Do you need a new dressing to add in to your salad rotation? I love the flavor in this Raspberry Dijon Vinaigrette. With good aged balsamic vinegar, fresh raspberries, Dijon mustard and brightly colored and tartly flavored cranberry juice, this dressing is a perfect balance of tart and sweet.

A perfect compliment for greens, fruit and greens, or our fruit and flowers salad

This dressing is a great one for a simple green salad. It’s also great on a green salad with fruit, or even just a Fruit and Flowers Fruit Salad.

This fruit salad makes a statement with bold colors and flavors ~ drizzle with Raspberry Dijon Vinaigrette for a little more pop.

Creamy and pretty in color, this dressing is such a burst of flavor. I could eat salad everyday and sometimes at several meals throughout the day. Having a new dressing to make is just what’s needed to keep things fresh and exciting!

How about you? Do you have a favorite dressing? I do love a balsamic vinaigrette. This one is a perfect melding of flavors.

Individual Plated Salads are a great way to make the salad course more special. Chill the salads on pretty salad plates and dress just before serving.

Use good quality ingredients

In dressings, I really don’t like when the olive oil is too strong for the other flavors. So, sometimes, I will mix half avocado oil and half olive oil for a milder taste. Or use a mild and good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Or use a mild vegetable oil for a portion of the oil in this Raspberry Dijon Vinaigrette.

For balsamic vinegar, I try for the same. A high quality and well aged balsamic vinegar of Modena will give a more robust flavor. It also yields a smoother taste.

If you are looking for a great aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena which is also gluten free, check out Ortalli Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. While I love their dark syrupy balsamic, I equally love their white balsamic vinegar. It’s full of flavor and a brightness to it.

Both the vinegars are gluten free. It may seem strange to have to get a balsamic which is gluten free. However, vinegars, even balsamic vinegar can contain gluten because often caramel color or other gluten containing flavors which can be added in.

Picture perfect salads that taste great

I’m sure you’ve noticed that I love salads which look pretty. Using different textures of fruits and vegetables gives this pretty look. Add organic and edible flowers for a little extra touch if you can. They always make a statement.

Or decorate a platter salad with colors and textures of fruits and vegetables as in our Endive Salad with Pear, Gorgonzola, Raspberries, and Pecans.

Raspberry Dijon Vinaigrette (Gluten Free)

A fresh and delicious vinaigrette for any salad! This is a new favorite!

Servings 4 -6 servings

Prep Time 5

Equipment

1 bowl or jar

Ingredients

¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) or mild oil, such as avocado oil
1 tbsb balsamic vinegar, gf
1½ teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, gf
1 teaspoon mayonnaise or omit for egg free
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp cranberry juice, unsweetened
3-5 raspberries
a sprinkle dried basil or oregano, gf
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For a smooth dressing, add the ingredients to a blender. Blend or pulse until smooth and combined.
For a chunkier dressing, add the raspberries to a bowl or jar. Use a fork to first break up the raspberries. Then add the remaining ingredients and whisk together or set a lid on the jar and shake.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Makes ¼ pint of vinaigrette. Refrigerate or use immediately. Refrigerate any remining dressing for up to 2 days.

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: balsamic and raspberry dressing, plum dressing, raspberry vinaigrette, salad dressing, vinaigrette