Balsamic Blueberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe

I absolutely adore this balsamic blueberry vinaigrette because it’s a vibrant fusion of sweet and tangy flavors that gives my salads a gourmet makeover, yet it’s so easy to make! The combination of fresh blueberries, honey, and balsamic vinegar creates a uniquely refreshing taste that makes me feel like a culinary wizard every time I drizzle it over my greens.

My Balsamic Blueberry Vinaigrette is one of my favorite dressings to whip up. It packs a punch of flavor and a wallop of nutrition.

With 1 cup of fresh blueberries and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, the base of the dressing alone is a vibrant, antioxidant-rich addition to any salad. And when you taste it, you will find that it is well balanced.

I attribute that largely to the mixing of the oils. I use predominantly extra-virgin olive oil, but for this batch, I also used some hazelnut oil.

That might sound weird, but when tasted with the other ingredients, the hazelnut oil mostly comes across as a nutty flavor. So if you stick with just the olive oil (which is a more common choice for vinaigrettes), you’ll still have a perfectly balanced, delicious dressing.

Ingredients

Fresh Blueberries:
Brimming with antioxidants and fiber, exuding a natural sweetness.

Balsamic Vinegar:
Imparts a robust, zesty taste, and is celebrated for its beneficial polyphenols.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil:
Fats that are heart-healthy and have anti-inflammatory properties, giving a smooth texture.

Honey:
Sweet, natural substance that cuts sourness and brings a whisper of flower essence.

Dijon Mustard:
Offers a zesty punch and serves as a binder for the dressing.

Garlic:
Nutrient-dense and full of flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Wash the fresh blueberries in cool water and drain them thoroughly.

2. Using a high-powered blender or a food processor, mix together the following ingredients until smooth:

Cleaned blueberries 1 cup
Balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup
Extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup
Honey 1/4 cup

Note: This recipe is for a blender. If using a food processor, you may need to double the amount of ingredients.

3. In the blender, combine the mixture with Dijon mustard and a minced garlic clove.

4. Mix the components at maximum speed until the amalgam is smooth and well incorporated.

5. Sample the dressing and fine-tune with salt and fresh black pepper ground to your preference.

6. Blend again, very briefly, to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

7. In case a smoother consistency is what you prefer, the dressing can be poured through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to catch any remaining blueberry skins. This is a step that you can choose to take or skip, depending on your texture preferences.

8. To store the dressing, move it to a glass jar or bottle. Make sure the lid fits tightly.

9. Refrigerate the dressing for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together. If you chill the dressing in the refrigerator, it will ensure that the flavors will meld together.

10. Well, before using, shake or stir. The balsamic blueberry vinaigrette is meant to be an enjoyable experience drizzled over salad greens, of your favorite sort, and served as an appetizer.

Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cups
2. Measuring spoons
3. High-powered blender or food processor
4. Colander or strainer
5. Fine mesh sieve (optional)
6. Jar or bottle with tight-fitting lid
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Mixing spoon or spatula

FAQ

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?Definitely! You can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to let them thaw first. Using thawed blueberries results in much smoother blending. If you prefer using frozen, blender-ready ingredients for your smoothies, consider using fresh blueberries, washing them, and freezing them in ziploc bags.
• What can I substitute for honey if I want a vegan version?Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a vegan substitute for honey.
• How long will the dressing last in the fridge?The dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for one week, stored in an airtight container.
• Can I use a different type of mustard?Indeed, whole grain or yellow mustard can be used in place of Dijon mustard, but they have different flavors. And remember, most mustard has a similar flavor profile to Dijon, so you’re really in the clear when it comes to substituting.
• Is there a low-calorie alternative to olive oil?You can diminish the quantity of olive oil or substitute with a lighter oil such as canola for a version with fewer calories.
• Can I add herbs to the dressing?For sure! Adding either fresh or dried herbs, such as basil or thyme, can definitely up the flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Use frozen blueberries in place of fresh ones. Be sure to let them thaw before putting them in recipes.
Balsamic vinegar: Swap with apple cider vinegar for a flavor that’s quite unlike balsamic.
Avocado oil or grapeseed oil: These can replace extra-virgin olive oil.
Maple syrup or agave nectar makes a great substitute for honey.
Whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard can replace Dijon mustard.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor Toast the minced garlic in a small pan with a bit of olive oil until golden before adding it to the blender. This will add a richer, more complex flavor to the dressing.

2. Balance Acidity If the dressing tastes too acidic, add a little more honey or a splash of orange juice to balance the flavors.

3. Texture Control For a creamier dressing, add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise before blending. This will give the vinaigrette a silky texture.

4. Herb Infusion Consider adding a few fresh basil leaves when blending for an additional layer of flavor that pairs well with blueberries.

5. Storage Tip To extend the shelf life, add a teaspoon of lemon juice. This acts as a natural preservative while adding a hint of citrusy brightness to the dressing.