Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This light and zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette adds delightful tang and fall flavor to salads. You can even use it as a marinade. With just five ingredients, it's a cinch to whip up.
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Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Homemade salad dressings are one of the best things to know how to make from scratch. They cost less to make, you can make as much as you need and they taste so much better — I never buy salad dressing anymore. There is no point when it is so easy to make your own.
I also love that you can use fresh ingredients, so your salad dressings can change with the seasons. This strawberry vinaigrette is perfect for spring and summertime.
But in the fall, I want something that reflects the cozy vibes of the season for all your fall salads. This apple cider vinaigrette fits the bill. It's delicious on this Thanksgiving salad with apple and goat cheese. But you can use it on any salad that you like!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can use this tangy vinaigrette with a touch of sweetness any day of the week, and any time of year. I love it during the summer, but it's great year-round!
- Honey vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and then stored for later. A great meal prep recipe.
- This recipe is kid-friendly and healthy for the whole family. You can be confident that you are topping your hearty salads with a dressing that will both taste good and make you feel good!
Ingredients
This salad dressing needs only five ingredients to come together to make a dressing that’s bright, balanced, and so easy to shake up.
Start with apple cider vinegar and olive oil, then mix in Dijon mustard, honey and minced garlic for flavor. Finish it with a pinch of salt and pepper to tie all those flavors together.
Variations and Substitutions
Salad dressings are easy to customize. Don't have one of these or want to switch something out?
- apple cider vinegar: Try lemon juice, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- olive oil: You can also use any neutral-tasting oil such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- honey: Make this vegan with maple syrup or agave nectar.
How to Make Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Apple cider vinaigrette is super simple to put together.
- Combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl or jar.
- Whisk or shake it together until combined. Season it with salt and pepper until it tastes just right.
Tips for Success
- Dress salads right before serving: Vinaigrette can wilt the greens if it sits too long, so toss the salad just before it hits the table for the freshest texture and prettiest presentation.
- Combine well. They key is to emulsify the oil and vinegar. You can put this in a blender to ensure it blends together thoroughly. If it does separate, simply shake or stir together again.
- If it solidifies in the fridge, you can gently warm it in the microwave in short, 10-second bursts, stirring between, until just warm enough to stir together.
Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinaigrette
You can use apple cider vinaigrette on any salad that you like! We love a grilled chicken salad with the works, including homemade croutons.
You could also use it on holiday salads like this pear salad or a summery dish like this Greek quinoa salad.
FAQ
Definitely! Whisk the vinaigrette a few days in advance and stash it in a jar in the fridge. Just wait to toss it all together with greens until right before serving so everything stays crisp. No one wants a soggy salad!
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together the ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Season with 1 pinch salt and 1 pinch black pepper to taste.
- Store in a food-safe, airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
More Salad Dressings
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