Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh salads and homemade dressings, and this sweet raspberry vinaigrette is an excellent choice for both. With just a few simple ingredients, this versatile vinaigrette adds a delightful touch to salads, marinades, and roasted vegetables.

It’s salad season, and there’s something incredibly refreshing about a crisp, vibrant salad on a warm day. One of my all-time favorite fruits is raspberries. Their natural sweetness and bright flavor make them a perfect ingredient for a variety of dishes, including this scrumptious raspberry vinaigrette. I adore using fresh raspberries to make jam, and then I turn that jam into this delightful dressing.

Our summer days have been wonderfully busy with all the joys of gardening, caring for our new goats, and navigating the unseasonable heat. The temperatures have been soaring, making me reluctant to turn on the stove or oven. Instead, I’ve been embracing simpler meal preparations that allow me to stay cool and enjoy the bounties of our garden.

Grilling is a favorite summer activity, and we often find ourselves preparing meals on the grill or enjoying simple sandwiches. But sometimes, a fresh salad is just what we need to complete our meal. There’s something deeply satisfying about heading out to the garden, picking out fresh vegetables, and creating a delicious salad to accompany our supper.

I’ve always preferred making my own dressings at home. They allow me to control the ingredients and flavors, ensuring that each batch is tailored to my taste. This raspberry vinaigrette is a prime example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s remarkably easy to make and offers a lovely balance of sweetness and tanginess. The fresh, fruity flavor of raspberries pairs beautifully with a variety of greens and can also elevate the taste of grilled or roasted dishes.

Ingredients for Raspberry Vinaigrette:

Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a tangy depth to the vinaigrette, balancing out the sweetness of the raspberry jam. Red wine vinegar is made from fermented red wine, giving it a robust flavor that complements the fruitiness of the raspberries. Its acidity helps to cut through the richness of the olive oil, creating a well-rounded dressing.

Raspberry Jam: Provides natural sweetness and a rich raspberry flavor. Using jam, rather than fresh raspberries, ensures that the vinaigrette has a consistent sweetness and a smooth texture. The jam also helps to thicken the vinaigrette slightly, giving it a nice body and mouthfeel.

Pinch of Sea Salt: Enhances the overall taste and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients. Sea salt is preferred because it has a more delicate flavor and can add subtle nuances to the dressing. Just a pinch is enough to elevate the taste without overwhelming the vinaigrette.

Freshly Ground Pepper: Adds a hint of spice to complement the sweetness. Freshly ground pepper is ideal because it has a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. It adds a gentle heat that balances the sweet and tangy notes of the vinaigrette.

Cup of Olive Oil: Serves as the base of the dressing, giving it a smooth, rich texture. Olive oil is a healthy fat that not only adds a lovely richness to the vinaigrette but also helps to emulsify the other ingredients. Its mild flavor ensures that it doesn’t overpower the raspberry jam.

How to Make Raspberry Vinaigrette

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, raspberry jam, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. This blend of ingredients creates a harmonious base for the vinaigrette. The acidity of the vinegar and the sweetness of the jam combine to create a balanced flavor profile, while the salt and pepper enhance and round out the taste.

Incorporate Olive Oil: Gradually add the olive oil to the mixture, whisking continuously to blend it smoothly into the other ingredients. This step helps to emulsify the dressing, giving it a perfect consistency. Whisking the oil in slowly ensures that it integrates well with the vinegar and jam, creating a smooth and cohesive vinaigrette.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste the vinaigrette and add more salt and pepper if needed. Once adjusted to your preference, transfer the vinaigrette to a jar or bottle and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. Refrigerating the vinaigrette allows the flavors to meld and develop, making it even more delicious when served.

This raspberry vinaigrette is incredibly versatile. It not only makes salads sing but also works wonderfully as a marinade for red meats like beef or venison. The tangy sweetness pairs exceptionally well with the robust flavors of these meats, creating a delightful and unique taste experience. The vinaigrette can help tenderize the meat while adding a burst of flavor that complements its richness.

Additionally, drizzling this vinaigrette over roasted vegetables adds a burst of flavor that transforms a simple side dish into something extraordinary. The sweet and tangy notes of the vinaigrette caramelize on the vegetables during roasting, creating a delicious glaze that enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

This recipe is a wonderful way to make use of seasonal raspberries and add a touch of homemade goodness to your meals. It’s a delightful dressing that reflects the warmth and simplicity of summer. Whether you’re preparing a garden-fresh salad, marinating meats, or enhancing roasted vegetables, this raspberry vinaigrette is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

As you enjoy the rest of the summer, I hope this raspberry vinaigrette brings joy and flavor to your meals. It’s a beautiful way to savor the season’s best and share a bit of homemade goodness with your loved ones. Wishing you many happy and flavorful meals ahead!

If you try this raspberry vinaigrette recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to leave a five-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card if you enjoyed it, and tag me on Instagram @therusticelk to share your creations! For more delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Facebook. Happy cooking!