Fresh Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
A quick and easy vibrant salad dressing combining fresh strawberries and tangy balsamic vinegar, perfect for brightening up salads and grilled veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup dressing (approximately 6 servings) 1x
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup/agave nectar for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse about 1 cup (150 grams) of fresh strawberries under cold water. Hull and quarter them to make blending easier.
- Place the strawberries in your blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth but still slightly textured—aim for a consistency that’s thick but pourable.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey. Blend again for 10 seconds to combine.
- Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of Dijon mustard and 1 small clove of minced garlic (optional). Blend or whisk to combine evenly.
- With the blender running on low, gradually pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of extra virgin olive oil. This slow addition helps the dressing emulsify, becoming silky and smooth.
- Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend or whisk briefly to mix. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Optional: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve for a seedless, creamier texture.
- Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Notes
Use ripe, firm strawberries for best flavor and texture. Add oil slowly to ensure proper emulsification. Chill dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. Shake or whisk before use if separation occurs. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Optional straining removes seeds for a smoother texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 0.2
Keywords: strawberry balsamic dressing, fresh strawberry dressing, salad dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, easy salad dressing, healthy dressing, vegan dressing option