Name: Strawberry Salad Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ⅛ teaspoon salt; ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup strawberries; ½ teaspoon poppy seeds

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 10 minutes.
Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Versatile: use it as a salad dressing, dip, or marinade.
No preservatives or artificial additives.
Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup strawberries
½ teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions

In a blender, combine red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, and salt. Pulse until well mixed.
With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil until the mixture thickens.
Add the strawberries to the blender and blend until smooth.
If a smoother texture is desired, strain the dressing through a fine mesh sieve.
Stir in the poppy seeds.
Chill the dressing before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Vinegar: Substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Sweetener: Replace granulated sugar with honey or a sugar-free alternative like Swerve for a lower-carb option.
Fruits: Use fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or cherries instead of strawberries.
Creaminess: Add diced avocado to the blender with the strawberries for a creamier texture.
Toppings: Enhance your salad with sunflower seeds, walnuts, or pepitas for added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze the dressing in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw as needed.
Usage: Thawed dressing can be mixed into cream cheese for a tangy dip or used as a marinade.

FAQs

What type of oil is best for this dressing?

A light-flavored oil like vegetable oil is recommended to let the strawberry flavor shine. Avoid strong-flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Thaw them before blending for best results.

How can I make the dressing smoother?

After blending, strain the dressing through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp or seeds.

Is this dressing suitable for vegans?

Yes, as long as you use a plant-based sweetener like sugar or agave syrup, this dressing is vegan-friendly.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dressing and store it in the refrigerator. Shake well before each use.

What salads pair well with this dressing?

This dressing complements spinach salads, arugula salads, or any mixed green salads, especially those with fruits and nuts.

Can I use this dressing as a marinade?

Yes, it works well as a marinade for fish or poultry, adding a sweet and tangy flavor.

How can I reduce the sugar content?

Use a sugar substitute like Swerve or stevia to lower the sugar content without compromising taste.

Does the dressing need to be refrigerated?

Yes, store the dressing in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

How long does the dressing last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, the dressing can last up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion

This strawberry salad dressing is a delightful addition to any salad, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a staple for those looking to elevate their salads with a homemade touch. Whether drizzled over greens or used as a marinade, this dressing is sure to impress.