Brighten up your summer salads with this incredibly simple yet flavorful Balsamic Blueberry Vinaigrette! Combining the tangy goodness of balsamic vinegar with the fresh sweetness of ripe blueberries, this homemade salad dressing adds vibrant color to your dishes and introduces an exciting layer of flavor. This post will guide you through making this delightful salad dressing that you can use on any salad, adding a fresh and fruity touch to your vegan meals.
Ready in just a few minutes, this salad dressing is the perfect addition to your summer cooking arsenal. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll fall in love with the simplicity and taste of this unique, vegan-friendly dressing.
Our homemade Blueberry Vinaigrette Dressing is a definite winner when it comes to packing a punch in the nutrition department while adding an extraordinary flavor to your meals. Blueberries, the star ingredient of this dressing, are renowned for their sweet, succulent taste and nutritional benefits.
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins C and K, promoting overall health. The addition of maple syrup contributes to the dressing's sweetness and provides a myriad of essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and an impressive number of antioxidants. So, you can feel good knowing this blueberry salad dressing not only enhances the taste of your salads but also adds a substantial nutritional boost.
What makes this dressing even more impressive is its easy preparation. We understand that in today's busy world, you need simple, quick solutions that don’t compromise taste or health. This blueberry vinaigrette dressing is just that. You can whip up this healthy salad dressing with a handful of readily available ingredients and a few minutes.
Just blend everything together, and voila! You have an easy salad dressing that is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer salads, making your healthy eating journey a delicious and convenient one. This balsamic blueberry vinaigrette is a game-changer, striking the perfect balance between ease, taste, and nutrition.
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🧾 Ingredients
This blueberry dressing is made with just a few delicious ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: Blueberries add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dressing. They're also packed with antioxidants, contributing to the nutritional value of the vinaigrette.
- Balsamic vinegar: This adds a tangy depth of flavor to the dressing, beautifully complementing the sweetness of the blueberries. It also contributes to the lovely rich color of the vinaigrette.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the blueberries while adding a smooth, rich undertone. It's a natural sweetener and offers several essential nutrients.
- Fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a refreshing tartness that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the flavor profile of the dressing. It also helps in preserving the vibrant color of the blueberries in the vinaigrette.
- Dried thyme: The subtle, earthy flavor of dried thyme adds complexity to the vinaigrette, perfectly complementing the sweet-tangy notes. Its aroma also enhances the overall sensory experience of the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Salt amplifies the other flavors in the vinaigrette, making the blueberries taste even fruitier and the balsamic vinegar even tangier. Pepper adds a hint of heat, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
This blueberry vinaigrette salad dressing involves one simple step: measuring and blending!
Place all the chopped ingredients in the blender or food processor's vase.
Blend and scrape with a spatula if needed.
Hint: Check the texture and adjust if needed, adding more water for a more liquid dressing or blueberries for a thicker version.
Pro-tip: Our preference for summer vinaigrettes leans towards oil-free versions, particularly if they contain a natural thickener such as blended berries. Nevertheless, if you're partial to the depth oil imparts, feel free to incorporate two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil to achieve a more balanced, less dominant oil flavor.
🥢 How to serve
This balsamic blueberry dressing shines in its versatility, transforming your salad recipes into something extra special with its vibrant flavor profile.
One classic way to serve it is by drizzling it over a Spinach and Arugula Salad or any other fresh green salad. The dressing brings a pleasantly sweet, tangy contrast to the sharp arugula flavor and the subtle spinach taste. You can add crunchy walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or candied pecans. Toss in some juicy sliced pears or apples for a fruity touch or vegan feta cheese to add some extra complexity, and you've got a gourmet salad!
But why stop at salads? The options are only limited by your creativity. This homemade dressing is a delightful dip for freshly cut veggies or even grilled tofu skewers. The tart-sweet profile of the dressing makes it a wonderful pairing for various plant-based proteins.
You could also use it as a marinade for roasted vegetables. Picture a tray of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, all caramelized and flavorful, further enhanced by this bright and zesty dressing.
And let's not forget grain bowls. A hearty bowl of quinoa topped with assorted veggies, legumes, and a generous drizzle of this blueberry vinaigrette is a feast for the eyes and the palate.
🍶 Substitutions
- Frozen berries can serve as a great replacement for fresh blueberries. They retain a large portion of the nutrients and flavor of fresh berries and can be used directly from the freezer. You can use a variety of frozen berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries, to add a different but equally delicious fruity note to your vinaigrette.
- Balsamic Vinegar Substitutes: Ran out of balsamic vinegar? No need to fret; there are plenty of alternatives:
- White wine vinegar can lend a clean, sharp tang to your dressing. Keep in mind, it's more acidic than balsamic, so a touch more sweetener might be needed to achieve a balanced taste.
- Opt for red wine vinegar if you're after a fruity, tangy flavor. It's not as sweet as balsamic, so you may want to increase the amount of maple syrup to compensate.
- Apple cider vinegar stands as another worthy replacement, offering a unique flavor profile.
- Maple Syrup Alternatives: Not a fan of maple syrup, or don't have any on hand? You can swap it for these:
- Agave nectar is an excellent plant-based substitute. It mirrors the sweetness level of maple syrup and blends well in the dressing.
- Date paste is another option. It lends a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the dressing, though bear in mind it might alter the dressing's color slightly.
- Dried Thyme Substitutes: If dried thyme isn't available, other dried herbs like oregano or marjoram can step in. They bring unique aromas and flavors that can enhance your blueberry vinaigrette.
🍽 Equipment
Blender or food processor: A blender (affiliate link) is a key piece of equipment for this recipe. You'll use it to emulsify the ingredients into a smooth, unified dressing.
🥡 Storage
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining your homemade dressings' freshness and flavor. Follow these simple steps:
- Choose the Right Container: For best results, store your dressing in an airtight container, mason jar, or bottle. This will keep your vinaigrette from absorbing any odors in your fridge.
- Refrigerate Immediately: Allow the dressing to cool to room temperature after preparation. Once cooled, close the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
- Shake Before Use: As with most dressing recipes, the ingredients may separate when stored. This is completely normal. Simply give the bottle a good shake before each use to re-emulsify the dressing.
💡 Top tip
If you want to make the homemade blueberry vinaigrette super thin, pass it through a fine mesh strainer before bottling it.
❓ FAQ
Absolutely, there are many healthy salad dressings available, and our Balsamic Blueberry Vinaigrette is a great example of one. A common concern about salad dressings is the high oil content found in many traditional recipes. Our dressing, however, doesn't contain any oil. It leverages the naturally sweet flavors of blueberries and maple syrup, the tartness of balsamic vinegar and lemon juice, and the aromatic flavor of thyme to create a tasty and nutritious dressing. Its ingredients are not only flavorful but are also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. So, you can enjoy your salad with this dressing, knowing that it's enhancing your meal's taste and nutritional value.
📚 More vinaigrette recipes
- Homemade Vinaigrette: Elevate your salad game with our simple yet flavorful Homemade Vinaigrette. This versatile dressing is a must-have in your culinary arsenal, capable of transforming even the most ordinary salad into something extraordinary.
- Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette: Dive into the vibrant blend of sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic in this delightful Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. It's an unexpected twist that promises to make your taste buds dance with every bite.
- Raspberry Vinaigrette: Drizzle your greens with our fruity Raspberry Vinaigrette for a taste of summer. The burst of berry flavors coupled with the tangy undertones will undoubtedly make your salads a hit.
- Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette: Savor the blend of sweet maple and sharp balsamic atop nutrient-dense kale. This dressing not only satiates your palate but also nourishes your body with beneficial greens. Uncover the recipe to transform your next meal into a sweet and savory delight.
⭐ If you try this blueberry vinaigrette recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
📋 Recipe
Easy Balsamic Blueberry Vinaigrette (Salad Dressing)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups blueberries fresh or frozen
- 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup if additional sweetness is desired
- 2 tablespoons lemon juiced
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- pinch black pepper freshly ground
Directions
- Gather the ingredients and measure them.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend for 30 seconds.
- Serve the vinaigrette with your preferred salad.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
🌡️ Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
Katie says
This blueberry vinaigrette is incredible! Perfect for any salad. It's easy to make and stores super well.
Choclette says
Absolutley adore the deep rich colour of this blueberry vinaigrette. Luckily it tastes amazing too. Really appreciate your oil-free recipe which is so full of healthy flavour but is relatively low in calories.
Gus says
You are welcome Choclette, we are thrilled you liked our new vinaigrette recipe!
Holly says
Served over blueberry and spinach salad. This is a fabulous dressing for summer!