How to Make a Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

Make Your Own Strawberry Vinaigrette!

Want to make your salads taste amazing? Try a homemade strawberry vinaigrette! It's super easy, and it'll make even the simplest salad taste fancy. Forget those store-bought dressings filled with weird stuff – this is healthy and delicious.

Why Make It Yourself?

Making your own is way better than buying it.

• You control what goes in it! Use fresh, good ingredients. No mystery additives.
• Healthier! Less sugar, salt, and bad fats than store-bought stuff.
• Saves you money! Once you get the hang of it, it's cheaper.
• Get creative! Add herbs, spices, even balsamic vinegar – make it your own!

What You'll Need

This recipe makes about 1/2 cup – enough for a big salad. Double or triple it if you need more.

1. 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
2. 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or balsamic – yum!)
3. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4. 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to your taste)
5. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
7. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8. (Optional) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint or basil

Let's Make It!

It's super simple!

1. Combine everything: Throw the strawberries, vinegar, oil, honey/maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend it up: Blend until it's completely smooth. You might need to scrape the sides a few times.
3. Taste test! Adjust the sweetness, tartness, or salt and pepper as needed.
4. Add herbs (optional): Stir in fresh herbs if you're using them.
5. Store it: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The color might change, but it'll still taste great!

Tips and Tricks

• Fresh strawberries are key! Don't use frozen ones – they make it watery.
• Sweetness is up to you! Add more or less honey/maple syrup.
• Blend well! Make sure it's really smooth so it doesn't separate.
• Get herby! Mint, basil, chives – experiment!
• Make it ahead! The flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge.

What to Use It On

This dressing is amazing on so many things!

• Spring mix salad: Add goat cheese and pecans.
• Spinach salad: Try it with strawberries, candied pecans, and bacon.
• Caprese salad: A fun twist – use it instead of balsamic glaze.
• Grilled chicken salad: Add grilled chicken to any of the salads above.
• Fruit salad: A light and refreshing dressing for fruit salad.

Even More Ideas!

It's not just for salads!

• Marinade: Marinate chicken or fish in it before grilling or baking.
• Glaze: Brush it on grilled veggies like asparagus or zucchini.
• Pasta salad dressing: Perfect for a pasta salad with fresh veggies.

Troubleshooting

• Too sweet? Add more vinegar or lemon juice.
• Too tart? Add more honey or maple syrup.
• Separating? Blend it again. A pinch of mustard can help.
• Too thick? Add a little water or olive oil.

The End (But the Beginning of Delicious Salads!)

Making your own strawberry vinaigrette is so rewarding! It's easy, tastes great, and you can customize it however you like. So, ditch the store-bought stuff and give this recipe a try! Enjoy!