Savory Roasted Strawberry Vinaigrette

This Roasted Strawberry Vinaigrette recipe solves the problem of bland, boring dressings. Balsamic vinegar, fresh strawberries, and maple syrup create a depth of sweet and tangy flavor.

This really is The Most Delicious Strawberry Dressing, and it’s incredibly addicting. It is simple to make and tastes great on many salads!

As a nutrition consultant and chef, I’m on a mission to help you create meals that are as nourishing as they are crave-worthy. And today, we’re tackling a kitchen staple that’s often overlooked: salad dressing.

If you’ve ever had a hard time getting excited about leafy greens, this one’s for you. This roasted strawberry vinaigrette is bursting with natural sugars, creamy texture, and a surprising depth of flavor. It’s a delicious way to dress up your favorite healthy salad, and you’ll want to drizzle it on everything from grilled chicken to fruit salad. The first time I made it, I legit licked the mixing bowl clean—true story.

Let’s get into it!

Roasted Strawberry Vinaigrette

It is strawberry season, and they are my favorite fruits. Strawberries bring many great memories from my teens when I worked on a farm and picked up amazingly juicy strawberries! So, of course, I want to use them in my recipe.

I usually only use freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil for my salads, but lately, I’ve been enjoying making my own salad dressings!

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Making dressings at home is easy, and you have complete control over what goes into them and how much to make. All you do is use a blender or food processor and put all the ingredients, blend it, and it is ready to go!

If you feel like having a different dressing every night of the week, you can make a small batch, and if you want the same one all week, you can make a large batch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with flavor from roasted strawberries and balsamic vinegar
• Uses natural sweeteners like maple syrup instead of processed sugar
• A great recipe to elevate your favorite fresh greens, grain bowls, and proteins
• Easy to prep in under 15–20 minutes with minimal cleanup
• A creamy texture without dairy (but you can add Greek yogurt for extra protein!)
• Perfect for storing in an airtight container for weekday meals
• A wonderful way to make use of fresh fruit in season

The roasted strawberries, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing are one of my favorite dressings to make it home. How can you not like that combination? Basil, sweet balsamic vinaigrette, and strawberries perfectly complement each other and bring the flavor up.

Roasting strawberries brings up the sweetness. Balsamic vinegar brings tanginess and acid to balance the flavor; olive oil and strawberries blended together will make this dressing super creamy.

Ingredients for Roasted Strawberry Vinaigrette

• Strawberries, hulled
• Maple syrup or teaspoon honey
• Apple cider vinegar
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Lemon (lemon juice)
• Garlic clove
• Optional: a spoonful of Greek yogurt for creaminess
• Optional: fresh basil, green onion, or sunflower seeds for garnish or flavor

How to Make It Savory Roasted Strawberry Dressing

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (preheated oven) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange fresh strawberries in a single layer. Drizzle with maple syrup or teaspoon honey and a pinch of salt.
3. Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes until juicy and caramelized. Let cool to room temperature.
4. In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine roasted strawberries, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add Greek yogurt for a creamier texture or more vinegar for tang.
6. Store in a cup of dressing (glass jar or bottle) in the fridge. Shake before each use.

Ingredient Substitutions

• No maple syrup? Use teaspoon honey or even a bit of date syrup.
• No fresh strawberries? Try frozen, thawed and roasted—just as tasty.
• No lemon juice? A splash of orange juice will do in a pinch.
• Want to mix it up? Add roasted cup of raspberries or even peaches.

Health Benefits (Especially for Women’s Health)

• Strawberries: Rich in antioxidants, natural sugars, and vitamin C to support collagen and skin health.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Helps stabilize blood sugar and aids digestion—a key win for hormonal balance.
• Olive Oil: Packed with healthy fats and antioxidants that support heart and hormone health.
• Garlic: Anti-inflammatory and great for immune support.
• Lemon Juice: Detoxifying and rich in vitamin C—another skin and immunity booster.

Chef Angie’s Tips

• Always roast your berries for that intense, caramelized flavor. It goes a long way!
• Let them cool before blending, or you’ll lose that creamy texture.
• Make it spicy with a dash of cayenne or smoky with a little paprika.
• Blend with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or white beans for a protein boost.
• Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Ways to Serve Savory Roasted Strawberry Dressing

• Over a bed of leafy greens with goat cheese and toasted sunflower seeds
• With grilled chicken or salmon for a flavorful protein topper
• Over summer salad
• Mixed into a chicken salad for a tangy twist
• Drizzled over a summer fruit salad with mint
• As a dip for roasted veggies or fresh crudités
• Spooned over ice cream (yes, seriously) for a natural sugar-packed dessert
• In a wrap with greens, turkey, and avocado

Storage

• Store in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge.
• Lasts up to 5–7 days.
• Shake before using to re-emulsify.
• Not freezer-friendly—it’s best fresh.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Mixing bowl (for tossing berries if preferred)
• Glass jar or bottle for storage (1 cup of dressing capacity)

FAQ for Savory Roasted Strawberry Dressing

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Yes! Just thaw and roast as you would fresh. Roasting concentrates the natural sugars, giving that same caramelized flavor.

Q: What makes this different from regular balsamic vinaigrette?

A: The roasted berries! Balsamic strawberries add an extra fruity layer that elevates this dressing beyond the ordinary.

Q: Is it okay for a medically restrictive diet?

A: It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free (unless you add Greek yogurt), and refined sugar-free. Always check with your provider.

Q: Can I make this vegan?

A: Totally. Use maple syrup instead of teaspoon honey and skip the Greek yogurt.

Q: Can I use it as a marinade?

A: Yes! It’s great for marinating chicken, tofu, or veggies. The vinegar and fruit combo tenderizes like a dream.

Q: How much does it make?

A: About 1 cup of dressing, depending on your berry size and how much you sample straight from the mixing bowl 😉

Q: What Balsamic Vinegar Is Best to Use?

For this strawberry vinaigrette recipe, I highly recommend using a traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP) or a high-quality IGP-certified balsamic. The traditional DOP balsamic is aged for 12 to 25 years and has an incredible depth of flavor—sweet, tangy, with woody notes from the aging barrels. It’s like liquid gold for dressings! If that’s a little out of your budget (I get it!), go for an IGP version that still contains a high percentage of grape must and no added caramel coloring or artificial thickeners. Avoid cheap, overly acidic balsamic that taste harsh and watery—they’ll overpower the sweetness of the strawberries instead of enhancing it. Look for labels that say “aged,” “barrel-aged,” or “contains grape must” for the best results in both flavor and texture. Learn more about vinegars here.

Final Thoughts Whether you’re jazzing up a spinach salad, layering flavor on your next chicken salad, or seeking a healthy salad option with major wow-factor, this roasted strawberry vinaigrette is an excellent addition to your recipe collection. The best part? It’s simple, elegant, and nourishing.

So next time you’re tempted to buy bottled dressing—don’t. Roast some berries, grab that food processor, and blend your way to the perfect summer salad companion.

Your leafy greens will thank you. ❤️

Ready to try it? Let me know how you served it and tag me if you share your creation. Fresh strawberries are waiting to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen!

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Grilled Peaches With Balsamic Vinegar

 

Yum

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