OK, this Blackberry Tarragon Salad Dressing has got to be one of my top 3 salad dressings. Ever. It’s a creamy, luscious dressing. From the fruity blackberry flavor to the tartness from the Greek yogurt and herbal tarragon note, this easily peps up the dullest of salads. Check out the new video to see how to make it. 🙂
I came up with this one a while ago and decided since I created a Pantry section here on the site I’d include this one for reference. Quickly made from probably items you already have in your refrigerator and pantry, this is my go to for a salad dressing that delivers more than the go-to oil and vinegar.
This is an emulsion of rice wine vinegar, vegetable oil and some plain Greek yogurt. The magic happens with the fresh blackberries and tarragon. Tarragon has that sweet almost licorice note and with the fruity blackberry, well just trust this will work. Fresh tarragon is best to me, but if not on hand I always keep some dried.
What’s great about this is that you’re making it. You know what goes in it and there are no ingredients with twenty letters you can’t pronounce, or know what they are.
To make, it’s simply a quick emulsion in the blender and ready in a minute. I use a Vitamix that thoroughly breaks everything down, but if your blender doesn’t completely break down the seeds from the blackberries, just press through a sieve to extract any seed residue for a completely smooth and creamy salad dressing.
To offset the tartness it’s rounded out with some honey to sweeten things up. The combination is sublime and goes well with a hearty kale salad to these Spring Greens with avocados and roasted and salted pumpkin seeds.
Serve this over your favorite salad greens as a lunch or dinner with a beautiful piece of grilled fish like this Broiled Salmon with Honey Sesame Glaze or chicken like my Chicken in a Shallot Madeira Cream Sauce.
Besides a fantastic dressing for a salad, what other ideas would you use this on? Enjoy!
This recipe first appeared on Kevin Is Cooking January 2016 and has been updated with new photos and video.
OK, this Blackberry Tarragon Salad Dressing has got to be one of my top 3 salad dressings. Ever. Fruity blackberry, Greek yogurt, rice vinegar and tarragon.
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon , chopped OR 1 tsp dried tarragon
- In a blender puree the blackberries, rice wine vinegar, vegetable oil, yogurt, honey and kosher salt.
- Press through a sieve to extract seed residue and whisk in the fresh or dried tarragon. Chill until ready to use.
I think that tarragon is one of the most under-used herbs, so I love to see you using it here! Especially with blackberries and yogurt in this luscious salad dressing. Looks perfect for all of these big salads I’m looking forward to this summer!
That lovely hint of licorice-like flavor and the sweet berries are a fantastic combination. Perfect for salads and dipping!
This is awesome, I love homemade dressings but have never seen anything this original before. Excited to give it a try this summer
I think you’ll really enjoy this one, it is really amazing in flavor Kevin!
Yes, I remember this dressing – it’s been on my list. Unfortunately, last year tarragon didn’t do well in our garden (read: didn’t appear at all), but I’m hoping this year I’ll get to try it!
You could use dried Ben, it’s a fantastic salad dressing or dipping sauce!
Love the colour of this dressing – what a fun combination! The Vitamix seems to be the perfect little helper to break all the seeds down. Have a great weekend, Kevin!
Yes, so true, but in case some people don’t have one that has that power, straining keeps those out of the dressing. Thanks Miriam, need to come visit and see where you’re at now! 🙂
Gosh Kevin this dressing looks so good! I love the flavors combinations and the pictures are gorgeous as always!
Thank you so much Gaila, it is definitely one of my top salad dressings.
I wish you had posted this idea few months ago when we still had some tarrogon at home. Because it sounds so luscious and fabulous (not flattering you up!). I will definitely use this idea for my future salads. P.S. Gorgeous pictures too, Kevin!
I created it last September and posted it, but thought it needed a little more highlighting with a post on it’s own! So glad you like it and the photos, much appreciated Ben!
BTW, I have tried to comment on several posts of yours recently and it doesn’t allow me to? I sent you an email as well, did you get that? Comment back here so I know! 🙁
First of all, when did you revamp your site??? Where was I?! I LOVE it, Kevin! And I LOVE this Blackberry Tarragon Salad Dressing! When I saw it on FB I gasped over the color- Soooo gorgeous! I am totally making this very soon and I have a feeling I am going to be addicted! Love it already and I haven’t even tried it! Pinned! Cheers, buddy!
I revamped the site, logo and direction of the site here as of January 1st 2016. I wanted a new look, feel and direction so I updated all as well as the About page, too.
Thanks so much for the kind words and for noticing. BTW, this dressing truly is killer, you will not be disappointed. 🙂 Thanks again Chey.
THAT COLOR! I’m in love! Also, beautiful pictures, Kevin. I love cooking with blueberries and will definitely give this dressing a try soon!
Thanks Olivia, glad you made it through the snow weekend safe! 🙂
Loving the colour of that dressing!
Thanks Kristen, tastes even better than it looks! 😉
The blackberry and the tarragon in this dressing sounds like a perfect flavor match. And you’re photos are beautiful!
Really appreciate the kind words, thanks Rachel. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
I hope you haven’t been too hit by the snow storms out there in Philadelphia.
You know, I don’t think I remember the last time there was a bottle of store bought salad dressing in our fridge. Probably well over 10 years ago when we had a flatmate that put it in there!
This stunning dressing you’ve shared is bound to be tested in this household. I already know it tastes great just by looking at the ingredients list. Love it!
Sometimes I wonder what to share here and this was one of them and I’m so glad I did. The response has been great and I’m happy to show people it’s very easy to assemble a tasty salad dressing over a store bought any day. This combo is definitely a winner in our house. Thanks John!
This looks so wonderful. I’ve been growing tarragon and wondered what I was going to do with it all, then all of a sudden, I’m finding great recipe’s and it looks gorgeous. I may have to resort to frozen blackberries though, unless I get really lucky.
Thank you Cathy, I hope you’re able to give this a try. The blackberry tarragon combo is so good!
Just beautiful, Kevin. I think even the most reluctant salad eater would be converted with this dressing.
Thank you Jane, appreciate it. Have a great weekend.
Wow, Beautiful color on the dressing! I would love to take a bowl of salad with that dressing. Looks so refreshing!
Thank you Holly and the avocado added to the creaminess. Good stuff!
OMG this is such a beautiful salad! LOVE the color 🙂 Can’t believe I never used fruits in my salad dressing. I have mixed berries in the freezer and will try this over the weekend! Wonderful idea!
Ha! Thanks Maggie. I love the color of this as well. It’s vibrant and inviting – at least to me! The taste is heaven and I hope you do give this a try, you’ll love it. Have a great weekend.
Kevin, I could literally stare at this post all day…your photos are gorgeous and this dressing sounds divine! Have great weekend, my friend!
Wow, thank you Annie. I so appreciate that. In all honesty your site and photography inspires me too. Really.
I am keeping good thoughts that you and your family are safe and warm out there! 🙂
OMG! What a color for a salad dressing! You keep amaze me every time Kevin, and this is the truth not a compliment!
I really appreciate your kind words Farida. Variety is THE spice of life!
I hope you were able to download the book we talked about earlier today.
Hey Kevin! What a fantastic looking salad! I have been craving salad (and veggies) lately – how about some of this on asparagus? Have a wonderful weekend! We are in the midst of our second snowstorm this week – 6″ on the ground from Wednesday and another 6-10″ arriving tonight!! Typical TN weather it isn’t! 🙂
Thanks Dorothy and keep warm out there! We hiked in the snow last weekend with the dogs, but we don’t have the storms the East coast has been having. Stay safe. 🙂
Kev, this recipe looks amazing…but YOUR SITE!!! I LOVE IT! And the pictures!!! OMG everything is look soo fantastic and put together! GO YOU!!!!!
Thanks! I really appreciate that Mila, really. Been working hard on new things in 2016 from the logo change to the site and it’s direction. Thanks for the encouragement. 🙂 xoxo
What a fun salad dressing idea! We’ve been trying to be really good lately, and our lunches have consisted of mostly salads. But we’ve been playing around and creating different salad dressings. I totally need to put this one on the list as blackberries are probably my favoritist berry of all time! #WolfpackDressed
I just found that most salad dressings were on the savory side and since I like to mix herbs with fruit – this came to be! Have a great weekend Dave and thanks!
What a beauty, Kevin! Blackberries in my area are inexpensive right now, but not sweet enough to just eat out of hand. So this is just what I’m looking for. By the way, can I just print your photos to line my kitchen wall for inspiration? Have a nice weekend, friend. And thank you for yet another new favorite.
Awe, you’re very kind! Keviniscooking wallpaper, love it.
Gotta love blackberries and this is a perfect way to use them, right? Have a great weekend Sally.