5 Minute Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette (vegan and gluten-free)

Make this refreshing strawberry balsamic vinaigrette in 5 minutes with only 6 ingredients. It’s blended to perfection with ripe strawberries and is a delicious vegan, and gluten-free salad dressing that will transform your salads. Most definitely a perfect summer salad dressing.

Homemade dressings are the way to go, in my opinion. They truly make for wonderful and fresh salads. Then, add in fresh strawberries and you’ve got yourself a tangy, sweet, and flavorful dressing to make all spring and summer seasons.

It’s officially strawberry season so let’s lean into all of the mouth-watering recipes we can make with nature’s most sweet produce this season.

Spotlight on This 5 Minute Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Wholesome ingredients: You will only find the best real ingredients in this salad dressing which is another perk to making your own salad dressing. Why not toss your salad in good quality ingredients that love you back, am I right?

Made in the blender: All you will need to do is throw the 6 ingredients into a blender, it’s that easy to make. I love a simple recipe that you can whip up in a few minutes with my Vitamix. Now that’s what I call the perfect dressing.

Healthy alternative to bottled dressing: Ditch the store-bought bottles of dressing that contain terrible ingredients such as cane sugar, vegetable oils like canola oil, and other artificial ingredients or natural flavors. Make this creamy and healthy salad dressing all spring and summer long.

Vegan and gluten-free: This balsamic vinaigrette dressing is made from dairy-free and gluten-free ingredients because keeping salads healthy like they are supposed to be should always be a priority. Now that’s a dressing I want to serve to the whole family.

Fresh and delicious: If you are looking to uplift your homemade salad, look no further than this fresh strawberry dressing made with only simple ingredients. Find a few of the most ripe and juicy strawberries for this vinaigrette and you are ready to make it.

Perfect for summer salads: To make a good salad, you’ve got to add fresh homemade dressing. I am telling you, this is the secret to the most divine salads. This spring and summer, bring this to your next backyard BBQ and watch your guests lick their salad bowls.

How to Serve This Strawberry Vinaigrette

My favorite way to serve this 5 Minute Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette is drizzled over a strawberry salad recipe that includes spinach, pecans, red onions, and either nutritional yeast, goat cheese, or feta cheese. 

The Ingredients

Olive oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. I recommend using this oil instead of other varieties such as avocado oil. The flavor pairs well with the strawberries and balsamic vinegar. 

Balsamic vinegar: What a wonderful and perfect combination of strawberries and balsamic vinegar in this dressing. They truly make a good team. You can certainly use white balsamic vinegar as well.

Fresh strawberries: You’re in luck because strawberries are in season this spring through summer. So, grab the ripest and most juiciest strawberries you can find to take this dressing to the next level. Strawberries are the best part of this homemade salad dressing. 

Dijon mustard: I love the little kick of spice that Dijon mustard brings to this dressing. It ties the sweet ingredients together and tones them down just a bit. Not to mention, mustard has no added sugar and is calorie-free.

Maple syrup: Technically, you can skip this step if you are looking for a no-added-sugar option. However, I recommend adding maple syrup because it brings out the sweet flavors. You could also use honey as an alternative.

Garlic powder: This spice adds a nice balance to the sweet ingredients and makes it feel more like salad dressing. I do not recommend fresh garlic for this recipe because it has a stronger flavor.

Salt and black pepper to taste.

The Instructions

Step one: Starting with the strawberries, add everything to the base of a high-speed blender.

Step two: Place the lid over the base and blend on high speed for about 1 minute or until the dressing looks smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides at least once and blend it again. Give it a quick taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.

Use immediately or store it on the counter in an airtight container for up to an hour or so before serving.

How to Store Leftover 5 Minute Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Place the leftover dressing in a mason jar with a lid or an airtight container and in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you are ready to enjoy, ideally remove the jar from the fridge an hour before serving to allow the oil to melt. Give it a good stir and you are all set.

Tips + Modifications

You can make this dressing in a food processor however a blender will get it most creamy. Just keep in mind it may be more thick in the food processor. Since we are really trying to break down the strawberries, I recommend a high-speed blender.

Feel free to swap out the maple syrup for honey.

I do not recommend swapping the balsamic vinegar for other varieties such as apple cider vinegar. champagne vinegar, or red wine vinegar. There’s just something so perfect and specific about the combination of rich balsamic vinegar and fresh strawberries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of berries? Sure! Raspberries or blueberries could work in replace of strawberries and would make a great recipe also. 

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? You can but I always recommend fresh fruit. It shouldn’t change the taste so if it is most convenient for you, I say go for it! 

Can I remove the sweetener for a no-sugar-added dressing? Absolutely. It will still taste great since the sweetness of the strawberries and balsamic vinegar are enough.

How soon can I make it before I eat it? Make it whenever is convenient for you. Make it in the afternoon and leave it on the counter for dinner in a few hours. Make it and enjoy it right away. Or make it in the morning and place it in the fridge until about an hour before you want to serve it. 

​Other Delicious Vegan Dressings to Try

The Ultimate Easy Carrot Ginger Dressing (blender)

Easy Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette (6-ingredient)

Chipotle and Roasted Bell Pepper Vinaigrette

Simple Sun-Dried Tomato and Shallot Vinaigrette

Enjoy!

XOXO

Michelle