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Jordan Marsh Strawberry Dressing

Re: Recipe Request Jordan Marsh Strawberry Dressing
From: b n
To: Phaedrus
Date: 8/22/2026, 12:52 PM

On 8/22/2026 12:12 PM, b n wrote:

Hi there,

Back in the late 80’s early 90’s my mom and I used to have lunch at the Jordan Marsh cafe and would order their fruit salad that had a delicious strawberry dressing that was creamy. is there any way you can find that recipe? I heard it may have had mayonnaise in it but it was delicious.

thank you so much!

 Hello b n,

I am told that Jordan Marsh never had a strawberry dressing, as such. They did have a strawberry vinaigrette that was served over fruit. I don't think a vinaigrette would contain any mayonnaise. The actual recipe for the strawberry vinaigrette, like most all of Jordan Marsh's recipes, is locked up somewhere and no one online knows the recipe.

When I hit a dead end like this, I consult my friendly AI, in this case Gemini, and below is the copycat recipe that they found:

Phaed

The legendary Jordan Marsh Department Store tea room in Boston was famous for serving models and shoppers mid-century favorites like date nut bread sandwiches , chicken salad, and a refreshing fruit salad topped with a vibrant, sweet strawberry dressing. While the department store's exact, proprietary recipe manual is tucked away in archives, former patrons and New England home cooks have replicated the iconic department store luncheon flavor profile. The dressing uses a base of fresh, sweet strawberries, oil, and a touch of vinegar, resulting in a smooth, beautifully pink emulsion.

Jordan Marsh-Style Strawberry Dressing
This sweet and tangy vinaigrette is traditionally served over a fresh bed of seasonal fruits or a spinach-and-fruit combo.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil for a neutral taste)
• ¼ cup cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 3 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (helps emulsify the dressing)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. Combine the fresh strawberries, cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt in a high-powered blender or food processor.
2. Blend on high speed for about 10 to 15 seconds until the mixture is completely pureed and smooth.
3. Emulsify the dressing by turning the blender to low speed and slowly drizzling in the oil in a thin, steady stream until the dressing thickens.
4. Chill the dressing in a covered jar in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

The Classic Tea Room Fruit Salad
To recreate the full Jordan Marsh luncheon experience, assemble a classic mid-century fresh fruit platter.

Ingredients:
• Mellon balls (cantaloupe and honeydew)
• Fresh pineapple chunks
• Seedless red and green grapes
• Sliced bananas
• Fresh blueberries or blackberries (a nod to Jordan Marsh's famous blueberry muffins!)
• Crisp iceberg lettuce or fresh baby spinach (to line the serving bowl)

Instructions:
1. Line a chilled salad bowl or plate with a crisp bed of greens.
2. Arrange the prepared melon, pineapple, grapes, and bananas neatly over the top.
3. Garnish the top of the fruit salad with fresh whole berries.
4. Drizzle the chilled strawberry dressing generously over the top right before serving, or present it in a glass pitcher on the side.