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Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe

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3.9 from 90 reviews

This vibrant Cranberry Vinaigrette combines the tartness of cranberry sauce with the sharpness of red wine vinegar and the smoothness of extra virgin olive oil, creating a flavorful dressing perfect for salads and roasted vegetables. The addition of diced shallot, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper adds depth and balance to this easy-to-make vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Cranberry Vinaigrette Ingredients

  • ½ cup cranberry sauce
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons diced shallot (from 1 small shallot)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shallots: Finely dice one small shallot to yield approximately 2 tablespoons. This will add a mild oniony flavor and texture to the vinaigrette.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup of cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt until well blended.
  3. Incorporate Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the mixture, ensuring a smooth and cohesive vinaigrette.
  4. Add Shallots and Season: Stir in the diced shallots and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Use as a dressing for your favorite salads or drizzled over roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste preference.
  • If cranberry sauce is too thick, thin the vinaigrette with a tablespoon of water or additional vinegar.
  • Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For a smoother texture, blend the ingredients instead of whisking.