The Best Apple Cider Vinaigrette (5-minute)
Bring your fall salads to life with this easy, homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette, a light, tangy, and naturally vegan salad dressing. In our house, a fresh dressing like this is the secret to making everyone actually want to eat salad. It’s wholesome, quick to make, and full of cozy fall flavor your family will love too.
Fall salads hit different when topped with this vegan apple cider vinaigrette. It’s tangy, a little sweet, and turns simple greens into something crave-worthy. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a family favorite.
Once we started using healthy homemade dressings, salad night became something everyone looked forward to. This apple cider vinaigrette recipe is quick, fresh, and the perfect way to make veggies taste amazing all season long.
Spotlight on This Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
- It’s simple: Made with just a handful of wholesome, simple ingredients, this vegan apple cider vinaigrette is a clean and healthy way to dress up any salad.
- Perfect for fall salads: Drizzle it over your favorite autumn bowls for the ultimate flavor boost. It’s especially delicious on this Crunchy Quinoa Apple Salad.
- Made with real ingredients: Store-bought dressings often hide processed oils and additives. This homemade vinaigrette is all-natural, dairy-free, and full of fresh flavor you can feel good about serving your family.
- Quick and easy: You can whisk this dressing together in just minutes, which is faster than a trip to the store!
- Versatile and meal-prep friendly: It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, making it a must-have for healthy lunches and meal-prepped salads.
The Ingredients
Olive oil: The base of the dressing. Choose a high-quality olive oil for a smooth, rich flavor that blends perfectly with the vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and brightness to the salad and complements the sweetness of the apples.
Dijon: This simple ingredient adds a mild kick and helps emulsify the vinaigrette for a creamy, balanced dressing.
Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the dressing and ties all the flavors together with a hint of warmth.
Garlic: Because no dressing is complete without it. Fresh garlic adds zest and depth to this flavorful vegan vinaigrette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! While apple cider vinegar gives the best tangy-sweet flavor, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar for a slightly different taste.
Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Shake well before using to blend the ingredients again.
I usually make the dressing no more than an hour before pouring it over a salad.
Yes, but keep in mind it will change the flavor. Fresh garlic is always my recommendation if possible.
The Instructions
Step one: Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk or to a mason jar, add the lid and shake it. This includes olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper. Enjoy immediately or allow the dressing to sit for 30 minutes and then toss it into your favorite salad.
Storage
Store any leftover apple cider vinaigrette in an airtight container or mason jar with a secure lid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the oil to naturally soften. Give it a good shake to re-emulsify the ingredients, then drizzle it over your favorite salads for that fresh, homemade flavor all week long.
Tips + Modifications
Adjust the vinaigrette to your liking. Add additional salt, maple syrup, or Dijon as desired.
Make it creamy by adding a touch of cashew or almond butter.
Feel free to swap the apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar.
The Best Apple Cider Vinaigrette (5-minute)
Equipment
- 1 mason jar or bowl
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk or to a mason jar, add the lid and shake it. This includes olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper. Enjoy immediately or allow the dressing to sit for 30 minutes and then toss it into your favorite salad.
