Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Fall Dressing Everyone Loves

Fall always brings me back to Apple Cider Vinaigrette – a dressing that perfectly captures autumn in every drop.

Apple cider vinaigrette recipe

Apple cider vinaigrette is made primarily from apple cider vinegar, which provides a tangy and slightly sweet taste. 

This salad dressing offers a symphony of bright and balanced flavors, where tangy apple cider vinegar meets the gentle sweetness of honey or maple syrup. Its vibrant apple notes create a refreshing base.

I love how this versatile dressing brings a perfect zesty balance to both light summer salads and heartier autumn combinations – whether I’m tossing it with fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or a medley of fruits and nuts.

Here’s how to make the apple cider vinaigrette:

Apple cider vinaigrette

A bright and tangy homemade dressing that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. Ready in just 5 minutes, it's perfect for fall salads, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 45 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until well combined.
• Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before each use.

Keyword apple cider vinaigrette, autumn recipes, healthy salad dressing, homemade salad dressing, low-calorie dressing

How to pair

1. Salad Pairings

• Fall Harvest Salad
  • Mixed greens
  • Sliced apples
  • Toasted pecans
  • Dried cranberries
  • Crumbled goat cheese
• Warm Apple Salad:
  • Sauté apples and shallots, then serve them over mixed greens dressed with apple cider vinaigrette.
  • Perfect for cooler weather
• Mixed Greens Salad:
  • Organic spring mix or baby spinach
  • Sliced apples
  • Cucumbers, grape tomatoes
  • Toasted nuts
• Grain Salads:
  • Farro
  • Quinoa mixed with roasted vegetables and nuts

2. Roasted Vegetables

• Brussels sprouts
• Butternut squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots

3. As a Dipping Sauce: Serve it alongside fresh vegetables or bread as a light dipping sauce.

4. Marinades for Meats: Use it to marinate chicken or pork, adding a sweet and tangy flavor that complements grilled or roasted dishes.

Variations

1. Spiced Autumn Version

• Add 1/4 teaspoon each: cinnamon, nutmeg
• Include 1 tablespoon of minced shallot

2. Herb Forward Version

• Add 1 tablespoon fresh minced herbs: rosemary, thyme, or sage
• Increase garlic to 2 cloves

3. Garlic Addition:

• Fresh minced garlic: 1-2 cloves or
• Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon

4. Creamy Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing: Blend in 1/4 cup of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with the other ingredients. This creates a richer texture, perfect for drizzling over salads.

5. Fruit-Enhanced: Mash or blend fruits:

• Add 1/4 cup of berries (such as raspberries or blackberries) or
• 1/4 cup of other fruits like peaches

6. Citrus Zest: Adding 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon or orange juice can brighten the vinaigrette, giving it a refreshing citrusy kick

7. Dietary Adaptations

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