This Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a simple, homemade dressing that's fresh, zesty, and perfect for fall salads. Made with apple cider vinegar, maple syrup or honey, and a touch of dijon mustard, it's an easy recipe you'll want to keep on hand.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This is the best apple cider vinegar dressing! It's perfectly balanced-tangy, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile. It comes together in minutes, tastes better than store-bought options like Ken's or Panera-style dressings, and works beautifully on everything from a fall harvest salad to grain bowls and roasted vegetables.
Try our other homemade dressings: Lemon Vinaigrette, Honey Mustard, Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette.
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Key Ingredients
This dressing is made from staples you probably already have on hand.
- Sweetener- We use maple syrup to give it that tasty sweet flavor, but you can also use honey.
- Dijon Mustard- You can add a touch of Dijon mustard for a little pop. But it can easily be left out if you aren't a mustard fan.
- Apple Cider vinegar- Be sure to use your favorite brand of Apple Cider Vinegar.
- Oil- Using a strong or bitter olive oil can overpower the flavor, so a mild oil works best.
How to Make Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Use these step-by-step instructions as a guide to get the best results. You'll love how simple this recipe is!
- Add all of the ingredients to a small mason jar with a lid.
- Mix the ingredients until well incorporated. Remix if the ingredients have settled and separated.
Helpful Hint: Use fresh lemons instead of lemon juice for a noticeable flavor burst!
Common Mistakes
Not shaking or blending long enough can prevent the dressing from fully mixing.
Top Tip
Taste and adjust before serving-add more olive oil if it's too strong, or a little more maple or honey if you want it sweeter.
Recipe
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil I like to use a mild one in my dressings
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed is always best
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- salt and pepper to taste I use about ¼ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dijon mustard optional, see note 2
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously for at least 1 minute until emulsified. Alternatively, you can put it all in a blender (I like to use the single serving cup size) and blend on high for at least 30 seconds.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Notes
- If the flavor of the dressing is too strong, add a little more olive oil to dilute it further. If it's too bitter, add a little more syrup.
- The dijon adds a little zing and we like it, but if you don't like mustard in your dressings, skip it.
Nutrition
Storing Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Shake well before using, as the oil and vinegar will naturally separate over time.
Variations and Substitutions
Try these substitutions and variations to make it your own.
- Creamy- Blend a little extra Dijon mustard or even a spoonful of yogurt.
- Garlic-Add minced shallot or garlic for a stronger flavor.
What to Serve With Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette is perfect for fall salads with apples, pecans, and greens like spinach or arugula. It also works great on grain bowls, roasted vegetables like broccoli or butternut squash, or even as a light dressing for coleslaw or a side dish salad.
FAQs
It's a simple dressing made with apple cider vinegar, oil, and a sweetener like maple syrup or honey, often combined with Dijon mustard and seasonings.
Use apple cider vinegar, a mild oil, a touch of sweetness, and dijon mustard to create that signature zesty, slightly sweet flavor.
It has a tangy, slightly fruity flavor with a bit of sharpness that balances well with sweet ingredients.
Andrea says
Best homemade apple cider vinaigrette! Super simple.