Raspberry-Shallot Vinaigrette

• This pretty raspberry vinaigrette adds tangy-sweet flavor to leafy greens, veggies and grains.
• This vinaigrette is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
• For an alternate flavor, consider using strawberries or red-wine vinegar.

This Raspberry-Shallot Vinaigrette is as versatile and beautiful as it is tasty. Because we use real raspberries, not just raspberry flavoring like some store-bought dressings, this vinaigrette provides fiber, antioxidants and immune-boosting vitamin C. Champagne vinegar is more subtle than other vinegars, offering a light floral lift, while the shallot brings a gentle bite and depth. The olive oil lends a rich mouthfeel, and honey softens every edge into a balanced, velvety dressing. Keep reading for our expert tips, including what ingredient substitutions can be made.  

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• We suggest using fresh raspberries because they blend more easily, but you can use frozen. Just thaw them slightly first.
• For a dressing with an extra-smooth finish, strain the vinaigrette through a fine-mesh sieve.
• Use strawberries or red-wine vinegar for an alternative flavor. Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra body and depth.
• Consider adding fresh herbs, such as mint or basil, to the dressing for a more herbaceous flavor.

Nutrition Notes

• Raspberries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber, all great for your immune system and gut. Regularly eating raspberries has been linked with healthier cholesterol and blood sugar levels. 
• Olive oil brings its own set of antioxidants to this vinaigrette, as well as heart- and brain-healthy fats. When you include olive oil regularly in your diet, you may experience less chronic inflammation and reduce your risk of heart disease and dementia. 
• Honey is a natural sweetener with some potential nutritional benefits, including inflammation-calming antioxidants. If you eat it regularly, you may even experience healthier cholesterol levels.
• Shallots are in the same family as onions and have a similar nutritional profile. Shallots provide vitamins C and A and zinc—great for supporting your immune system.