Thank you so much for stopping by! If you’re looking to add a burst of Southern charm to your salads, grain bowls, or roasted veggies, this Louisiana Sunburst Dressing might just become your go-to. It’s vibrant, a little sweet, a little spicy, and full of unexpected depth—exactly the kind of flavor punch your salad deserves.
I promised you bold flavors and this one brings it—with juicy raspberries, zippy red wine vinegar, warm cinnamon, and just enough heat from Tabasco to keep things interesting. It’s a beautiful balance of tang, spice, and sunshine in a jar.
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🍓 Why You’ll Love This Dressing
- Naturally vegan & gluten-free
- Bursting with tart-sweet fruit flavor
- A perfect balance of spice and sweetness
- Made in 5 minutes with pantry staples
- A fun twist on vinaigrette that impresses every time!
🌶️ What Does It Taste Like?
Think raspberry vinaigrette… but with a Southern kick. The fresh raspberries bring a juicy tartness, the cinnamon adds warm complexity, and the red wine vinegar keeps it sharp and refreshing. Then just when you think it’s sweet and mellow—bam!—the Tabasco heat hits the back of your throat in the most delightful way.
It’s sweet, tangy, spicy, and vibrant all at once. The kind of dressing that doesn’t get lost on a salad—it makes the salad.
🌿 Health Benefits
- Raspberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Red wine vinegar helps support digestion
- Cinnamon can help stabilize blood sugar
- Tabasco adds heat with capsaicin, which may boost metabolism
- Oil and water create a perfect emulsion without needing dairy
No preservatives, no additives, just real, whole-food ingredients in a bottle.
🛒 Ingredients
Makes about 1½ cups of dressing:
- ¼ cup fresh raspberries
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (neutral, like sunflower or avocado oil)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tsp sugar (or maple syrup for natural sweetness)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 dashes Tabasco hot sauce (or more to taste)
- Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
🧂 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl or mason jar
- Whisk
- Immersion blender (optional for smoother texture)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional if you want a seed-free finish)
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Smash the Berries
In a mixing bowl, whisk or mash the fresh raspberries until they’re juicy and broken down. This releases their flavor and color into the base.
2. Whisk in the Remaining Ingredients
Add the red wine vinegar, oil, water, sugar, cinnamon, and Tabasco. Whisk until fully combined.
✨ Optional: For a smoother texture, blend the mixture with an immersion blender or small food processor. This creates a vibrant, pinkish emulsion that clings beautifully to greens.
3. Season
Add salt and black pepper to taste. Start small—you can always add more.
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, but preferably overnight to let the flavors meld. It only gets better with time.
🥗 How to Use Louisiana Sunburst Dressing
This isn’t just a salad dressing—it’s a flavor booster. Try it with:
- Spinach & Strawberry Salad
- Mixed greens with toasted pecans & goat cheese
- Roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts
- Grain bowls with quinoa, chickpeas, and arugula
- Drizzle over grilled chicken or shrimp
- Avocado toast topper for a spicy, fruity zing
- Coleslaw mix for a unique slaw twist
💡 Customization Ideas
- Sweeter? Add a touch more sugar or honey
- More heat? Increase the Tabasco or add a pinch of cayenne
- Citrusy twist? Add a splash of orange or lemon juice
- No fresh berries? Use thawed frozen raspberries
- Creamy version? Whisk in 1 tablespoon of tahini or vegan mayo for a creamy texture
❄️ Storage Tips
- Store in a glass jar with a tight lid
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 7 days
- Shake or stir before each use (separation is normal!)
- Do not freeze
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Is this spicy?
It has a mild, back-of-the-tongue warmth. For sensitive palates, start with 3 dashes of Tabasco and build up from there.
Can I make this without oil?
You can omit the oil, but it will be a thinner, more acidic vinaigrette. Try adding mashed avocado or a little nut butter for body.
Is it kid-friendly?
If you reduce the heat, yes! The fruity notes are fun and mild enough for most kids.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Let it chill overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Taste as you go! Depending on the ripeness of your raspberries, you may need a little more or less sugar.
- For a party or picnic, serve in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.
🥣 Nutritional Information (Per Tbsp – Approx.)
- Calories: 25
- Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fiber: Trace
Note: Based on use of standard vegetable oil and granulated sugar.
🌞 More Zesty Recipes to Try
- Sweet Jalapeño Corn Slaw
- Crisp Avocado Cucumber Salad
- Citrus Ginger Vinaigrette
- Pineapple Mango Salsa
💬 Made It? Show It Off!
If you whip up this Louisiana Sunburst Dressing, I want to see it!
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Final Thoughts
This Louisiana Sunburst Dressing is like sunshine with a kick. It’s bold, unexpected, and absolutely addictive. I love keeping a jar in my fridge to jazz up even the most basic greens. And once you taste it? You’ll see why it’s a secret worth sharing.
