Creamy Strawberry Salad Dressing for Fresh Fruit or Greens

Sneak Preview: This Creamy Strawberry Salad Dressing is a slightly sweet yogurt-based dressing recipe that complements fresh fruit, lettuce, or spinach. The Greek yogurt adds protein to this low-calorie dressing, which checks in at 91 calories per serving (2 tablespoons). Use fresh or frozen berries, cooked or uncooked–suit yourself.

Creamy Strawberry Salad Dressing sitting beside spinach salad and strawberriesPin

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I used to empty the shelf at the grocery store anytime I found strawberry yogurt salad dressing in stock.  However, my conscience bothered me when I read the ingredient list and looked at the price. Attempts to create my own version at home were never quite good enough–until now.

Three Reasons Why You Will Eat More Salad When You Have This Dressing in the Fridge

  1. You’ll appreciate all the money and calories you save by making Creamy Strawberry Salad Dressing at home.
  2. Try it served over vacuum-packed romaine lettuce, fresh spinach, or a plate of fresh fruit.
  3. Add blue cheese or feta, sliced avocados, and/or dried cranberries for a colorful salad with tons of flavor.

Happy Cooks Speak Up

“I found this much better without adding the sweetener/sugar. Overall, SO delicious!!”–LEPTOSIPHAN


Ingredients and Substitutions

  • STRAWBERRIES: Use fresh or frozen unsweetened strawberries. I have not tested this recipe with other fruit, but I suspect blueberries or raspberries would also work.
  • VINVEGAR: My favorite vinegar for this recipe is apple cider vinegar. Substitute white vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar.
  • COCONUT AMINOS OR LITE SOY SAUCE: Coconut aminos is gluten-free. It won’t make your dressing taste like coconut. The taste is slightly sweeter than lite soy sauce, which is more savory and salty.
  • SWEETENER: I favor liquid or granular Stevia in this recipe to cut calories. Swap your favorite sugar-free sweetener, granulated sugar, or honey if you prefer.
  • ONION POWDER: Eating anything with raw onions is banned at my house, so onion powder is how I add the flavor. Use yellow, white, or red onions if you enjoy a fresh onion flavor.
  • LEMON JUICE: Fresh or frozen lemon juice packs the most punch. Use bottled lemon juice only if you’re desperate.
  • GREEK YOGURT: Since I make Greek yogurt at home, that is what I use. Replace ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt with regular unflavored yogurt; you won’t need to add as much water. (The calorie count is based on low-fat Greek yogurt.)
  • DIJON MUSTARD: Use dry or prepared mustard instead of Dijon mustard if you need a substitute.
  • OIL: My preference is avocado oil or olive oil. Use vegetable or canola oil if that’s what you have.

Should I Use Fresh or Frozen Strawberries?

You can use either. It’s a good way to use fresh berries a little past their prime. Make sure to throw away any with mold or soft spots.

Using frozen berries means they are conveniently available at any time of the year. They are usually sweeter than out-of-season strawberries.


Why Cook the Strawberries

If I have some frozen strawberries, I microwave them with vinegar first. I like using the microwave because no stirring is needed. Of course, you can cook them on the stove if you prefer. (Watch the video to see them cooked.)

It is not necessary to cook the berries at all. The color is more intense, and the flavor is fresher (at least when using fresh berries).

Directions for both are included in the recipe below.


About the Yogurt

  • Substitute any unflavored yogurt for the Greek yogurt specified in the recipe. However, substituting thinner or thicker yogurt may require adjusting the amount of water you add at the end.
  • No yogurt in the house? Try substituting sour cream for yogurt.
  • Yogurt gets thicker as it chills. Consequently, don’t hesitate to add more water if your dressing is too thick after refrigeration.

How To Make Strawberry Salad Dressing with Yogurt

Note: If you use fresh strawberries and prefer uncooked ones, skip step #1. Chop them first, then add them to the mixing bowl before proceeding to step 2.

frozen strawberries before cookingPin
Step 1: Measure out strawberries and vinegar and cook in the microwave for four minutes (5 minutes if the berries are frozen). Cook on top of the stove if you prefer.
Adding remaining ingredients for Strawberry DressingPin
Step 2: Add remaining ingredients. (Don’t forget to add the vinegar if using uncooked strawberries.)
using an immersible blender to mix up dressingPin
Step 3: Use an immersion blender (or a food processor or regular blender) to combine ingredients until smooth.
Finished Strawberry Salad Dressing after blendingPin
Step 4: Store in the refrigerator. Stays fresh for two weeks.

FAQs About Creamy Strawberry Yogurt Dressing

What is the difference between a strawberry vinaigrette and a creamy strawberry dressing?

A vinaigrette is lighter – think oil and vinegar flavored with pureed strawberries. In general, creamy dressings have yogurt, mayonnaise, or sour cream added. It can be thick enough to serve as a dip or slightly thinned with water for a salad dressing.

What makes this dressing creamy?

The yogurt. Not only is it creamy, but Greek yogurt adds protein.

Can I freeze this dressing?

I don’t recommend it. Yogurt tends to separate during the thawing process.

How do I store this dressing?

Because of the perishable strawberries and yogurt, it must be refrigerated.

What kind of salad is best with this dressing?

Traditionally, many people use strawberry dressing on spinach salad. It’s also good with mixed greens or fresh fruit. I like to store it in individual servings and carry it to work for my daily “salad in a jar.”

My dressing is too thick to pour. What can I do?

Add water and whisk well to make the dressing pourable.

How much is a serving of this dressing, and how many calories is it?

One serving equals two tablespoons and contains 91 calories when using an artificial sweetener. If you prefer granulated sugar or honey, sweeten to taste.

Can I add poppy seeds to this recipe?

Yes. They add textural and visual interest and are popular in strawberry salads.
Note: Did you know poppy seeds should be stored in the fridge to keep them from going rancid too quickly? It’s a fact.

Parting thoughts: I know this recipe is a bit of trouble. But when you have a few strawberries in the freezer or fridge, this dressing is a nice change of pace. Like any recipe, the first time you make it takes longer. After a couple of times, you won’t need a recipe.

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If you have used this recipe in the past, please note that I have changed the amount of oil to make the dressing creamier and smoother. You can cut it back if you prefer.

Help at Your Fingertips: For questions or suggestions, email Paula at saladinajar.com. If you need help, I’m happy to troubleshoot via email (faster than leaving a comment). Attach pictures and as many details as possible for the best advice.

Strawberry Yogurt Salad Dressing--in a pitcherPin
Yield: 12 servings

Creamy Strawberry Salad Dressing Recipe

Making Creamy Strawberry Salad Dressing with Greek Yogurt at home is a tasty but healthy way to add flavor, protein, and color to a fresh fruit or lettuce salad.

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(5 stars if you loved it)

5 from 17 votes
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Video

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup (166 g) fresh (or frozen) unsweetened strawberries unsweetened strawberries
  • ¼ cup (58 g) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) coconut aminos or lite soy sauce
  • 4 packets (4) artificial sweetener (or use a tablespoon of maple syrup or sugar)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice half of a small lemon
  • ¼ cup (70 g) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup (109 g) olive or avocado oil
  • ¼ cup (57 g) water may need to add more water after dressing has chilled to make it pourable.

Instructions

  • If you want to cook the strawberries: Place berries and vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl no smaller than one quart-size. Microwave for 4-5 minutes on HIGH (add a minute if berries are frozen). No stirring is necessary.
  • Remove berries from the microwave and add remaining ingredients.
  • For fresh strawberries: Add destemmed and coarsely chopped 1 cup (166 g) fresh (or frozen) unsweetened strawberries to a medium-sized mixing bowl along with ¼ cup (58 g) apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15 g) coconut aminos or lite soy sauce, 4 packets (4) artificial sweetener, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ¼ cup (70 g) plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ cup (109 g) olive or avocado oil, and ¼ cup (57 g) water.
  • Use an
    immersion blender,
    food processor, or a regular blender to combine until smooth. Stir in water as needed.
  • Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • The coconut aminos will not give this dressing a coconut flavor. It’s a great soy-free substitute for soy sauce.
  • Add more or less sweetener or sugar, depending on your tastes.
  • Add water if the dressing thickens as it sits in the refrigerator. The more water you add, the fewer calories per tablespoon.
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 0.3mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.1mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

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8 Comments

  1. Leptosiphon says:

    5 stars
    I found this much better without adding the sweetener/sugar. Overall, SO delicious!!

    1. So happy you liked it. Sugar and sweetener are always optional. A lot depends on how sweet your fruit is naturally, and of course, the intensity of your sweet tooth.

  2. Carol Kato says:

    What is a serving size? 2 tablespoons? 1 tablespoon? 1 teaspoon?
    I’m food tracking, so before I make this, that Lifetime will be helpful.

  3. YUM! I have never had this dressing, but what’s not to like? I actually have a wicked sweet tooth, and I bet this would help me with that on occasion. I bet it would be good on a kale salad as well. I am a bit of a kale junkie since I truly like the bitter greens. I will try this very soon, Paula, and thanks for the recipe!

    1. Yes, Becky! I’m guessing it would be delicious on kale, although I’m not a kale junkie. I should follow your example.