Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette (dairy-free)
This Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette is the fall salad dressing you’ll want on repeat. Sweet, savory, and full of autumn flavor, it takes just minutes to make with simple, wholesome ingredients and pairs perfectly with roasted veggies, grain bowls, or leafy greens.
It is pumpkin everything season, and even though it is still hot here in California, the pumpkin products filling the stores instantly give me all the cozy fall vibes.
This Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette truly is one-of-a-kind. It has the power to transform a simple bowl of greens into the kind of salad you cannot wait to dig into. Forget boring salads, this dressing makes them feel fresh, seasonal, and full of flavor.
As much as I love my go-to balsamic vinaigrette, sometimes you just need something different. With pumpkin season arriving, I wanted a dressing that celebrated the flavors of fall.
That is how this easy, mouth-watering vinaigrette came to be, and now it has become my favorite addition to my fall salad filled with roasted vegetables, leafy greens, and crunchy toppings.
Spotlight on This Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette
- It’s seasonal: With pumpkin puree and maple syrup, this vinaigrette brings all the cozy fall flavors to your table.
- It’s quick: Ready in just a few minutes, this recipe makes healthy homemade salad dressing easier than ever.
- It’s versatile: Drizzle it over grain bowls, roasted veggie salads, leafy greens, or even use it as a dip for fresh bread.
- It’s wholesome: Made with simple, dairy-free ingredients, this pumpkin vinaigrette is a clean and healthy alternative to store-bought dressings.
- It’s unique: Forget the usual balsamic vinaigrette. This pumpkin maple vinaigrette is the flavorful twist your salads need this season.
The Ingredients
Pumpkin: To make this salad dressing quickly, use organic canned pumpkin. You can find this at any local supermarket. I usually like to stock up on it at the beginning of the fall season to keep it on hand.
Extra virgin olive oil: You want to use extra virgin olive oil for this vinaigrette. Olive oil is the right choice when it comes to salad dressing recipes. I have not used any other oils nor do I recommend doing so.
Apple cider vinegar: This specific vinegar variety really brings out the fall flavors. You could use red wine or white wine vinegar, however, my top choice is apple cider vinegar. Besides. have you heard of all the benefits ACV has to offer? It’s truly amazing.
Mustard: Use Dijon mustard in this dressing. Yellow mustard will not work. Dijon tends to be in most of my dressing recipes because I enjoy the spice that it offers.
Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The maple flavor really gives off the fall vibes in this dressing. Definitely do not replace the sweetener with anything else. Maple syrup is the way to go.
Garlic: Using fresh garlic is always my recommendation over garlic powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
This homemade vinaigrette will stay fresh for up to 5 days in a sealed jar or container. Give it a good shake before serving, as the ingredients may naturally separate.
Apple cider vinegar gives this pumpkin vinaigrette the perfect tang, but you can use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar if that is what you have. Each one will slightly change the flavor.
It is not recommended. Freezing changes the texture and can cause the dressing to separate. For best results, make a fresh batch when you need it.
This vinaigrette pairs perfectly with fall salads, roasted vegetable bowls, grain bowls, and even as a drizzle over roasted sweet potatoes. It is also delicious as a dip for fresh bread.
Yes, my whole family loves it! This vinaigrette is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and has a mild pumpkin flavor
The Instructions
Step one: Place all of the ingredients into a mason jar. This includes pumpkin puree, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, and salt.
Step two: Secure the lid and give it a good shake. Alternatively, you can whisk everything until smooth.
Step three: Serve it immediately over a salad or store it in the fridge. *The dressing can sit out for about an hour before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in a mason jar with a lid and in the fridge for up to five days.
The dressing may harden while in the fridge. Simply place the mason jar out on the counter to defrost for an hour, and give it a shake or defrost in the microwave.
Tips + Modifications
Use a mason jar to whisk all the ingredients together. This makes the dressing both easy to mix and store.
If the vinaigrette firms up in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour or warm it slightly, then give it a good shake or stir before serving.
Don’t have apple cider vinegar? Try red or white wine vinegar instead. Each gives the vinaigrette a different brightness and tang.
More Delicious Dressing Recipes
Ultimate Carrot Ginger Japanese Dressing
Chipotle and Roasted Bell Pepper Vinaigrette
Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette (dairy-free)
Equipment
- 1 mason jar with lid
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree *Use canned pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a mason jar. This includes pumpkin puree, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, and salt.
- Secure the lid and give it a good shake. Alternatively, you can whisk everything until smooth.
- Serve it immediately or store it in the fridge. *The dressing can sit out for about an hour before serving.
It’s seriously delicious and will transform your salad to be the talk of the dinner.
Yay! That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!
This salad dressing is AMAZING & easy to make!!! It pairs perfectly with any salad, but I especially love it on her Fall Salad. The flavors go perfectly together!!
Thanks for sharing! I agree! It’s just the best!
Delicious dressing!
Yay! I am glad you like it! Thanks for sharing!
This dressing is a perfect combination of all flavors! It is literally Fall in your mouth!
That is exactly how I feel! Thanks for sharing!
My kids even loved this one!
Oh, this is exciting! Nothing like making something that is kid-approved! Yay! Thanks for sharing!
This has quickly become my favorite dressing! I made it last year for Thanksgiving and it was a hit!
Yay, glad to hear that it was a hit! It is tasty! Thanks for sharing!
Loved this dressing! Super easy to make and the whole family enjoyed it.
I am glad that your family liked it! It’s our family’s favorite salad, too!