slightly deeper natural sweetness.
• Lemon juice in place of some apple cider vinegar for a brighter citrus note.
• Avocado oil instead of olive oil for a lighter, more neutral finish in the dressing.

More recipes to try

• The basic oil and vinegar dressing
• Vinaigrette with chili powder and limes
• Raspberry balsamic salad dressing
• How to make fresh pesto