If you’re looking to elevate your salads and brighten up your meals with something that’s both tangy and subtly sweet, this Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with fresh rosemary and the gentle sweetness of pure maple syrup, this vinaigrette balances rich oil and crisp apple cider vinegar into a harmonious dressing that’s irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re drizzling it over greens or using it as a marinade, it adds a vibrant twist that makes every bite sing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each component. Every ingredient plays an important role in crafting a dressing that’s smooth, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
- ½ cup oil (avocado or olive): Provides a creamy base and smooth texture with healthy fats.
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar: Brings crisp acidity and brightness that lifts the dressing.
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey): Adds a natural sweetness that beautifully contrasts the tang.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle peppery kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary: Infuses an earthy, fragrant herbal note that’s unexpectedly delightful.
- Pinch of salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors, tying everything together perfectly.
How to Make Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Into a 16-ounce mason jar, add the oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, finely chopped rosemary, and a pinch of salt. This simple assembly means no complicated tools are necessary—just good ingredients and a bit of love.
Step 2: Shake or Blend Until Smooth
Seal the jar and shake vigorously until everything comes together in a well-emulsified dressing. Alternatively, pulse all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor for 10 to 20 seconds to get a perfectly smooth and creamy vinaigrette. You’ll love the silky texture it gets from this step!
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your vinaigrette a quick taste. If it needs a bit more tang, add a splash more apple cider vinegar; for sweetness, a touch more maple syrup or honey does the trick. Adjust the salt to your liking, making sure the flavors are in harmony.
How to Serve Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or additional rosemary over your salad along with some cracked black pepper for visual appeal and an added layer of flavor that complements the vinaigrette beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dressing pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads featuring ingredients like spinach, arugula, or kale. Try it on roasted vegetables as well—it turns simple sides into something extraordinary with its vibrant acidity and hint of sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the vinaigrette in a small cruet or decorative jar alongside a rustic bread basket. Drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish for a light pan sauce that brightens every bite, or toss it with quinoa salad for a wholesome meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to one week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as natural separation may occur.
Freezing
This vinaigrette is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor can break down once frozen and thawed, losing its bright and smooth appeal.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dressing, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, allow refrigerated vinaigrette to come to room temperature and shake well to restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Absolutely, but apple cider vinegar provides a mild sweetness and fruity tang that’s key to this recipe’s vibrant flavor. White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can work, but the taste will shift slightly.
Is it possible to make this vinaigrette vegan?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the sweetness plant-based and vegan-friendly without compromising the flavor.
Can I add other herbs besides rosemary?
Definitely! Fresh thyme, tarragon, or basil can make delightful variations. Just remember to finely chop the herbs to allow their flavors to infuse evenly.
How do I make the vinaigrette thicker?
Adding a bit more Dijon mustard or including a small amount of Greek yogurt can help thicken it. However, this recipe shines with a pleasantly pourable texture.
What’s the best way to serve this with a salad?
Drizzle the vinaigrette lightly over your salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Start with a little—you can always add more if needed, but you want to avoid overdressing your greens.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Its blend of tang, sweetness, and herbaceous depth is one that I find myself reaching for again and again. Give it a try on your next salad or roasted veggie dish—you might just discover a new favorite staple in your kitchen!
Print
Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8.8 servings (about ¾ cup dressing)
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a simple, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade. Made with wholesome ingredients like apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, and fresh rosemary, this vinaigrette brings vibrant flavor with a natural balance of acidity and sweetness. Ready in just minutes and easily stored for up to a week, it’s a versatile and healthy addition to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- ½ cup avocado oil or olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, finely chopped rosemary, and a pinch of salt into a 16-ounce mason jar.
- Mix the Dressing: Shake the jar vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Alternatively, transfer all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend for 10-20 seconds until the vinaigrette is smooth and well mixed.
- Serve or Store: Use the vinaigrette immediately over salads or vegetables. To store, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Before each use, bring to room temperature and shake thoroughly to recombine the ingredients.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use a blender or food processor instead of shaking.
- Use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for a richer flavor and potential health benefits.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- Fresh rosemary can be substituted with dried rosemary; however, reduce quantity by half due to its concentrated flavor.
- Bring the vinaigrette to room temperature before serving if stored in the refrigerator to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
