This Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette is fresh, bright, and full of summer flavor. Made with real strawberries, basil, and a simple vinaigrette base, it’s the kind of dressing that instantly makes salads feel a little more special.
If you’re looking for a homemade salad dressing that tastes fresh and flavorful without being complicated, this Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette is one to keep on repeat all summer long. Sweet strawberries and fresh basil blend into a light, vibrant dressing that pairs beautifully with green salads, grilled chicken, avocado, shrimp, and even fresh vegetables. It comes together in just minutes and uses simple ingredients you can easily keep on hand.
Ingredients in Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette-
Strawberries- The flavor and ripeness of the strawberries will dictate how much strawberry flavor your dressing has. When strawberries are in season, fresh, dark, ripe strawberries are key. Frozen strawberries work great but need to be thawed and drained of excess liquid before adding to the blender.
Rice wine vinegar, light olive oil, salt and black pepper- You can substitute white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar or white balsamic vinegar. Light olive oil is my first choice but any good oil works well.
Sugar/honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, and sriracha- These ingredients are where all the complex flavors dance together to make a truly unique dressing. Sugar ensures a clean flavor while honey is more muted and flowery. Start with the recommended amounts of each ingredient and add more to your liking.
Fresh Basil leaves- Sweet basil is what I use most often to provide that heady, peppery flavor that pairs so well with strawberries. But I’ve used Thai and Mexican basil with great results as well.
Variations and Ingredient Substitutions
One of the best things about this Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette is how easy it is to adjust depending on what you have on hand. A few simple swaps can change the flavor slightly while still keeping the dressing fresh and balanced.
Swap the vinegar. If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, white wine vinegar works well. Both keep the dressing light and bright without overpowering the strawberries.
Use frozen strawberries. Frozen berries work just fine when fresh strawberries aren’t in season. Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before blending so the dressing doesn’t become too thin.
Try different basil varieties. Sweet basil is the classic choice, but Thai basil or Mexican basil can add a slightly different herbal note that still pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Adjust the sweetness. Strawberries vary in sweetness depending on the season. Taste the dressing after blending and add a little more sugar if the berries are tart.
Make it mild or spicy. The sriracha adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweetness, but it’s completely optional. Leave it out for a milder dressing or add a little extra if you enjoy a bit more heat.
Add creaminess. For a slightly creamy version, blend in a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt. It gives the dressing a richer texture while keeping the fresh flavor.
What Salads Pair Best with Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette
This Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette adds a fresh, lightly sweet flavor that works beautifully with many types of salads. It’s especially good when paired with ingredients that balance sweetness with a little creaminess, crunch, or saltiness.
Berry salads. A simple green salad with strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries is a natural match. Add goat cheese or feta and a handful of toasted pecans or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
Spinach or spring mix salads. Tender greens like spinach, arugula, or a spring mix allow the bright strawberry flavor to really shine. Try adding sliced red onion, cucumber, and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds.
Grilled chicken salads. The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with savory grilled chicken. Toss the dressing with mixed greens, grilled chicken, strawberries, avocado, and toasted nuts for a satisfying meal salad.
Salads with creamy cheese. Goat cheese, feta, or even small pieces of fresh mozzarella complement the tangy-sweet dressing beautifully.
Summer grain salads. This dressing also works well tossed with salads that include cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous along with fresh vegetables and herbs.
No matter how you serve it, Strawberry Basil Dressing brings bright, seasonal flavor that makes even a simple salad feel special.
This Strawberry Basil Dressing is a simple way to bring bright, fresh flavor to everyday salads. With just a few ingredients and a quick spin in the blender, you’ll have a homemade dressing that tastes far better than anything from the store. Whether you toss it with a berry-filled salad, drizzle it over grilled chicken, or use it to dress up a simple bowl of greens, it’s an easy recipe to keep in your rotation when strawberries are at their best.
If you’re looking for more homemade dressings, be sure to try my Orange Vinaigrette Salad Dressing, Peach Basil Vinaigrette, and Peanut Sauce Dressing—both are easy to make and add wonderful flavor to all kinds of salads and dishes.
Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries coarsley chopped
- ⅓ cup rice wine or white wine vinegar white balsamic works great too
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar or honey, more or less to taste
- 1 tsp sriracha optional
- ½ tsp garlic powder rough chopped
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp fresh black pepper
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves rough chopped, loosely packed
Instructions
- Puree all ingredients except for basil leaves in a blender or food processor. Taste and add more sugar, salt, pepper or sriracha, to your liking.1 cup strawberries, ⅓ cup rice wine or white wine vinegar, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, ½ tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp sriracha, ¾ tsp kosher salt
- Add the basil leaves and blend until mixed well and no large pieces of basil remain. Serve immediately. Dressing keeps for 5 days in the refrigerator.⅓ cup fresh basil leaves
So easy, delicious and refreshing! I made it for my strawberry salad and it turned out wonderfully!
This really elevated my salad from boring to something special! It’s amazing on a spinach salad with feta and walnuts.
Thanks Gianna! We love it and use it all summer.