Quick Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe for Fresh Salads

Tired of store-bought dressings? This super-simple strawberry vinaigrette recipe is bright, fresh, and easy to make. Use strawberry jam from your pantry for year-round convenience, or swap in fresh berries when they’re in season for a vibrant, fruity dressing.

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I stopped buying bottled dressings years ago because making vinaigrette at home is so fast and uses simple, real-food ingredients. I often make a basic olive oil-and-vinegar vinaigrette, but I like to switch things up. This strawberry vinaigrette adds a lovely sweet-tart balance that brightens salads and bowls.

What I really like about this dressing is its flexibility. It works perfectly with almost any strawberry jam or preserves you have—store-bought or homemade—so you can enjoy it year-round. In spring and summer, use fresh strawberries blended into the dressing for a fresher, fruit-forward flavor.

Ingredients

This recipe uses just six ingredients (salt and pepper included):

• Strawberry jam or preserves – choose a low-sugar or all-fruit jam for the best flavor. Alternatively, use fresh strawberries (see notes below).
• Balsamic vinegar – a standard balsamic vinegar works well and pairs nicely with strawberries.
• Olive oil – extra virgin olive oil gives the best flavor in a vinaigrette.
• Dijon mustard – helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle tang.
• Salt & pepper – adjust to taste.
• Water – a small amount helps marry the flavors and smooth the dressing.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you want to vary the dressing, try these simple swaps:

• Fresh berry version: Replace the jam with 1/4 to 1/3 cup sliced fresh strawberries and blend everything in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add a teaspoon of honey if your berries are tart.
• Other vinegars: Substitute red wine vinegar for a bolder taste, rice wine vinegar for a softer flavor, or white wine vinegar for a lighter, fruitier note.
• Mustard: If you don’t have Dijon, stone-ground or spicy brown mustard will work.
• Lemon option: Swap vinegar for the same amount of fresh lemon or lime juice for a citrusy variation.

How to make Strawberry Vinaigrette

This dressing really is quick and straightforward:

1. Combine the Dijon mustard, strawberry jam (or fresh strawberries if using), salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and water in a small bowl or jar. Whisk until the jam is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and combined.

Note: For the fresh-berry version, place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Adjust sweetness with a little honey if needed.

Tips for Storing Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

• Store the vinaigrette in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid for best freshness and flavor.
• Keep refrigerated for 3–4 weeks. The olive oil may solidify in the fridge; bring the dressing to room temperature and shake or whisk before serving.
• If your vinaigrette contains only oil, vinegar, mustard, and seasoning, it may be kept at room temperature for short periods (1–2 weeks), but refrigeration is safest when fruit or jam is used.

Recommended tools

• Small sturdy whisk for mixing.
• Small bowl or half-pint jar for whisking and storing.
• Food processor or blender if using fresh berries.

Keep a jar of this dressing on hand to brighten salads, grain bowls, and marinades. It’s simple to prepare and stores well, making it a fantastic pantry staple.

Ways to Use Strawberry Vinaigrette

• Toss with mixed greens, sweet onions, sliced strawberries, and sunflower seeds.
• Dress a spinach salad with sweet onions, feta, pistachios, and sliced strawberries.
• Stir into a fruit salad of berries, apples, and grapes for extra brightness.
• Drizzle over a grain bowl with grilled chicken, berries, and a sprinkle of cheese.
• Use as a quick marinade for chicken or pork—marinate 2–3 hours before cooking.

For more homemade dressings, make a few simple vinaigrettes and you’ll rarely need to buy bottled dressing again.

If you try this strawberry vinaigrette, leave a note about how you used it—I’d love to hear which variations you prefer.

Disclosure: the original article referenced affiliate links. This version focuses on the recipe and directions only.