Apple Vinaigrette offers a sweet and delicate option for your salads. Unlike the warmer, tangier notes of apple cider vinaigrette, this dressing provides a crisp freshness that works beautifully with fall ingredients.
Contents
Apple vinaigrette recipe
Apple vinaigrette is a flavorful salad dressing that combines fresh apples with vinegar. Its flavor is a harmonious blend of sweetness from the apples and acidity from the vinegar.
With its bright, refreshing acidity, this apple vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of creamy cheeses and fatty proteins in your salad. You can taste the fruity undertones of this dressing.
Compared to the apple cider dressing, it’s sweeter and fruitier. On the other hand, apple cider vinaigrette showcases the tangy sharpness of apple cider vinegar, making it bolder and more versatile for various applications. You can use it as a dressing or as a dip for appetizers or snacks.
Here’s how to make the apple vinaigrette:
Apple vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh apple juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for added sweetness
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving.
How to serve and pair
Apple dressing pairs well with countless dishes, adding vibrant flavor to any meal.
1. Salad Applications
- Green Salads: Arugula, baby spinach, or watercress
- Light application (1 tbsp per 2 cups)
- Toss immediately before serving
- Room temperature dressing
- Grain Salads:
- Quinoa
- Farro
- Wild rice
- Fruit Salad Options:
- Light coating technique
- Sweet variation preference
- Immediate serving recommended
2. Complementary Vegetables
- Root vegetables
- Roasted beets
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Cruciferous options
- Shaved brussels sprouts
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower rice
3. Protein Pairings
| Protein Type | Vinaigrette Variation | Serving Style |
| Grilled chicken | Classic apple | Warm drizzle |
| Seared salmon | Honey apple | Room temperature |
| Roasted tofu | Herb-infused | Light coating |
If you want to marinade these proteins, remember:
- Poultry (2-4 hours)
- Pork (4-6 hours)
- Tofu (1-2 hours)
4. Additional Components
- Cheese Selections:
- Aged cheddar
- Blue cheese
- Fresh goat cheese
- Texture Elements:
- Nuts
- Toasted walnuts
- Candied pecans
- Marcona almonds
- Seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower kernels
- Hemp hearts
- Nuts
Variations
Transform a traditional apple dressing with these inventive and delicious variations.
1. Sweet Apple Variations
- Honey Apple Vinaigrette
- Adds local honey
- Balances acidity
- Creates silky texture
- Maple Apple Vinaigrette
- Features grade A maple syrup
- Offers warm notes
- Perfect for autumn
- Fruit-Infused Versions
- Incorporates berries
- Adds citrus elements
- Enhances apple base
2. Savory Apple Variations
- Herb-Infused Options
- Rosemary and apple
- Thyme enhancement
- Sage variation
- Spiced Apple Vinaigrette
- Cinnamon accent
- Nutmeg addition
- Ginger infusion
3. Dietary-Specific Versions
- Vegan Variations
- Replace honey with agave nectar
- Use plant-based emulsifiers
- Focus on natural sweeteners
- Low-Calorie Options
| Modification | Purpose | Result |
| Reduced oil ratio | Lower fat content | Lighter texture |
| Stevia addition | Sugar-free sweetness | Maintains flavor |
| Water integration | Volume without calories | Thinner consistency |
- Sugar-Free Varieties
- Natural apple essence
- Monk fruit sweetener
- Spice-forward profiles
4. Creamy Apple Vinaigrette
- Use 1/2 large apple, chopped
- Add 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
