Continuing down the popular balsamic vinegar recipes trail, this tangy blueberry dressing recipe is the quintessential taste of summer and best of all? It only has 3 ingredients. You’ll keep a jar of blueberry preserves in your pantry just to make it…it’s worth a bookmark!
It’s no secret that balsamic vinegar is one of the best salad dressing ingredients. If you’ve been around for a while, you probably have seen me whip up a fig balsamic vinegar vinaigrette, an ever-popular balsamic vinaigrette and a fresh and light white balsamic vinegar salad dressing. This time around, a jar of blueberry preserves teams up with balsamic vinegar and olive oil and is the sweet centerpiece of a rich and thick blueberry dressing recipe.
You’re going to dream up things to put it on…pssst: this summer blueberry salad is a good start!
Ingredient spotlight: blueberry preserves
The star ingredient in this tangy blueberry vinaigrette dressing comes from a jar of blueberry preserves. My favorite brands of blueberry preserves and jams are ones that are as natural as possible. No need for a ton of extra sugar right?
Here are some to pick up at your grocer to keep on hand when the blueberry vinaigrette craving hits (and hit it will!):
- Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Jam
- Bonne Maman Wild Blueberry Preserves
- 365 Blueberry Fruit Spread from Whole Foods
- Smucker's Natural Spread or Sugar-Free Blueberry Preserves
And if making homemade blueberry preserves is your jam (see what I did there?), be sure to check out Pip and Ebby's instant pot jam recipe. It’s a good one!
What’s the difference between blueberry jam and preserves?
It’s pretty straightforward. Preserves have big pieces or chunks. Many times, whole berries such as blueberries because they’re already small are “preserved" in the jar. Jams use the pulp of the fruit and are popular because they spread much easier in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
How to make balsamic blueberry dressing
Where to use blueberry dressing
We’ve already established this is a summer salad dressing but it also would be right at home drizzled over:
- Juicy chicken breasts (grilled or cooked with my foolproof chicken breasts)
- A pork tenderloin
- Spooned over some brie on a cheese board with some crackers or crostini.
Storage and Freezer Tips
Freezer tips. Believe it or not, but you can freeze balsamic vinaigrette! Pour into a freezer safe container or bag and freeze solid. See below for defrost tips.
Storage. Stored blueberry balsamic dressing in sealed, airtight container for up to two weeks.
How to Thaw Frozen Vinaigrette
Remove from freezer and defrost upright sitting in a glass in the fridge overnight. Or fill a glass with warm water and place the bag in the water until the vinaigrette is softened. Shake until mixed together.
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📖 Recipe
Balsamic Blueberry Dressing
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup blueberry jam, spread or preserves
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium measuring cup, bowl or Mason jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and oil.⅓ cup balsamic vinegar, ⅓ cup olive oil
- Whisk in blueberry jam until well blended and slightly thickened. Or if using a mason jar, seal firmly with a lid and shake until completely mixed and thick.⅓ cup blueberry jam, spread or preserves
- Season with salt and pepper.½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper
Notes
Whisking Alternatives:
- If you have a hard time whisking, hold the whisk between the palm of both hands and swish back and forth (like you're washing your hands) while keeping the whisk at the bottom of the measuring cup the whole time.
- Follow the recipe but place the ingredients in a jelly or canning jar. Shake vigorously to incorporate and mix the dressing.
About Lori Murphy
Lori has over 30 years in the food industry as a marketing strategist, culinary instructor and chef for three kids with discerning palates. As the chief content creator at Josie + Nina, Lori is dedicated to helping home cooks create food memories through fresh ingredients and Italian flavors.
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