If you are searching for a delightful dressing that adds a burst of fresh, fruity flavor to your salads, look no further than this Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe. This vibrant dressing balances the tartness of fresh raspberries with the smoothness of olive oil and a hint of honey, creating a refreshing harmony that will brighten your greens and make your taste buds sing. Its simplicity and elegance make it a must-have recipe for anyone who loves combining sweet and tangy notes in one stunning vinaigrette.

Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the perfect ingredients is the secret to making a fantastic Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and color, all while keeping the recipe wonderfully simple to prepare.

1/2 cup fresh raspberries: Provides the vibrant color and a natural tart-sweet burst that defines the vinaigrette.
1/4 cup olive oil: Adds a silky texture and richness that smooths out the acidity.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness that complements the raspberries perfectly.
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Balances the tartness with just the right touch of sweetness, and maple syrup makes it vegan-friendly.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing for a creamy consistency.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors and adds a pinch of seasoning to make everything pop.

How to Make Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Raspberries

If you’re using fresh raspberries, give them a gentle rinse and pat them dry carefully to avoid crushing their delicate texture. Place the raspberries into your blender or food processor. If you have raspberry puree on hand, you can skip this step and get right to blending.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Next, pour in the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard directly over the raspberries. These ingredients combine to form the base of your vinaigrette, each contributing its unique flavor and texture to create a harmonious blend.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Turn on your blender to medium speed and blend the mixture until every ingredient is fully combined and the vinaigrette achieves a smooth, velvety consistency. This step is essential because it emulsifies the dressing, allowing the oil and vinegar to mingle perfectly.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Give your vinaigrette a taste test. Add salt and pepper gradually according to your preference, then blend again for a few seconds to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Don’t rush this part—adjusting the seasoning makes all the difference in highlighting the raspberry flavor.

Step 5: Store or Serve

Once your Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe is ready, transfer it into a clean bowl or jar. If you’re not using it immediately, refrigerate the dressing where it can keep fresh for up to one week. Always shake or whisk it well before serving, as the ingredients may naturally separate.

How to Serve Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe, consider garnishing your dish with fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like almonds or pecans. This adds both visual appeal and textural contrast, making every bite interesting and memorable.

Side Dishes

This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Toss it with mixed greens, baby spinach, or arugula for a light salad, or drizzle over roasted vegetables to introduce a fresh zing that complements their earthy flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the salad bowl by using this Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe as a dip for grilled chicken skewers or as a vibrant sauce alongside a cheese board. You can even swirl it into grain bowls featuring quinoa or farro to add a delectable fruity finish that surprises and delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your raspberry vinaigrette can be kept in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Storing it properly ensures the fresh flavors stay intact and ready to brighten your meals anytime within that timeframe.

Freezing

Freezing vinaigrette is not generally recommended, as the olive oil can congeal and the texture might separate upon thawing. For the freshest taste, it’s best to enjoy this Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe within a week of making it.

Reheating

This vinaigrette is best served cold or at room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, simply bring it out a little while before serving and give it a good shake or whisk. Gently warming isn’t necessary and can alter the flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the berries and drain any excess liquid before blending to maintain the perfect consistency and flavor balance in your Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe.

Is it possible to make this dressing vegan?

Yes, simply swap out the honey for maple syrup and you have a completely vegan Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe that’s just as delicious and flavorful.

How long does this vinaigrette keep in the refrigerator?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this vinaigrette will stay fresh and tasty for up to seven days, making it a great option for preparing ahead of time.

What salads work best with Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe?

It pairs wonderfully with fresh greens like mixed baby greens, arugula, and spinach—as well as salads that include nuts and cheeses such as goat cheese or feta.

Can I adjust the sweetness or tartness in this vinaigrette?

Definitely! Taste as you go and tweak the amount of honey or vinegar to suit your palate, making the Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe perfectly customized for your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe is one of those simple yet incredibly rewarding dressings that can brighten up your everyday meals with bursts of flavor and color. Whether you’re tossing it with fresh greens, drizzling it over roasted veggies, or experimenting with creative presentations, give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever dressed your salads without it!

Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 20 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About 3/4 cup (approximately 6 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and tangy Raspberry Vinaigrette perfect for salads, marinating, or drizzling over fresh vegetables. This easy-to-make dressing combines fresh raspberries with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey, balanced with Dijon mustard for a smooth, flavorful finish. A versatile dressing that can be made vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup.

Ingredients

Scale

Raspberry Vinaigrette Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or 1/4 cup raspberry puree)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare Raspberries: If using fresh raspberries, wash them gently and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Place the raspberries into a blender or food processor. If using pre-made raspberry puree, proceed to the next step.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard to the blender along with the raspberries.
Blend: Blend the ingredients on medium speed until fully combined and the vinaigrette is smooth, ensuring the raspberries break down completely.
Season: Taste the vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Blend for an additional few seconds to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
Store: Transfer the vinaigrette to a clean bowl or jar. If not using immediately, refrigerate for up to one week to preserve freshness.
Use: Before serving, shake or whisk the vinaigrette well to re-emulsify the ingredients for best flavor and texture.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute honey with pure maple syrup.
Use fresh raspberries for the best natural flavor; however, raspberry puree works well and saves prep time.
Shake or whisk before each use as the dressing may separate when stored.
Adjust vinegar amount to taste for more or less tartness.
This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with leafy greens, goat cheese, nuts, and grilled chicken or fish.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad Dressing
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American