What does balsamic vinegar do to strawberries?

Balsamic vinegar works magic on strawberries by enhancing their natural sweetness while adding complex, tangy depth. The acidity in balsamic vinegar breaks down the berry's cell walls slightly, releasing more juice and concentrating flavors. This creates that perfect sweet-tart balance that makes strawberry balsamic vinaigrette so irresistible. The vinegar also helps preserve the strawberries naturally, extending the dressing's shelf life.

What is balsamic vinaigrette dressing made of?

Traditional balsamic vinaigrette dressing combines balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and an emulsifier like Dijon mustard. Most recipes include salt, pepper, and a touch of sweetener to balance the acidity. The key is the 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar, though strawberry balsamic vinaigrette often uses less oil since the fruit adds natural body and sweetness to the mixture.

What is strawberry vinaigrette made of?

Strawberry vinaigrette typically contains fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or another sweetener, plus salt and pepper. The strawberries provide natural sweetness and gorgeous color, while the other ingredients create that perfect emulsified texture. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade dressing contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Is balsamic vinaigrette good for you?

Yes! Balsamic vinaigrette offers several health benefits. The olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Balsamic vinegar contains antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels. When you make strawberry balsamic vinaigrette at home, you control the ingredients, avoiding the high sodium and preservatives found in commercial dressings.

How long to marinate strawberries in balsamic vinegar?

For eating fresh strawberries, marinate them in balsamic vinegar for 15-30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld without making the berries mushy. However, when making this dressing recipe, you blend immediately – no marinating needed since the food processor breaks everything down instantly.

How to make balsamic vinegar?

Traditional balsamic vinegar takes years to make, starting with grape must (freshly pressed grape juice) that's cooked down and aged in wooden barrels. The process involves transferring the vinegar through different wood types over 12-25 years. For home cooks, it's more practical to buy quality balsamic vinegar from reputable producers, then use it to create amazing recipes like this berry dressing.

Easy Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette in 5 Minutes

Name: Homemade Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup strawberries - hulled and quartered; 1/3 cup avocado oil - or olive oil; 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp honey - or maple syrup if vegan; 1 tbsp stone ground mustard - or dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Description

Transform your ordinary salads into restaurant-quality masterpieces with this vibrant strawberry balsamic vinaigrette! Sweet, fresh strawberries blend perfectly with tangy balsamic vinegar to create a gorgeous pink dressing that's ready in just 5 minutes. This homemade vinaigrette beats store-bought every time and works beautifully as both a salad dressing and marinade.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup strawberries - hulled and quartered
1/3 cup avocado oil - or olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey - or maple syrup if vegan
1 tbsp stone ground mustard - or dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

Wash and thoroughly dry strawberries, then remove hulls and quarter each berry for easier blending.
Add quartered strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), stone ground mustard, salt, and pepper to a food processor or high-speed blender.
Pulse a few times to break down strawberries, then blend until mixture is mostly smooth.
With processor running, slowly drizzle in avocado oil through the feed tube to create a proper emulsion.
Continue processing for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning - add more honey for sweetness, balsamic for tang, or salt to balance flavors.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries at peak season for the best flavor and natural sweetness
Invest in quality balsamic vinegar - it's the backbone of this dressing and cheap versions can taste harsh
Stone ground mustard creates better emulsification than regular yellow mustard and adds wonderful texture
The dressing will keep refrigerated for 5-7 days in an airtight glass jar or container
Natural separation is normal - simply shake vigorously before each use
Let dressing come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor
For vegan version, substitute pure maple syrup for honey
Try this as a marinade for grilled chicken, salmon, or pork tenderloin
Double the recipe for meal prep - it's perfect for weekly salad preparation

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 104
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 169mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg