Homemade Cranberry Vinaigrette: Your Ultimate Sweet & Tangy Fall & Winter Salad Dressing

Elevate your seasonal salads with this irresistible Homemade Cranberry Vinaigrette! Bursting with a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes, this vibrant dressing is more than just a condiment; it’s a flavor experience. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or a festive winter gathering, it brings a refreshing zest that complements a wide array of dishes.

This luscious dressing is a staple on our Thanksgiving table, always served alongside a fresh, crisp side salad. Its unique profile not only enhances the flavors of any green salad but also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and even makes a fantastic marinade. Don’t miss trying it on our delightful Apple Cranberry Salad – a match made in culinary heaven!

Why This Cranberry Vinaigrette Is a Must-Try

Cranberries are synonymous with the autumn season, and for good reason. Their peak harvest during fall brings forth their vibrant color and distinct tart flavor, making them a star ingredient in countless seasonal recipes. As soon as the first cool fronts arrive, kitchens everywhere begin to fill with cranberry-infused delights, and this homemade cranberry vinaigrette is no exception.

The inspiration for this particular recipe struck during a Thanksgiving season when I found myself with an abundance of leftover cranberry sauce. Rather than letting it go to waste, I sought a creative way to transform it into something new and exciting. The result was this incredible vinaigrette, a testament to culinary ingenuity and the joy of repurposing ingredients.

Beyond being a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving feast, this sweet and tangy cranberry dressing offers a brilliant solution for post-holiday meal planning. Imagine a hearty leftover turkey salad, elevated by the bright, refreshing notes of this dressing. It’s a simple yet effective way to extend the flavors of the holiday season and ensure nothing goes to waste.

Making your own salad dressing like this cranberry vinaigrette offers several advantages over store-bought alternatives. Firstly, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid artificial preservatives, excessive sugars, and unhealthy oils often found in commercial dressings. Secondly, the fresh, vibrant flavor of homemade dressing is simply unparalleled. You’ll taste the difference, and so will your guests!

Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Vinaigrette

Crafting this delicious dressing requires just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way these core components come together to create a complex and balanced flavor profile.

• Grapeseed Oil: A neutral-flavored oil that allows the other ingredients to shine. Its light texture is perfect for vinaigrettes.
• Cranberry Sauce: The star of the show! Whether homemade or store-bought (jelly or whole berry will work, though whole berry adds more texture), this provides the quintessential cranberry flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a classic tangy acidity that brightens the entire dressing.
• Maple Syrup: Offers a natural, nuanced sweetness that beautifully complements the tartness of the cranberries.
• Whole Grain Mustard: Contributes a subtle depth, a touch of spice, and acts as a natural emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and vinegar together.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• Water: Optional, for thinning the vinaigrette to your desired consistency.

Refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact quantities.

Recipe Walkthrough: Easy Instructions

Creating this flavorful cranberry vinaigrette is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort and time. Even if you’re new to making homemade dressings, you’ll find this recipe a breeze to follow. This section provides a clear overview of the steps. For comprehensive, detailed instructions, please consult the complete recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

• Step 1: Combine Ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, add the grapeseed oil, cranberry sauce, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, and whole grain mustard. Ensure all ingredients are present for optimal flavor balance.
• Step 2: Blend and Season. Using an immersion (stick) blender or a countertop blender, blend the mixture thoroughly until it achieves a smooth, well-emulsified consistency. If the vinaigrette is too thick for your preference, gradually add a small amount of water until it reaches your desired pourable texture. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to perfect the flavor profile.

Making vinaigrettes and salad dressings at home is typically a quick and gratifying process. I personally favor using my immersion blender for its convenience and ease of cleanup. It’s compact and doesn’t take up much space in the sink or dishwasher. However, feel free to use a traditional stand blender or even a food processor if that’s what you have on hand. All these tools will yield a beautifully smooth and emulsified dressing.

Creative Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to customize recipes to suit your taste or what you have available. This cranberry vinaigrette is highly adaptable, allowing for several delicious variations and substitutions:

• Oil Alternatives: While grapeseed oil is recommended for its neutral flavor, you can easily substitute it with other healthy oils like avocado oil or a light-flavored extra virgin olive oil. Be mindful that olive oil has a stronger flavor profile, so choose one that complements cranberries.
• Using Fresh Cranberries: If you have fresh cranberries on hand and want to use them instead of canned sauce, you certainly can! You’ll need to cook them down first. Combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries with ¼ cup water and 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup (or sugar) in a small saucepan. Simmer until the cranberries burst and soften, then cool completely before using in the recipe. You might need to add slightly more water to thin the vinaigrette.
• Vinegar Swaps: Experiment with different vinegars to alter the tang. Apple cider vinegar offers a fruity, slightly milder acidity, while balsamic vinegar will give a richer, darker, and slightly sweeter flavor profile.
• Sweetener Options: Instead of maple syrup, you can use honey for a different kind of natural sweetness, or even brown sugar for a richer, more caramel-like note. Adjust the amount to your desired level of sweetness.
• Mustard Variety: For a slightly sharper, spicier kick, use Dijon mustard in place of whole grain mustard. If you prefer a milder taste, a touch of classic yellow mustard can also work.
• Herb and Spice Infusions: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried ginger, a dash of cinnamon, or even some fresh rosemary or thyme (finely minced) to the blend. Citrus zest, like orange or lemon, also pairs wonderfully with cranberries.

Feel free to get creative and make this cranberry vinaigrette truly your own!

Necessary Gear: Equipment for Smooth Preparation

Preparing this cranberry vinaigrette is incredibly simple and doesn’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets. You’ll only need a couple of basic items:

• Blender: An immersion blender (stick blender) is my top recommendation due to its ease of use and minimal cleanup. It perfectly emulsifies the dressing directly in your mixing bowl. Alternatively, a standard countertop blender or a food processor will also work perfectly to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Mixing Bowls: A few sturdy mixing bowls of various sizes will be helpful for combining ingredients and for the blending process.
• Airtight Container/Jar: Essential for storing your freshly made vinaigrette in the refrigerator.

That’s it! With these simple tools, you’re ready to whip up a batch of this delicious dressing.

How to Store and Enjoy Leftovers

Proper storage ensures your homemade cranberry vinaigrette remains fresh and flavorful for days, allowing you to enjoy its delightful taste whenever a salad craving strikes.

• Refrigeration: Store this cranberry vinaigrette in a clean, airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 5 days. Before each use, give it a good shake or a quick whisk, as the ingredients may naturally separate when stored.
• Freezing: For longer-term storage, this vinaigrette can be frozen. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
• Thawing Tips: It’s completely normal for the vinaigrette to separate upon thawing. Don’t worry, its quality isn’t compromised. Simply whisk it vigorously or give it a quick pulse with your immersion blender again, and it will emulsify back to its smooth, delicious state.

Having a batch of this versatile cranberry vinaigrette ready in your fridge means you’re always just moments away from a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly tasty meal!

Serving Suggestions Beyond Salads

While this cranberry vinaigrette is undeniably exquisite on a fresh green salad, its versatility extends far beyond the salad bowl. Get creative and explore these other delicious ways to incorporate its sweet and tangy flavor into your meals:

• Marinade: Use it as a marinade for chicken, turkey, or pork. The vinegar tenderizes the meat, and the cranberry flavor infuses it with a delightful sweetness.
• Glaze for Roasted Meats: Brush it over roasted chicken or turkey during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking for a beautiful, flavorful glaze.
• Drizzle for Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or carrots with this vinaigrette for a bright finish.
• Grain Bowl Dressing: Elevate your quinoa, farro, or rice bowls with a generous drizzle. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, nuts, and cheeses.
• Sandwich or Wrap Spread: Spread a thin layer on your favorite sandwiches or wraps, especially those featuring turkey or chicken.
• Fruit Salad Enhancer: A light drizzle over a fruit salad with apples, pears, and berries can add an unexpected tangy twist.
• Cheese Board Companion: Serve a small bowl of the vinaigrette alongside a cheese board with crackers and fruit. It offers a refreshing counterpoint to rich cheeses.

Don’t limit yourself! This cranberry vinaigrette can be a secret weapon in your culinary arsenal for adding a burst of flavor to almost any dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cranberry Vinaigrette

• Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
  A: Yes, absolutely! You’ll need to cook them down first. See the “Creative Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas” section above for detailed instructions on how to prepare fresh cranberries for this recipe.
• Q: Is this vinaigrette healthy?
  A: Compared to many store-bought dressings, this homemade cranberry vinaigrette is a healthier choice. It uses natural sweeteners and healthy oils, and you control the amount of salt and sugar. Cranberries themselves are packed with antioxidants.
• Q: My vinaigrette separated after sitting. Is it still good?
  A: Yes, separation is perfectly normal for homemade vinaigrettes as they don’t contain artificial emulsifiers. Simply give it a good shake or whisk before serving to recombine the ingredients.
• Q: How can I make this vinaigrette spicier?
  A: To add a kick, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper, or a small amount of finely minced fresh ginger to the mixture before blending.
• Q: Can I make this vegan?
  A: Yes, this recipe is already vegan, assuming your cranberry sauce and maple syrup are vegan-friendly!

Similar Recipes I Think You’ll Love

If you enjoy the delightful flavors of cranberry, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic recipes that feature this versatile fruit, perfect for your fall and winter menus:

• Cranberry Salad
• Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
• Dried Cranberry Sauce Recipe
• Apple Cranberry Salad
• Cranberry Apple Rice Pilaf
• Pesto Dressing

Mel’s Kitchen Notes: Culinary Inspiration

Here’s a tip from my kitchen to yours: Prepare my refreshing Apple Cranberry Salad, then add some savory chopped leftover turkey (from your Thanksgiving feast!) and generously top it all with this incredible cranberry vinaigrette. It’s a truly spectacular and easy way to reinvent and enjoy those wonderful Thanksgiving leftovers, transforming them into a fresh and exciting meal!

If you’ve tried this delightful Cranberry Vinaigrette recipe or any other fantastic recipe from my site, please share your experience in the comment section below! We genuinely love hearing from our readers and value your feedback. Your stories and tips are always an encouragement!

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Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Delicious Cranberry Vinaigrette, made with just a few ingredients – perfect to compliment a fall salad with a sweet and slightly tangy drizzle.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 5 mins

Servings: 8

Cuisine: Salads

Author: Melanie Cagle

Video

Equipment

• Stick Blender
• Glass Mixing Bowls
• Salad utensils

Ingredients

• ½ Cup Grapeseed Oil
• 1 Cup Cranberry Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Whole Grain Mustard
• 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients, except the salt and pepper, to a medium mixing bowl.
2. Using a stick blender, blend all for a few pulses until satisfied with the texture. If you want to thin it out, use a little water as needed.
3. Add Salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

I like to make this recipe with my leftover cranberry sauce. It is a perfect salad to have using up your leftover turkey too!

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Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 62mg | Sugar: 13g

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