Balsamic Cherry Vinaigrette
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This cherry vinaigrette brings a burst of fruity freshness to your summer salads and takes just minutes to whip up. The cherries provide a tart sweetness that melds with the white balsamic vinegar, balancing them with a little tangy acidity. It’s a delicious, summery dressing that elevates crisp, leafy mixed greens!
Cherry alert! When I spot those little red gems of joy at the farmer’s market, I know that the wait for summer is finally over. My family is cherry-crazy, and this cherry vinaigrette recipe is our way of celebrating the season. It gives a burst of sweet, tangy, and tart flavors with every drizzle, and the best part? It’s refined-sugar free, thanks to the natural sweetness of the cherries!
How to use this cherry vinaigrette
Ok, so now for the important bit: how to use it.
- For salads, I like to combine the sweet, tart flavor of cherries with dark, peppery leafy greens such as arugula or fresh spinach, or fresh herbs like basil. Try splashing some over your favorite salad recipes, like this spring mix salad, a fresh cherry salad, or this arugula wild rice salad. Thank me later!
- With cheese: And can we talk about the magic that happens when the sweet and tart flavors of the cherry vinaigrette meet the savory tang of feta cheese or goat’s cheese? Seriously, drizzle this liquid gold onto salads with a tangy cheese, and add a crack of black pepper for good measure.
- Grains: It’s not just for leafy dishes – it’s also delicious on grain-based salads. This summer quinoa salad already has cherries in it – the recipe includes a lemon vinaigrette, but you can swap it out for this cherry version! This asparagus salad with balsamic glaze pairs well with a splash of cherry; keep the balsamic glaze for a cherry balsamic vinaigrette.
For other fruity vinaigrettes, try a raspberry vinaigrette or a strawberry vinaigrette!
Frequently asked questions
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Can I use frozen cherries?
If you’re lucky enough to have a stash of cherries in your freezer, you can use them in this recipe. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before blending.
How do I store cherry vinaigrette?
If you store this in an airtight container or jar, it’ll have a refrigerated shelf life of about 5 days, so that you can enjoy it all week. Give it a good shake after removing it from the refrigerator to recombine the ingredients before use.
Can I freeze cherry vinaigrette?
I like this cherry salad dressing best when it’s fresh. However, it will work if you freeze it. Put it in a mason jar and freeze it for up to three months.
How do I remove the cherry pits?
After you remove the stems, you can either remove the pit with a cherry pitter or cut it open avocado-style.
Balsamic Cherry Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pitted cherries (packed)
- ⅓ cup avocado oil (or another neutral flavored oil)
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic (or sub apple cider vinegar)
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Put the ingredients into your blender and blend on high until smooth.1 cup fresh pitted cherries, ⅓ cup avocado oil, 3 tablespoons white balsamic, A pinch of sea salt
- Keeps well for 5-6 days in your fridge.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
More salad dressing recipes
For more inspiration, check out all of our summer recipes!
I had some fresh cherries on hand so I thought I’d give this a try. There’s only two of us so I cut the recipe in half. I substituted what
I had on hand – canola oil and a combination of rice vinegar with a splash of red balsamic. I whipped it up in my bullet blender and it was delicious! This recipe is definitely a keeper.
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe!!
What kind of cherries taste best with this?
We make this with bing cherries, although I’m sure others would taste great, too. 🙂
Just made Cherry dressing with blue cheese chunks on a spinach salad, wow !Delish!