If you’ve been looking for a bright and flavorful dressing to jazz up your salads or roasted veggies, you’re going to love this Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of tangy cranberry sauce balanced with the warmth of Dijon mustard, the sharpness of red wine vinegar, and the richness of extra virgin olive oil. The subtle bite from shallots and a pinch of salt and pepper complete this dressing, making every bite a delightful burst of fall-inspired freshness. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to vinaigrette for adding that extra zing to everyday meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear food processor bowl holds a mix of ingredients arranged in layers: a thick, chunky deep red layer of cooked berries covers most of the left side; on the right side, small, diced light purple onion pieces spread out beneath a light beige dollop of mustard. A sprinkling of pink salt and cracked black pepper flakes is on top of the onions and mustard. Golden yellow oil is being poured into the bowl from the top right, captured mid-pour. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential to creating a well-balanced Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in layering flavor, texture, and color into your dressing.

Cranberry sauce: Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant red color that makes the vinaigrette pop visually and tastefully.
Red wine vinegar: Provides the necessary acidity to brighten the dressing and balance the sweetness of the cranberries.
Extra virgin olive oil: The base that gives the vinaigrette a luscious texture and rich mouthfeel.
Diced shallot: Offers a subtle pungency and slight crunch, adding complexity without overpowering.
Dijon mustard: Acts as an emulsifier to help blend the ingredients, while contributing a gentle tang.
Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and rounds out the dressing perfectly.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild spice and depth that wakes up your taste buds.

How to Make Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by placing your cranberry sauce and red wine vinegar into a medium bowl. The cranberry sauce brings a fruity sweetness while the red wine vinegar introduces a crisp tang. Mixing these first gives the flavor foundation a chance to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Add the Shallots and Dijon Mustard

Next, stir in the finely diced shallot and Dijon mustard. The shallots add a slight bite and crunch, while the mustard not only boosts flavor but helps emulsify the dressing to keep it smooth and cohesive.

Step 3: Slowly Whisk in Olive Oil

Slowly dribble in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously. This technique helps the oil integrate with the other ingredients, forming a creamy and well-blended vinaigrette with irresistible texture.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Finish by seasoning the vinaigrette with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste as you go until the flavor hits the perfect balance – bright, tangy, and just a little peppery.

How to Serve Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad made of mixed green and purple lettuce leaves, along with light green apple chunks and brown walnut pieces scattered evenly on top. A woman's hand is pouring a thick, bright pink dressing over the salad from a clear glass jar. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred background showing a wooden pepper grinder, two knives with white handles, and a small white dish holding salt and pepper. There are a few whole cranberries lying on the marbled surface near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over your salad dressed with this vinaigrette for an added fresh aroma and bright green contrast. Toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch that complements the vinaigrette’s silky texture perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cranberry vinaigrette is a match made in heaven with roasted root vegetables or a simple mixed greens salad featuring spinach, arugula, and radicchio. It also pairs beautifully with grain bowls loaded with quinoa or farro and roasted squash, making your side dishes burst with color and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the vinaigrette in a small glass jar or a pretty cruet alongside your meal so everyone can dress their salad or plates to taste. Another fun idea is drizzling this vinaigrette over grilled chicken or salmon to add an unexpected pop of fruity tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover cranberry vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Give it a good shake or stir before using again since the oil and vinegar might separate over time.

Freezing

Because of the olive oil, freezing this vinaigrette is not recommended as it can cause the texture to become grainy once thawed, detracting from the smooth consistency you want.

Reheating

This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature; there’s no need to reheat. Just bring it out of the fridge ahead of time and whisk lightly before drizzling over your favorite dishes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

While fresh cranberries provide a tart flavor, they lack the sweetness and texture of cranberry sauce needed for the vinaigrette. If you want to use fresh cranberries, simmer them with sugar to make a quick sauce first.

Is this Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe good for holiday salads?

Absolutely! The flavor profile is festive and vibrant, making it an ideal dressing for holiday salads or fall-inspired meals. It brings a seasonal charm with every bite.

Can I substitute the olive oil with another oil?

You can replace extra virgin olive oil with avocado or grapeseed oil if preferred. These oils have mild flavors and will still create a nice texture, though olive oil adds that classic richness.

How long does homemade cranberry vinaigrette last?

Stored properly in the fridge, this vinaigrette will keep well for up to one week. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before use.

Can I make this vinaigrette vegan?

This Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no animal products. It’s a fantastic plant-based option to add flavor to your salads.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly delightful about making a simple yet stunning Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe that transforms ordinary dishes into spectacular meals. Its balance of sweetness, tang, and spice feels like a warm hug from the fall season on your plate. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how easy and versatile a vinaigrette can be. Trust me, your salad bowl is about to become your favorite part of the meal.