Fresh Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Fresh Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Raspberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar (or to taste)
  • cup balsamic vinegar (or to taste)
  • cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • teaspoon salt

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, combine raspberries and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until the raspberries release their juice.
  2. Using a fork, mash the raspberries until they turn into a liquid consistency.
  3. Transfer the mashed raspberry mixture into a clean jar with a lid.
  4. Add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and salt to the jar.
  5. Seal the jar with its lid and shake it vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  6. Store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Cook's Note:

  • If you prefer a smoother vinaigrette, you can blend the ingredients using a food processor or blender.
  • White balsamic vinegar can be used instead of regular balsamic vinegar if desired.
  • This vinaigrette pairs well with any summer berries for a fresh twist.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories 47
Total Fat 3g (4% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat 1g (3% Daily Value)
Sodium 75mg (3% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate 4g (2% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber 1g (2% Daily Value)
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 2mg (2% Daily Value)
Calcium 5mg (0% Daily Value)
Iron 0mg (1% Daily Value)
Potassium 20mg (0% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutritional information is based on available data. If you follow a medically restrictive diet, please consult a doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe.

Fresh Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

History of Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

The combination of balsamic vinegar and fruit-based dressings dates back to the ancient culinary traditions of Italy. While vinegar itself has a rich history in Roman and medieval cooking, balsamic vinegar is uniquely tied to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, where it was traditionally crafted from the most concentrated grape must and aged over many years. The addition of fruit, such as raspberries, to balsamic vinegar for dressings is a more modern twist, reflecting the global trend of incorporating fresh, seasonal fruits into sauces and condiments.

Regional Features of Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Raspberry balsamic vinaigrette, though not an ancient recipe, is a popular variation in North America and Europe. The recipe embraces the contemporary love for fresh, local ingredients and is often used as a dressing for salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. In regions where raspberries are abundant, such as the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and parts of Canada, this vinaigrette is a seasonal favorite, making the most of the ripe, tart berries available during the summer months.

How Does It Differ from Similar Dishes?

Raspberry balsamic vinaigrette stands out from traditional vinaigrettes, which often rely on simple ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and mustard. The distinctive use of fresh raspberries adds a fruity, sweet-tart note that balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar. Unlike other berry-based vinaigrettes that might use sweeter fruits like strawberries or blueberries, the raspberry version tends to have a more tangy and intense flavor. Additionally, this vinaigrette is a great option for those looking to create a fresher, homemade alternative to store-bought dressings, which often contain preservatives and artificial flavors.

Where Is It Typically Served?

Fresh raspberry balsamic vinaigrette is a versatile condiment, perfect for a wide range of dishes. It is often served as a dressing for mixed greens, spinach, or arugula salads, particularly those with ingredients like goat cheese, feta, nuts, or fresh berries. Additionally, it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, such as beets or carrots, and can also enhance the flavor of grilled chicken or salmon. Its vibrant color and fruity undertones make it a favorite for summer barbecues and seasonal gatherings.

Interesting Facts About Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • Raspberry vinegar, a key ingredient in this vinaigrette, is known for its health benefits, including antioxidant properties and aiding digestion.
  • Balsamic vinegar was first made in Modena, Italy, and traditionally aged for years in wooden barrels to develop a rich, complex flavor.
  • The sweet-tart flavor of fresh raspberries is perfectly complemented by the acidity of balsamic vinegar, creating a balance that is both refreshing and sophisticated.
  • Raspberry balsamic vinaigrette is often used as a marinade for meats or as a drizzle over roasted vegetables to enhance their natural sweetness.
  • Although it is a relatively modern recipe, raspberry vinaigrette is a popular choice for salad dressings in North American homes and restaurants alike, especially in the summertime when fresh berries are in season.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking to elevate a simple salad or enhance your grilled dishes, raspberry balsamic vinaigrette provides a refreshing and flavorful twist. With its roots in traditional Italian cooking and its modern adaptation for fresh fruit, this vinaigrette is a versatile addition to any culinary repertoire. Plus, it's easy to make and customize to your taste, allowing you to enjoy a homemade, fresh dressing that's perfect for any occasion.

FAQ about Fresh Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

The vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to keep it in an airtight jar or container to preserve its freshness.

Yes, frozen raspberries can be used instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before mashing. The flavor and texture will still be great!

Yes, you can substitute the honey and sugar with other sweeteners such as agave syrup, maple syrup, or stevia, depending on your preferences and dietary needs.

If you prefer a smoother vinaigrette, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender instead of mashing the raspberries by hand. This will help remove the seeds and create a more uniform texture.

If the vinaigrette is too acidic, you can balance the flavors by adding a small amount of sweetener (like honey or agave syrup) or using less balsamic vinegar next time.

Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with other types of vinegar such as white balsamic, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar. However, the flavor will vary slightly depending on the vinegar you choose.

Yes, if you prefer not to have the raspberry seeds in your vinaigrette, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve after blending or mashing the raspberries.

This fresh raspberry balsamic vinaigrette is perfect for salads, especially those with leafy greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. It also pairs well with fruits, cheeses (like goat cheese or feta), and nuts such as walnuts or pecans.

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other oils such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even a mild-flavored vegetable oil. However, this may slightly alter the flavor of the dressing.

Yes, this vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just shake the jar well before using to re-emulsify the ingredients.

Comments

Debra Brown

02/09/2024 10:14:56 PM

Fantastic salad dressing! Using fresh ingredients really enhances the flavors. I decided to halve the recipe to test it out and I'm so happy I did. I chose to use white balsamic vinegar and it was the perfect choice. I simply tossed everything into my mini food processor, blended it quickly, and it was ready in no time. After letting it chill in the fridge for an hour, the flavors melded beautifully. This dressing paired wonderfully with the "Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Bacon" from this website.

Debra Williams

10/05/2024 12:31:12 AM

I tried making this salad dressing for lunch today and decided to scale down the recipe to make just a quarter of it. I used frozen raspberries which worked well, although I wasn't a fan of the raspberry seeds in the final blend. I mixed all the ingredients in my Vitamix for about 25-30 seconds on medium speed. Initially, I found the dressing too acidic, but a touch of agave syrup balanced it nicely. The only downside was the dark red color, which gave it a slightly eerie appearance. If serving to guests, I would recommend using white vinegar instead of balsamic for a more appetizing look. Overall, it was tasty for me, but I would make some adjustments for a more polished presentation.

Daniel Johnson

11/06/2022 11:59:43 PM

I prepared this recipe on August 16, 2017, and I must say, I'm really impressed with the results. I decided to tweak the recipe a bit by adding an extra 1/4 cup of olive oil and using brown sugar in place of white sugar. I cooked the raspberries, brown sugar, and salt together in a pot, simmering the mixture on low heat for 20 minutes. After that, I mixed it with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and the end result was perfect. I do have one question: How long can I store this dressing in the refrigerator? Thank you so much! I rate this recipe 5 stars.

Barbara Taylor

12/26/2024 07:23:52 AM

Flawlessly balanced. Fantastic vinaigrette recipe using fresh ingredients. Easily prepared in a blender for a silky smooth texture. Simply combine all ingredients except oil, blend and gradually incorporate the oil. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. This recipe is a must-have for your refrigerator!

Laura Green

06/05/2025 01:38:57 AM

I absolutely loved this recipe! My family loves sweets, so I decided to enhance it by adding a tablespoon of seedless raspberry jam. I used a Ninja-style blender to mix all the ingredients, and they blended together perfectly. It was a big hit! We enjoyed it with a delicious salad made of spinach, apple, goat cheese, green onion, and candied walnuts. Such a tasty combo!

Barbara Martinez

10/05/2022 04:09:06 PM

I followed the recipe almost exactly, but I substituted Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar and stevia for sugar. I also included 1/4 tsp poppy seeds and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Instead of raspberry jam, I used fresh raspberries blended in my bullet. I absolutely adored the final result and will definitely be making it again. It's far superior to store-bought versions.

Benjamin Flores

04/15/2024 04:40:18 AM

I believe this turned out amazing and was a wonderful way to make use of the abundance of berries from our bushes. I blended everything in the food processor and decided to only use 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar, following the advice from other reviewers. The end result was delightfully thick. While some might prefer to strain out the seeds, they didn't bother me at all. I am considering making a second batch to share with a friend. Thank you!

Justin Edwards

04/15/2025 11:36:55 PM

I used boysenberries and substituted sugar with monk fruit. After blending in a blender and straining the seeds, I believe it's the best I've ever tasted. I will definitely make it again. The Kirkland aged balsamic vinegar of Modena from Costco is simply perfect.

Justin Wright

07/07/2023 02:44:29 PM

Substituted grapeseed oil for olive oil, increased raspberries to 1 1/2 cups, and used raspberry balsamic vinegar in the recipe. Everything else remained unchanged. The end result was absolutely delicious!

Pamela Williams

05/03/2024 03:03:13 PM

The dish was incredibly tasty. I omitted the sugar, opted for a small amount of honey, and substituted balsamic reduction, along with a touch of vinegar and freshly cracked pepper.

Alexander Ramirez

06/14/2024 01:00:25 PM

I recently purchased Cherry Blossom honey at the farmers' market and decided to use it in place of regular honey in a recipe. It complemented the dish perfectly. After pulsing all the ingredients in the NutriBullet for a smooth dressing, the result was fantastic!

Elizabeth Scott

11/08/2022 11:12:25 PM

This dressing was fantastic. I wish I had a blender to fully blend the pulp and seeds, but perhaps the pulp actually helped it adhere to my spinach salad. Even with using frozen raspberries, I still achieved excellent results.

Patricia Hill

04/18/2025 09:14:17 AM

I absolutely adore this recipe for its simplicity and versatility. It works wonderfully as a base or enjoyed on its own! I jazzed it up with some freshly minced garlic for an extra kick, but the potential variations are limitless.

Kevin Collins

01/23/2025 07:56:55 AM

Nice taste, but too sugary for my family's liking.

Betty Hill

10/01/2024 12:25:50 PM

I tried a flavored white balsamic vinegar with maple syrup instead of honey and also included poppy seeds.

Richard Sanchez

05/02/2023 03:56:28 PM

I needed to make a big portion, so I tripled the recipe. Despite concerns about it being too vinegar-heavy, I opted to include only 1 cup of balsamic vinegar in the entire batch. Surprisingly, the vinegar flavor was still a bit overwhelming. I believe that once it's tossed with the salad ingredients, it should mellow out. However, I will certainly reduce the amount of vinegar when I make it again.

Carol King

02/21/2024 02:52:40 AM

Outstanding recipe! I follow it precisely, except for straining the seeds. By using high-quality white balsamic vinegar, I have never faced any problems or received complaints about it being too vinegary. I have served it to more than 20 individuals, paired with spinach salads alongside broiled salmon or steelhead trout. I have been making this dish almost every month since discovering it!

Frank Wilson

09/14/2022 01:53:33 AM

Delicious flavor. I sieved out the berries before serving because I didn't like the appearance of the seeds.

Janet Cruz

04/18/2023 11:21:36 AM

I followed the recipe instructions, but I thought the vinegar was too overpowering. Sadly, I didn't have any raspberries on hand, so I added some strawberries instead. I blended everything together, and my husband almost enjoyed it like a soup! It's a solid recipe foundation, but I'll reduce the amount of vinegar next time.