My Story Behind This Easy Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Where It All Began: A Fridge, Leftover Berries, and a Craving
It was a humid Saturday in June, and my fridge held just two things screaming summer: a half-basket of ripe strawberries and a barely touched bottle of apple cider vinegar. Inspired by my love for lighter no-bake creations (hello, mango mousse without gelatin), I tossed the berries in a blender, added some oil and vinegar, and gave it a whirl. The result? A strawberry vinaigrette recipe that changed the way I saw salad dressing—sweet, a little tart, and bursting with garden-fresh flavor.
Hi, I’m Clara Parker. I live just outside Austin, Texas, where the sun beats down nearly year-round, and quick, cool meals are the norm in my kitchen. This dressing was born out of one of those real-life mom moments: no time, a few random ingredients, and a hungry family waiting. I didn’t invent the vinaigrette, of course but I did make it mine. And now it’s one of the most popular recipes on my blog, Clara Makes It Sweet.
I love sharing no-bake treats and lighter options like this strawberry vinaigrette recipe because they reflect the chaos and charm of my life. My two kids, my husband, and I use it on spinach salads, drizzled over grilled chicken, and even with fruit bowls. And it’s so simple, you can double or triple the batch to store in the fridge for a few days. It’s been a hit alongside other summer recipes like this strawberry margarita twist or my creamy biscoff banana pudding.
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Why This Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe Stands Out
What makes this dressing so good? First, it’s naturally sweetened with strawberries no added sugar, no syrups, just the fruit doing its magic. The apple cider vinegar adds a gentle tang without overpowering the berries, and the olive oil rounds it all out with a smooth finish.
Unlike bottled versions that often contain stabilizers, this homemade strawberry vinaigrette uses five real ingredients and blends together in under five minutes. You can even tweak it by using balsamic or white wine vinegar, depending on your mood. It works perfectly with fresh greens, grilled vegetables, or grain bowls. I’ve even poured it over quinoa and goat cheese total flavor bomb.
Another reason it’s a favorite? It’s a brilliant way to use those strawberries on their last leg. If you’ve ever made mango chia pudding, you know how satisfying it is to turn almost-forgotten fruit into something craveable. That’s exactly the magic happening here.
Stay tuned next, we’ll dive into how to make your own strawberry vinaigrette from scratch, plus easy swaps and pro tips for the best taste and texture every time.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe (Plus Smart Variations)
Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe in 5 Minutes
This strawberry vinaigrette recipe is one of the quickest ways to upgrade any salad. With just five ingredients and one blender, you’ll have a vibrant, sweet-tangy dressing that tastes like summer. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup strawberries (tops removed)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth. That’s it. No cooking. No fuss. This strawberry vinaigrette recipe is creamy, fresh, and totally irresistible. I always pop it in the fridge for about 20 minutes after blending it helps the flavors deepen and the dressing chill just right.
It’s also super versatile. I use it on leafy greens, roasted veggies, grilled chicken, and even grain bowls. The naturally sweet strawberries balance perfectly with the vinegar’s tang, while olive oil gives it a smooth finish. If you’re into quick homemade staples, this dressing belongs in your fridge right next to the leftovers of your favorite biscoff cheesecake or mango chia pudding.
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Strawberry Vinaigrette
Quick and simple, this Strawberry Vinaigrette is delicious. It’s sweet, tart, and goes wonderfully on top of a bed of greens.
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries with tops cut off
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing by blending all the ingredients in a blender or food processor.
- Refrigerate dressing until ready to serve. Add dressing to the salad right before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
What to Serve with Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe (Pairings & Serving Tips)
Delicious Ways to Use Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
This strawberry vinaigrette recipe is so much more than just salad dressing—it’s a flavor booster for all kinds of meals. Whether you’re tossing it with greens or drizzling it over a full plate, this dressing adds just the right mix of sweetness and tang. It’s one of those go-to recipes I always turn to when dinner needs a little something extra.
Here are my favorite ways to use it:
- Toss it with baby spinach, feta, and sliced almonds for a quick lunch
- Drizzle over grilled chicken or salmon for a bright, fruity finish
- Mix into quinoa bowls with arugula and goat cheese
- Serve alongside fresh berries and soft cheese as a light appetizer
One of my favorite summer combos? A cold pasta salad with strawberries, basil, and a big spoonful of this strawberry vinaigrette recipe. It’s as easy as it is impressive just like my mango mousse recipe, which also brings freshness to the table with minimal effort.
This recipe’s natural sweetness makes it perfect for dishes that need balance. Think roasted beets, grilled peaches, or even a savory galette. Don’t be afraid to get creative it pairs just as well with seasonal fall salads as it does with summer ones. And if you’re prepping a picnic or brunch, serve it in a small mason jar right next to my no-bake banana pudding. Guests love it every time.
Storage, Prep Tips & Batch Ideas
If you’ve got busy weeks like mine, make a larger batch of this strawberry vinaigrette recipe ahead of time. I often triple the recipe and keep it in an airtight glass bottle. It stays fresh for 3–4 days in the fridge, and a quick shake brings it back to life.
Want to serve it cold? Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before pouring. This softens the olive oil texture and boosts flavor. You can also freeze it in silicone molds or ice trays for up to a month perfect for tossing into a salad when you’re in a pinch.
Here’s a simple prep tip: always taste after blending. If your strawberries are extra sweet, you might want to add a splash more vinegar. If they’re tart, balance it with a drop of honey. This recipe is flexible, forgiving, and full of life just like my favorite no-bake key lime pie that plays with tang and creaminess in all the right ways.
This strawberry vinaigrette recipe is made to move with your meals, your week, and your mood. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to bottled dressing again.
What to Serve with Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe (Pairings & Serving Tips)
Delicious Ways to Use Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
This strawberry vinaigrette recipe is so much more than just salad dressing it’s a flavor booster for all kinds of meals. Whether you’re tossing it with greens or drizzling it over a full plate, this dressing adds just the right mix of sweetness and tang. It’s one of those go-to recipes I always turn to when dinner needs a little something extra.
Here are my favorite ways to use it:
- Toss it with baby spinach, feta, and sliced almonds for a quick lunch
- Drizzle over grilled chicken or salmon for a bright, fruity finish
- Mix into quinoa bowls with arugula and goat cheese
- Serve alongside fresh berries and soft cheese as a light appetizer
One of my favorite summer combos? A cold pasta salad with strawberries, basil, and a big spoonful of this strawberry vinaigrette recipe. It’s as easy as it is impressive just like my mango mousse recipe, which also brings freshness to the table with minimal effort.
This recipe’s natural sweetness makes it perfect for dishes that need balance. Think roasted beets, grilled peaches, or even a savory galette. Don’t be afraid to get creative it pairs just as well with seasonal fall salads as it does with summer ones. And if you’re prepping a picnic or brunch, serve it in a small mason jar right next to my no-bake banana pudding. Guests love it every time.
Storage, Prep Tips & Batch Ideas
If you’ve got busy weeks like mine, make a larger batch of this strawberry vinaigrette recipe ahead of time. I often triple the recipe and keep it in an airtight glass bottle. It stays fresh for 3–4 days in the fridge, and a quick shake brings it back to life.
Want to serve it cold? Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before pouring. This softens the olive oil texture and boosts flavor. You can also freeze it in silicone molds or ice trays for up to a month perfect for tossing into a salad when you’re in a pinch.
Here’s a simple prep tip: always taste after blending. If your strawberries are extra sweet, you might want to add a splash more vinegar. If they’re tart, balance it with a drop of honey. This recipe is flexible, forgiving, and full of life just like my favorite no-bake key lime pie that plays with tang and creaminess in all the right ways.
This strawberry vinaigrette recipe is made to move with your meals, your week, and your mood. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to bottled dressing again.
Strawberry Vinaigrette, Year-Round Flavor Boost
The beauty of this strawberry vinaigrette recipe is that it doesn’t belong to just one season. Sure, it shines in spring and summer with fresh strawberries from the farmer’s market, but you can absolutely enjoy it all year long with a few smart tweaks. Whether you’re pairing it with seasonal produce or using frozen berries, this dressing stays versatile and vibrant.
In spring, try it over baby greens with fresh peas, radishes, and goat cheese. It adds the perfect fruity contrast. In summer, it’s a must for berry salads, grilled veggies, or even poured over watermelon and feta. I love adding it to bowls with cold pasta or rice it’s the same concept that makes mango chia pudding so refreshing: fruit plus simplicity.
As fall arrives, I mix the strawberry vinaigrette recipe with roasted butternut squash, toasted pecans, and arugula. And in winter, when fresh strawberries are scarce, frozen ones (thawed first) work beautifully in this dressing. It’s also delicious paired with roasted beets, blue cheese, and walnuts.
Just like my favorite biscoff banana pudding, this vinaigrette is one of those recipes you’ll revisit all year easy, quick, and full of heart.
Simple Variations to Try Anytime
Want to put a twist on your strawberry vinaigrette recipe? Here are a few ideas I’ve tested in my kitchen and they all passed the “kids still eat it” test:
- Strawberry-basil vinaigrette: Add 3–4 fresh basil leaves before blending. Great with tomato salads.
- Creamy strawberry vinaigrette: Blend in 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or a splash of buttermilk.
- Spicy strawberry vinaigrette: Add a pinch of chili flakes or ⅛ tsp Dijon mustard for a little bite.
- Balsamic strawberry vinaigrette: Swap apple cider vinegar for aged balsamic perfect over grilled chicken or goat cheese salad.
These simple twists transform the same base into something new each time. It’s exactly how I treat my strawberry margarita recipe start simple, then build on it.
This flexibility is what keeps this strawberry vinaigrette recipe a staple in my fridge. With just a blender and a few fresh ingredients, you can turn an ordinary dish into something exciting, colorful, and full of flavor.
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FAQ
How to make a Gordon Ramsay vinaigrette?
Gordon Ramsay typically makes vinaigrettes with a 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar, plus Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. While his classic version isn’t fruit-based, you can apply his balance to a strawberry vinaigrette recipe by blending olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a touch of mustard, and fresh strawberries.
What is the formula for a vinaigrette?
The basic formula is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. This can vary depending on the acidity of your vinegar or the sweetness of added ingredients. For a strawberry vinaigrette recipe, I use an equal ratio (2:2 tablespoons) of oil and vinegar since the strawberries add natural sweetness and body.
What kind of vinaigrette does Chick-fil-A use?
Chick-fil-A’s Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette is tangy and slightly sweet, made with apple cider vinegar, oil, spices, and a hint of sugar. You can mimic a similar effect in your strawberry vinaigrette recipe by using apple cider vinegar and letting the natural sugars in strawberries shine through.
What to make with strawberry vinegar?
Strawberry vinegar is excellent in dressings like this strawberry vinaigrette recipe, but you can also drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it in marinades, or add a splash to sparkling water for a fruity kick. It’s a great way to enhance both savory and sweet dishes.
How do you make a simple vinaigrette?
A simple vinaigrette just needs oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper—maybe a touch of mustard for body. To turn it into a strawberry vinaigrette recipe, just add strawberries and blend until smooth. That’s it. No cooking, no mess.
What is the best vinegar for vinaigrette?
Apple cider vinegar is my top pick for a strawberry vinaigrette recipe because it’s tangy without overpowering the berries. White balsamic is also fantastic if you want a slightly smoother, sweeter flavor.
