Homemade Blueberry Vinaigrette (4-Ingredients!)

As a Minnesotan that braves long, cold winters, relishing in fresh summer produce is something I take very seriously. Once the warm weather hits, I can’t help but crave all things fruity. 

Strawberries have certainly made their debut a time or two on the blog (i.e. Strawberry Pie, Strawberry Lemonade, Individual Strawberry Cheesecakes…) and now it’s time to ensure blueberries get the same opportunity to showcase their greatness. What better way to start than with this vivid, blueberry vinaigrette?

This homemade dressing is not only amazing on a blueberry and blue cheese salad but it can be used on any summer-inspired lettuce salad!

A few ingredient notes

With only a few ingredients, you’re well on your way to a bright, flavorful dressing that’s begging to be drizzled on a lot more than just salad. As with most of my salad dressings, you’ve got lots of room to customize here, but I have a few suggestions to ensure your end result is as delicious as it should be.

• Blueberries: Fresh is where it’s at when it comes to homemade dressings. Frozen blueberries come with excess water and that is not your friend when it comes to a flavorful vinaigrette. Reserve the frozen blueberries for smoothies, jam-making, and even baked goods like this irresistible Blueberry Almond Crisp. 
• Balsamic vinegar – It’s necessary for tang, acidity, richness, and depth of flavor. And for the best pizzazz, use a quality thick and syrupy, aged balsamic. The cheaper varieties are overly sour, watery, and less than ideal in recipes where every ingredient counts. Try red wine vinegar or champagne for a lighter dressing.
• Olive oil – go for a quality extra-virgin olive oil for proper stabilization and flavor. 
• Lemon – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds additional acidity and a much-appreciated dose of Vitamin C. You can even add a small amount of lemon zest to let it shine. If you’re in need of a lemon juice substitute, try a splash of another citrus juice like lime, grapefruit, or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. 
• Garlic – While optional, who doesn’t love a garlicky addition? I find 1 clove to do the trick but adjust to taste or omit for a first-date-approved dressing. 
• Maple Syrup – if you’d like it a little sweet, add a teaspoon or so. You can also use honey, if that’s not a concern for anyone vegan enjoying it.

Please be sure to see the full recipe card below for measurements.

In the United States, fresh blueberries are in peak season during the summer months and is a great time to stock up on them at record-low prices. Take full advantage and go wild with all of the blueberry recipes including but not limited to Blueberry Lemon Pastries, Blueberry Almond Crisp, Fruit Pizza Cookies and 5-Minute Whipped Ricotta Toast. 

How to Make Blueberry Vinaigrette

Although this dressing requires a bit more than a shake of a jar, it’s just as simple. 

Rinse the blueberries with cool water. As you rinse, gently toss the blueberries with your hands, helping to remove any residual dirt or pesticides. If your blueberries are extra ripe and prone to bursting, you can place them in a bowl of cold water with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to soak for about 10 minutes. 

Transfer the berries to a clean tea towel and lightly pat dry (this will prevent your balsamic blueberry vinaigrette from becoming diluted with excess water!). 

​Once dry, add all of the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth and pureed. 

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then pour your new favorite dressing into a glass jar or directly onto your recipe of choice. 

Can I make this homemade salad dressing without a blender?

I will admit a blender is preferred when making this blueberry salad dressing. It’s the only appliance that is going to make it completely smooth and creamy. But, if you don’t mind a small amount of texture and grit in your dressing, a mini food processor or even an immersion blender will work.

If using an immersion blender, place all of the ingredients together in a tall mason jar and blend until as smooth and creamy as possible. 

What can I drizzle blueberry vinaigrette on?

I originally developed this blueberry dressing to pair well with one of my favorite summer salads: My Blueberry Power Salad. It’s the perfect spinach salad that can be thrown together with just a handful of ingredients including blue cheese crumbles and crunchy pistachios. It’s also delicious on this Blueberry Kale Salad with Candied Lemons. 

If salad greens aren’t your thing, don’t worry. This vinaigrette is good for much more than a classic salad. Try it drizzled on this Citrus Avocado Salad, over a slice of Whipped Ricotta Toast, or oven paired with Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini. You can really go outside the box and give your savory grilled cheese an upgrade with a spread of this fruity dressing. 

If you’re winging it, start with any greens – arugula, spinach, kale. Add in something crunchy like walnuts, candied pecans, or homemade croutons. Of course, fresh blueberries are awesome on a salad with this dressing. Add in a hearty, savory cheese like parmesan, gruyere, or goat cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Homemade dressings are practically made for meal prep. You can almost guarantee I’m throwing together at least one quick homemade sauce or salad dressing to make my weeknights and favorite salads even easier.

This delicious blueberry vinaigrette salad dressing will keep for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. If the dressing separates in the fridge simply give it a good shake before using. 

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!