This bright and tangy raspberry vinaigrette recipe uses fresh berries for a luxurious homemade dressing. The sweet-tart raspberry flavor blends perfectly with olive oil and vinegar, creating a beautiful ruby-colored addition to any salad.
The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
I've always been a fan of homemade salad dressings, and this raspberry vinaigrette quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The first time I made it was during raspberry season when I had a lot of berries from the farmer's market. Rather than let them spoil, I experimented with a vinaigrette - and I've never looked back!
This dressing has transformed countless salads in my home and always impresses guests.
You'll also want to try my Lime Vinaigrette if you enjoy unique salad dressings.
Ingredients You'll Need
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- The Base: Fresh raspberries (thawed if frozen)
- Acids: Red wine vinegar and Lime juice (I really like adding lime juice to my salad dressings when I can)
- Fat & Emulsifiers: Extra virgin olive oil and mayonnaise
- Flavor Enhancers: Granulated white sugar, Garlic, and Salt
Tools You'll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for removing seeds)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small whisk (if not using a blender)
- Glass jar or airtight container for storage
How to Make Raspberry Vinaigrette
Step 1: In a small blender or food processor, add the raspberries, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, granulated white sugar, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and salt.
Step 2: Pulse the mixture until everything is well blended and smooth, about 15-20 seconds.
Step 3: Sample the dressing and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
Step 4: Transfer the dressing to a jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before using to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Flavor Variations
Anyone can make this dressing in so many ways. Here are a few suggestions:
- Creamy raspberry vinaigrette: Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or more mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
- Balsamic raspberry dressing: Substitute balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Strawberry Vinaigrette: Use strawberries in place of the raspberries.
What to Serve with Raspberry Vinaigrette
My favorite way to enjoy this dressing is over a green salad, preferably one made with mild greens like fresh spinach or romaine lettuce. Delicious toppings include grilled chicken, toasted pecans, goat cheese, and fresh raspberries.
You could also toss it with a grain salad featuring quinoa, farro, or couscous or serve it alongside a cheese board as a fruity dip
How to Store Homemade Raspberry Vinaigrette
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Shake before use: The dressing will naturally separate, so shake well before each use.
- Olive oil solidification: If your dressing solidifies slightly in the refrigerator (normal for olive oil), let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before using.
- Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze the dressing in ice cube trays for up to 1 month. Thaw completely and shake vigorously before using.
Tanya's Top Tips
- If using frozen raspberries, drain any excess liquid after thawing to keep your dressing from becoming watery.
- For the smoothest texture, pulse in short bursts rather than running the blender continuously. This prevents over-processing and keeps the dressing from becoming too thin.
Common Questions
Yes! You can mash the raspberries with a fork and whisk all the ingredients together, but the texture will be less smooth.
Separation is normal for homemade vinaigrettes. Just shake well before each use to recombine the ingredients.
I hope you love this raspberry vinaigrette recipe as much as we do! If you're looking for more homemade dressing recipes, try these out:
- Bacon Vinaigrette - Smoky, savory dressing with crispy bacon bits that elevates any salad.
- Honey Chipotle Vinaigrette - Sweet and spicy with a perfect kick of smoky heat.
- Sweet Onion Salad Dressing - Creamy, aromatic dressing with a delicate onion flavor.
If you make this raspberry vinaigrette recipe, please leave a comment below. Your feedback is appreciated!
Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh raspberries thawed if frozen
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
- 1 small clove of garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, add the raspberries, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, granulated white sugar, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and salt.
- Pulse the mixture until everything is well blended and smooth, about 15-20 seconds.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
- Transfer the dressing to a jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before using to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Notes
- This raspberry dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Make sure to shake it well before each use, as the ingredients may separate while sitting.
- Besides salads, this raspberry dressing works as a marinade for chicken or can be drizzled over grilled vegetables, adding a fresh and fruity flavor to your dishes.
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