Homemade Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Easy Strawberry Balsamic Salad Dressing — a bright, fresh vinaigrette made with ripe strawberries, white balsamic vinegar, pure maple syrup, and extra virgin olive oil. Ready in about 5 minutes, this dressing brings summer flavor to salads, grain bowls, and more.

I updated this post with new photos and a clearer layout. The name is a bit more descriptive now, but the recipe itself is unchanged — it’s still my favorite dressing.

I love strawberry season: the berries are sweet, herbs are fresh, and simple recipes shine. This dressing captures that summer brightness in a creamy, fruity vinaigrette that pairs beautifully with greens and seasonal produce.

The idea for this dressing came from a strawberry salad I used to order for lunch. I recreated the flavors at home and developed a simple strawberry vinaigrette that I return to year after year.

Next time you pick up strawberries for a crumble or fruit salad, set a few aside to blend into this dressing. Once you try it, you’ll want to share the recipe with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry vinaigrette balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes for a bright dressing that feels indulgent but simple. Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and a pink hue while white balsamic lends a gentle tang without overpowering the fruit.

• Easy to make — wash and remove strawberry stems, add everything to a blender, and puree until smooth. No complex steps required.
• Minimal ingredients — ripe strawberries, white balsamic vinegar, pure maple syrup, and extra virgin olive oil. A pinch of salt and pepper is optional to taste.
• Naturally creamy — the blended strawberries give the dressing body and a pleasant texture without mayonnaise.
• Family friendly — gently sweet and approachable for kids and adults alike. It pairs well with mixed greens, berries, nuts, and mild cheeses.

Dietitian Tip

White balsamic vinegar is slightly sweeter and milder than traditional dark balsamic, which some children and sensitive palates prefer. If a lighter flavor works better for your family, this is a nice option.

A pinch of salt can help balance sweetness and enhance the overall flavor. Taste and adjust after blending.

Ingredient Notes

• Strawberries — Use fresh, ripe berries for the best color and natural sweetness. Ripe strawberries give the dressing body without extra sugar.
• White Balsamic Vinegar — A mild, slightly sweet alternative to traditional balsamic. It adds bright acidity while keeping the dressing light in color.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil — Provides a rich mouthfeel and healthy monounsaturated fats. Avocado or walnut oil can be used for a different flavor profile.
• Maple Syrup — Pure maple syrup adds a warm sweetness and pairs well with the berries. Honey or a simple syrup can be substituted if needed.

How To Make Strawberry Balsamic Salad Dressing

1. Add all ingredients to a small blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds to one minute, depending on the strength of your blender.
3. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt, pepper, or an extra teaspoon of maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Helpful Tips

• Find white balsamic in the vinegar or gourmet vinegar section of most grocery stores.
• Store the dressing refrigerated in an airtight container. It keeps well for about 7–10 days; stir or shake before serving.
• A mason jar or small glass bottle works great. Give the jar a good shake to recombine before each use.
• Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil and a fresh white balsamic for the best flavor.
• If using frozen strawberries, thaw completely and drain any excess liquid first. You may need to add a little extra maple syrup if the strawberries taste less sweet.

Questions You May Have

More Homemade Dressings

• Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing
• Basil Balsamic Dressing
• Caesar Salad Dressing
• Mango Dressing

More Side Dishes

Strawberry Balsamic Salad Dressing

Equipment

• Personal blender or food processor (a NutriBullet or similar works well)

Ingredients

• 1 cup strawberries — washed and stems removed
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Salt and black pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend for 30 seconds to one minute, or until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
3. Season with additional salt, pepper, or maple syrup as needed. If too thick, thin with a teaspoon of cold water at a time and blend again.
4. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate. Shake or stir before serving.

Notes

Nutrition