If you’re looking for a salad dressing that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory, let me introduce you to this deliciously simple Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of pure maple syrup’s natural sweetness, the crisp tang of apple cider vinegar, and the subtle kick of Dijon mustard, all brought together by smooth extra virgin olive oil. This vinaigrette is incredibly versatile, elevating even the simplest greens or roasted veggies with a burst of flavor that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of kitchen staples that you might already have on hand. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing layers of taste, texture, and color that make this dressing truly shine.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The base that adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel while carrying the other flavors beautifully.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides a crisp, fruity acidity that brightens the vinaigrette without overpowering it.
- Pure maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and depth, balancing the sharpness of the vinegar and mustard perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle heat and helps emulsify the vinaigrette to a luscious texture.
- Minced garlic clove: Gives a fresh, savory bite that rounds out the flavor profile with subtle complexity.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and harmonize all the other flavors.
How to Make Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by placing the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic into a mason jar or any airtight container. This makes mixing easier and justifies the ease of this recipe.
Step 2: Season and Shake
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously. As you shake, you’ll notice the vinaigrette beginning to emulsify slightly, creating a beautifully blended dressing that clings perfectly to your salad.
How to Serve Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
This vinaigrette pairs gorgeously with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or basil sprinkled on top. These little green pops not only add a fresh aroma but enhance the visual appeal, making your salads irresistible.
Side Dishes
Don’t limit this dressing to leafy greens – drizzling it over roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or even Brussels sprouts adds a wonderful flavor boost. It’s also delightful as a marinade or finishing drizzle for grilled chicken or salmon, balancing savory and sweet effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, set out a salad bar with mixed greens, roasted veggies, nuts, and crumbled cheese alongside a jar of this Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe. Guests will love customizing their plates, and the dressing’s vibrant flavor will keep everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake before each use, as separation is natural but easy to fix.
Freezing
Since this dressing contains oil and vinegar, freezing isn’t ideal as the texture can separate and become grainy. It’s best to make it fresh or keep it refrigerated to preserve its glossy, smooth consistency.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this vinaigrette. It’s perfectly delicious served cold or at room temperature. Warming it could change the flavors and texture unfavorably, so stick to shaking and stirring before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Absolutely! White wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can work well in this Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe, but each will impart a slightly different flavor. Apple cider vinegar remains a favorite for its mild fruitiness.
Is it possible to make this vinaigrette vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure your Dijon mustard and maple syrup are also vegan-certified if you’re cautious about brands.
How do I adjust the sweetness or acidity?
If you prefer your vinaigrette sweeter, simply add a bit more maple syrup. To make it tangier, increase the apple cider vinegar. Adjust the ratios slowly, tasting as you go until it suits your palate.
Can this dressing be used as a marinade?
Definitely! The Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe makes a fantastic marinade for chicken, pork, or vegetables, adding flavor while tenderizing the food with its vinegar content.
Is this vinaigrette gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe enough — it’s simple, soulful, and seriously tasty. Whether you’re dressing up a weekday salad or looking for an easy way to brighten your meals, this vinaigrette is the answer. Go ahead, shake things up in your kitchen, and discover your new favorite dressing!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is a quick and easy salad dressing made with a balanced blend of extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic. It offers a slightly sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of mustard and garlic, perfect for drizzling over greens, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into a mason jar or any other airtight container.
- Shake to Emulsify: Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously. As you shake, the ingredients will mix thoroughly and slightly emulsify, creating a slightly thickened, cohesive vinaigrette.
- Serve or Store: Use immediately by drizzling over your favorite salad or vegetables, or store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before each use as the ingredients may separate over time.
Notes
- For a more intense garlic flavor, let the minced garlic infuse in the vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes before using.
- This vinaigrette keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week; always shake before use.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your preference.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the ingredients instead of shaking.
