If you’re looking to add a refreshing twist to your salad, I highly recommend Raspberry Vinaigrette. Its vibrant blend of sweet raspberries and tangy vinegar creates a delightful balance that elevates any salad.
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Raspberry vinaigrette recipe
Raspberry vinaigrette is a fruity and tangy salad dressing. It’s made primarily from fresh or frozen raspberries, creating sweet and tart flavors.
The fruity notes not only enhance the flavors of fresh greens but also complement a variety of toppings, from crunchy nuts to creamy cheeses. I love how it brings a burst of color and flavor to my dishes, making every bite feel like a special treat.
This salad dressing is popular during the spring and summer months. It adds a vibrant and refreshing taste to salads. The vinaigrette also offers health benefits: antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
Raspberry vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the raspberries, apple cider vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. Blend until smooth.
- With the blender on low speed, slowly add the olive oil to emulsify the dressing until it’s well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and blend again briefly to incorporate.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or seasoning as desired.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Shake well before serving.
How to serve and pair
1. Salad Dressing: Drizzle it over green salads, especially those that include fruits like strawberries, oranges, or apples.
- Green Salads:
- Baby spinach
- Arugula
- Mixed spring greens
- Fruit Salads:
- Mixed berries
- Stone fruits
- Citrus segments
- Strawberry kale salad
- Spinach pomegranate salad
- Grain-based Salads:
- Quinoa
- Farro
2. Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dip alongside grilled meats or seafood, such as bacon-wrapped dishes.
3. Marinade for proteins like chicken or shrimp. The acidity from the vinegar helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.
Protein Type | Best Preparation | Serving Temperature |
Grilled Chicken | Sliced | Warm |
Seared Salmon | Flaked | Room temperature |
Tofu | Crispy | Warm or cold |
4. Cheese Pairings: This raspberry salad dressing pairs beautifully with tangy cheeses like feta, gorgonzola, or goat cheese, adding a delightful contrast to the sweet-tart flavor.
5. Nuts and Seeds: Add pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch and richness. These nuts complement salads dressed in raspberry vinaigrette perfectly.
Variations
1. Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette: Use balsamic vinegar instead of white wine vinegar for a richer, sweeter flavor and a darker color.
2. Citrus Enhanced Profile: Add lime or lemon juice with raspberries to brighten the taste.
3. Creamy Raspberry Dressing: Add Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette: Blend in toasted walnuts for a nutty flavor and extra texture.
5. Spicy Flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
6. Herbed Raspberry Vinaigrette: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic finish.