Raspberry Balsamic Salad Dressing

Overall, salad dressings are the key to turning simple ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful, and satisfying dish. Salad dressings are special because they can completely transform a salad, adding layers of flavor, texture, and even nutritional value. 

Here’s a simple, delicious, and versatile salad dressing recipe from Diana Reiss that elevates any dish with its rich, sweet, and pleasurable flavor. Not only can it transform a salad into a cohesive and satisfying meal, but it also serves as a fantastic marinade for tofu, a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables, and a drizzle over grilled or roasted dishes to add both flavor and moisture. This dressing adds a beautiful color and gloss, making every dish more visually appealing and appetizing. Get ready to indulge in that perfect blend of sweet with the savory!

Diana Reiss, whose research has taken her around the world told Plantings, “I borrowed the idea for this dressing from my favorite French Quarter restaurant in New Orleans. I love to serve it drizzled over a salad of tender greens, ripe pears, and creamy chèvre cheese.”—Diana Reiss 

Makes about a 1/3 cup of dressing which can Serve 2-4 people

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon raspberry jam
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl or a jar with a lid, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and raspberry jam.

Mix or Shake: Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, or if using a jar, secure the lid and shake vigorously.

Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then whisk or shake again until everything is evenly mixed.

Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more vinegar if you prefer a tangier flavor, or more raspberry jam for sweetness.

Serve: Drizzle the dressing over your favorite salad or meal and enjoy!

This dressing pairs wonderfully with mixed greens, fresh berries, nuts, and soft cheeses like goat cheese or feta.

Get started on some culinary creativity by making your own salad dressing.  Customize this recipe with different ingredients and ratios, creating unique flavor combinations. Add herbs, spices, or citrus zest, and try different fruit jams. All can lead to delightful culinary discoveries.

Dr. Diana Reiss is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York. Her research focuses on dolphin cognition, communication, comparative animal cognition, and the evolution of intelligence. Much of her work has investigated vocal communication and vocal learning in dolphins using observational and experimental approaches.