Cherry-Chipotle Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

This Cherry-Chipotle Balsamic Vinaigrette is a smoky and tangy recipe, which is made with fresh sweet cherries and chipotle liquid. It’s a restaurant-quality dressing, ready in about 10 minutes.

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Cherry-Chipotle Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients

1 cup Pitted And Halved Fresh Sweet Cherries
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp. Minced Shallot
2 tsp. Liquid From Canned Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How To Make Cherry-Chipotle Balsamic Vinaigrette

Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the cherries, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, shallot, chipotle liquid, and Dijon mustard.
Blend the Base: Pulse the mixture until the cherries are coarsely chopped and the ingredients are combined.
Emulsify the Dressing: With the processor or blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the vinaigrette is smooth and well combined.
Season and Serve: Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or chill until ready to use.

Cherry-Chipotle Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Recipe Tips

What is “liquid from canned chipotle peppers”? This refers to the adobo sauce that the smoked jalapeño (chipotle) peppers are packed in. It’s a key ingredient that provides a deep, smoky flavor and a bit of spicy heat.
How do you get a smooth vinaigrette that doesn’t separate? The secret is to emulsify it properly. Using a blender or food processor and drizzling the olive oil in a slow, steady stream while the machine is running is the key to creating a stable dressing that won’t separate.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This vinaigrette is perfect for making ahead. The flavors will actually meld and become even better after a day in the refrigerator. Just store it in an airtight jar and give it a good shake before using.
What are the best cherries to use? Fresh, ripe, sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier are the best choices. Their natural sweetness provides the perfect balance to the tangy vinegar and smoky chipotle.

What To Serve With Cherry-Chipotle Vinaigrette

This is a bold and flavorful dressing that can elevate many dishes. It is fantastic served:

Drizzled over a salad of fresh greens (like arugula) with crumbled blue cheese, toasted pecans, and more fresh cherries.
As a marinade or a finishing sauce for grilled steak, pork tenderloin, or chicken.
As a sauce for grain bowls with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a protein.

How To Store Cherry-Chipotle Vinaigrette

Refrigerate: Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container or a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week. The oil may solidify slightly when chilled, so let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes and shake vigorously before serving.

Cherry-Chipotle Vinaigrette Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 95 kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 0.2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sugar: 5g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes. If fresh cherries are not in season, you can absolutely use frozen, pitted sweet cherries. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the blender for the best consistency.

Is this dressing very spicy?

It has a mild to medium smoky heat from the chipotle adobo sauce. You can easily control the spice level by starting with just 1 teaspoon of the liquid, tasting it, and adding more until you reach your desired level of heat.

Can I use a different kind of vinegar?

Yes. If you don’t have balsamic, a good quality red wine vinegar would be the best substitute, providing a similar tangy and fruity profile.

Try More Recipes:

Cherry Cake Pudding Recipe
Cherry Cobbler Recipe
Double Cherry-Almond Slab Pie Recipe