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    Home » Recipes » Salad Dressing

    Blueberry Salad Dressing (Oil-Free)

    Feb 13, 2023 by Kaitlin

    A sweet & tangy Blueberry Salad Dressing recipe made with fresh basil and your choice of white or balsamic vinegar! Drizzle it over your favorite salads for antioxidant-rich blueberry goodness. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, refined sugar-free.)

    Small glass jar with blueberry dressing and spoon

    This blueberry dressing is sweet, tangy, and simple to prepare! The color is richly vibrant and a gorgeous way to perk up your salads.

    It's perfect in the summer or whenever you can find ripe, flavorful berries.

    Blueberries are such a great food to include in your diet. They consistently rank among the top fruits & veggies for antioxidant activity and protection.

    They retain the most nutrients & antioxidants when eaten fresh (not baked or cooked). So this homemade salad dressing is a great way to enjoy their health benefits!

    Fresh berries, basil, vinegar, mustard, and syrup laid out in separate bowls

    Ingredients for Blueberry Dressing

    For this recipe you will blend in a small food processor or high-speed blender:

    • Fresh blueberries: You'll need one cup for this recipe, which is about 5 ounces or half pint. Blueberries are available year round, but their peak season runs from about May through October. I purchase organic whenever possible.
    • White wine vinegar: This is a pretty tangy dressing, so you can reduce the vinegar if desired. Replace a tablespoon or two with water instead. For different flavor profile, you can substitute balsamic vinegar. Lemon juice could also work, but I haven't test that version.
    • Fresh basil: Blueberries and basil are a delightful pairing! I like to include this herb for fresh, bright undertones. But if you don't care for fresh basil or have access to it, then simply omit.
    • Pure maple syrup: This adds a touch more sweetness and balance. Instead, you could use agave nectar or vegan honey to taste.
    • Dijon mustard
    • Salt: I use fine grain salt. Feel free to add black pepper to taste as well.
    Ingredients for blueberry basil dressing in a blender before blending

    Customizing

    Make it sweeter: This dressing is more tangy than sweet as written. So to make it sweeter, simply decrease the vinegar and/or increase the maple syrup (other sweetener of choice).

    Make it creamy: Stir in plain & unsweetened vegan yogurt for a thicker, creamier consistency. Add about a quarter cup or however much you prefer. (This will dull the flavor a little however.)

    Other berries: I'm guessing this recipe could also work with a berry mixture. Try a combination of blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, etc.

    Want more fruity dressing? Try this delicious Strawberry Balsamic Dressing as well!

    Overhead view of blended blueberry dressing in a small blender

    Serving

    Drizzle this vibrant dressing on your favorite salads. It pairs well with simple leafy greens, kale, or a spinach salad.

    Salad ideas: Add berries, thinly sliced onion, seeds, or nuts for protein and crunch to your salad. (I really enjoy these naturally sweetened Maple Vanilla Candied Walnuts.) Or add vegan feta cheese or dairy-free goat cheese.

    Storing

    The texture is best when fresh, but it can be stored in a sealed glass mason jar (or other airtight container) in the refrigerator. I find it keeps for about 4 days.

    Thickness note: This dressing thickens as it sits, and becomes more of a gel-like consistency. So give it a stir before serving.

    Oil-free blueberry basil dressing in a glass jar with spoon

    For more inspiration, also browse all oil-free dressing recipes or summer recipes.

    Small glass jar with blueberry dressing and spoon

    Blueberry Salad Dressing (Oil-Free)

    A sweet and tangy vibrant dressing made with fresh blueberries and basil! Perk up your salads with antioxidant-rich goodness.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Dressing
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup fresh blueberries (about 5 oz. or 1/2 pint)
    • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or balsamic)
    • 2-3 Tbsp. fresh basil
    • 2 tsp. pure maple syrup
    • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
    • 1/8 tsp. salt

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients to a small high-speed blender. Blend for 20-30 seconds until smooth.
    • Taste and adjust flavor if desired. (More syrup for sweeter, etc.)

    Notes

    Yield: Recipe makes about 1 cup dressing.
    Storing: The texture is best when fresh, but it can be stored in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge. It keeps for about 4 days.
    Thickness note: This dressing thickens as it sits, and becomes more of a gel-like consistency. So give it a stir before serving.
    Creamy version: Stir in 1/4 cup dairy-free yogurt.
    Make it sweeter: This dressing is more tangy than sweet as written. To make it sweeter, decrease the vinegar and/or increase the maple syrup.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Blueberry Salad Dressing (Oil-Free)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    23
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    0.1
    g
    0
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    0.01
    g
    0
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    0.1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    0.05
    g
    Potassium
     
    33
    mg
    1
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    5
    g
    2
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    4
    g
    4
    %
    Protein
     
    0.3
    g
    1
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    67
    IU
    1
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    3
    mg
    4
    %
    Calcium
     
    7
    mg
    1
    %
    Iron
     
    0.2
    mg
    1
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this vegan oil-free Blueberry Salad Dressing recipe with basil, also check out:

    • Maple Balsamic Dressing

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Oil-Free Salad Dressing Recipes

    • Maple Dijon Dressing (Vegan Honey Mustard)
    • Vegan French Dressing (Oil-Free)
    • Vegan Ranch Dressing (Oil-Free)
    • Vegan Italian Dressing (Oil-Free)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Joyce

      March 19, 2023 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      This was really tasty and a beautiful color! We used balsamic. Love that it's made without oil too. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        March 19, 2023 at 5:42 pm

        Wonderful to hear! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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