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If you are looking for a zingy, fresh, and vibrant dressing that can instantly elevate any salad or dish, the Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This bright and tangy vinaigrette balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the gentle warmth of shallots and herbs, offering a luscious dressing that is as beautiful in color as it is in flavor. Versatile and incredibly easy to whip up, this recipe brings a delightful seasonal twist to everyday meals or festive gatherings, making every bite a celebration of bold, fresh flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element plays an important role, from lending vibrant color to adding layers of flavor or a smooth, luxurious texture. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich and fruity base that smooths out the acidity and blends all flavors together beautifully.
- 1 shallot onion, peeled and roughly chopped: Adds a subtle sharpness and aromatic depth without overpowering the vinaigrette.
- 1 clove garlic, peeled: Brings a gentle hint of warmth and complexity that livens up the dressing.
- â…“ cup fresh cranberries: The star ingredient, these impart bright tartness and gorgeous color to the vinaigrette.
- 1 ½ teaspoons herbs de Provence: A fragrant blend that gives the vinaigrette an herby, fragrant lift with notes of thyme and rosemary.
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the tang of the cranberries and vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Adds just enough natural sweetness to round out the tartness and create harmony.
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Provides the essential acidity that makes this vinaigrette vibrant and bright.
How to Make Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and place them into a small single-serve blender or a jar if you’re using an immersion blender. Each component brings its own charm, so no need to pre-cook anything; the freshness is key here.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Pulse or blend on medium speed until the mixture turns silky smooth. This process only takes a minute or two as the oil emulsifies with the vinegar and the cranberries break down into a luscious sauce. If you like a bit of texture, you can blend slightly less, but most enjoy it fully smooth.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your vinaigrette a quick taste test. If it needs a bit more brightness, add an extra splash of vinegar; if it’s too tart, a touch more honey will balance it perfectly. Every batch can be fine-tuned to your preference.
Step 4: Store Properly
Pour the vinaigrette into an airtight glass jar or bottle. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to seven days, ready to brighten your meals whenever you need.
How to Serve Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or even a few extra fresh cranberries can be a lovely topping when drizzled over salads or roasted vegetables. The vinaigrette’s deep ruby color also makes a pretty splash on white plates, enhancing your presentation with natural beauty.
Side Dishes
This vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads featuring nuts, goat cheese, or roasted squash. It also complements grain bowls, steamed asparagus, or can be drizzled on roasted chicken for a tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant appetizer, serve the Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe as a dipping sauce alongside crusty bread or fresh vegetable crudités. You can even use it as a marinade for pork or turkey to infuse juicy meals with a burst of bright flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover vinaigrette in a sealed glass container in the fridge. It will keep its fresh taste and vibrant color for up to a week, making it a convenient homemade dressing to have on hand for quick meals.
Freezing
Given its olive oil and vinegar base, freezing this vinaigrette is not recommended as it may separate or change texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within the refrigerated storage timeframe.
Reheating
Reheating is unnecessary and discouraged since this vinaigrette shines best cold or at room temperature, preserving its bright flavors and fresh ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work fine if fresh ones aren’t available, though the vinaigrette might be slightly less bright and a bit more watery. Just thaw and drain them before blending for the best texture.
Is there a substitute for the white wine vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar can serve as alternatives and will add their own unique character, though white wine vinegar is ideal for its subtle acidity that complements the cranberries perfectly.
How long does the Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe last?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this vinaigrette will stay fresh and delicious for up to seven days.
Can I make this vinaigrette without honey?
Definitely! For a vegan option or if you prefer less sweetness, you can skip the honey or replace it with maple syrup or agave nectar, keeping the balance just right.
What salads go best with cranberry vinaigrette?
Salads featuring ingredients like mixed greens, spinach, nuts, feta or goat cheese, and fruits like apples or pears pair beautifully, making the cranberry vinaigrette a perfect match.
Final Thoughts
If you want to add a splash of color, brightness, and seasonal charm to your meals, you must try this Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s quick to make, stores well, and transforms simple dishes into memorable experiences. Once you give it a go, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all year round to brighten your salads and beyond!
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Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Cranberry Vinaigrette is a tangy and flavorful dressing made with fresh cranberries, aromatic herbs, and a hint of honey. Perfect for adding a zesty twist to salads, it combines the brightness of white wine vinegar and the richness of extra virgin olive oil, complemented by shallot and garlic for depth and complexity. Quick to prepare and versatile, it’s a delightful way to elevate your greens or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- â…“ cup fresh cranberries
- 1 ½ teaspoons herbs de provence
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, shallot, garlic, fresh cranberries, herbs de provence, salt, honey, and white wine vinegar.
- Blend Ingredients: Add all ingredients to a small single-serve blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, place them in a jar and use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Store Properly: Transfer the vinaigrette to an airtight container such as a glass jar and refrigerate. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 7 days.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor; frozen can be used but may alter texture slightly.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste for desired sweetness.
- The vinaigrette can be shaken before use if ingredients separate.
- Perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade.
- Ensure the vinaigrette is kept refrigerated to maintain freshness.
