Blackberry Basil Vinaigrette Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad dressing with fresh blackberries and basil, ideal for grain bowls or mixed greens. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs blackberries, fresh basil, apple cider vinegar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small blender, combine 1/2 cup blackberries, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 clove garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  2. Step 2: With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp honey until emulsified and thickened, about 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar to remove berry seeds, discarding solids. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Blackberry Basil Vinaigrette Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Blackberry Basil Vinaigrette Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep blackberries from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Blackberry Basil Vinaigrette Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Blackberry Basil Vinaigrette Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Blackberry Basil Vinaigrette Salad?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes