Let’s talk salad dressings. If you enjoy bold, bright flavors, this Cherry Vinaigrette is for you. It balances sweet cherry preserves with the tang of red wine vinegar and a touch of mustard for depth. The result is a lively, versatile dressing that highlights the cherry flavor without overwhelming the salad. It’s simple to make and elevates greens, fruit salads, and cheese-forward salads alike.
I prefer homemade dressings over bottled ones because the flavor is fresher and you can adjust sweetness, acidity, and seasoning to taste. This Cherry Vinaigrette comes together in minutes: simply blend the ingredients until smooth and emulsified. Store it in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate. The dressing keeps well for about two weeks when chilled, and you can shake or whisk it briefly before using if the oil separates.
This vinaigrette pairs especially well with salads featuring Gorgonzola or feta, toasted nuts like almonds or pecans, and fruit such as sliced apples or fresh cherries when in season. It also works nicely as a finishing drizzle for roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a tablespoon or two of warm water or extra vinegar to reach the desired consistency. To adjust sweetness, add more or less cherry preserves, or stir in a teaspoon of honey if you want a milder tartness.
Below is the full recipe card. The recipe yields about 1 2/3 cups of dressing, enough for multiple salads. We often make a little extra to keep on hand for quick salads or to toss with roasted vegetables. Refrigerated, it will stay fresh for up to two weeks; bring it to room temperature briefly and shake well before serving.
Cherry Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Transfer the vinaigrette to a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake or whisk briefly before serving if separated.
Notes
Nutrition
If you try this dressing with our upcoming Cherry Salad with Gorgonzola and toasted almonds, the combination is wonderful—the sweet vinaigrette complements the tangy cheese and crunchy nuts. You can also experiment by substituting toasted pecans or walnuts, adding sliced apples or pears, or tossing the dressing with a mix of bitter and tender greens for contrast.
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Enjoy!
Dianna