Easy Maple Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing

If you're into fall flavors or love your dressings a little bit sweeter, this homemade apple cider vinegar dressing is destined to be a new fave. It requires literally just 4 ingredients, so it couldn't be easier, yet the sweet maple flavor paired with the sharp apple cider vinegar is heaven with hearty greens, apples, sweet potatoes, and so much more. No blender. No fancy gear. Just a jar, a few pantry staples, and you're good to go!

This super easy apple cider vinegar dressing is proof that 1) making your own dressings is easier than buying them from the store and 2) good flavor doesn't have to be complicated. 

You literally need just a handful of ingredients most likely already in your pantry, meaning you can have your own homemade dressing ready to serve in mere moments. No run to the store. No overpriced bottle of mediocre ingredients. Just pure, simple flavor.

The combination of apple cider and maple screams fall, although the flavors really work any time of the year. The maple syrup highlights the sweetness in your apples, pears, root veggies, or squash, while the apple cider vinegar helps keep the salad from being too sweet. 

I like to serve it in this Kale Crunch Salad with kale, cabbage, white beans, carrots, and more. The sweetness makes it easier to eat mountains of greens at once!

We could easily live off of just this one dressing - it's really a great recipe I'm sure you'll enjoy just as much as we do.

Why you’ll love this Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing

• Requires only a handful of simple ingredients and easily customizable with different spices and add-ins
• Just the right amount of sweetness with a tangy vinegar flavor
• Contains no thickeners, preservatives or additives (unlike overpriced store-bought dressings)
• Takes just seconds to whisk together
• Guaranteed to make your favorite fall flavors taste even better

How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing

• To a jar add oil, vinegar, maple, salt and pepper.
• Whisk or shake until well combined.

Storing Suggestions

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge and use within 7-10 days. This vinaigrette will separate when sitting. Be sure to give it a good shake before using.

Quick Note: Good quality olive oil will solidify in the fridge. If this happens, let the container sit on the counter at room temperature for a bit to liquefy before serving.

Tips for Making the Best Apple Cider Maple Vinaigrette

• Use good quality ingredients. With just 4 ingredients, it really helps to use the good stuff here. Be sure to use pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored pancake syrup, and I'm partial to the raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the best flavor.
• Add some sharpness. This is a simple recipe and works wonderfully exactly as it is. However if you're into sharper flavors and want a little more bite, feel free to add a small dollop of Dijon mustard, freshly minced garlic, or even a little minced red onion. 
• Adjust the sweetness. Prefer sweet flavors? Add a little extra maple syrup to taste.
• Add spices. For a smokier flavor, add a shake or two of smoked paprika. Fresh garlic or garlic powder will make it taste even more savory.

Serving Suggestions

The options are endless with this one. It's great even on a simple green salad, but that slightly sweet flavor really works wonderfully with fall flavors though, like roasted butternut squash, pomegranates, and pears. 

Since it's a thinner dressing, it's ideal for massaging into a bed of leafy greens for a delicious kale salad (like this Kale Crunch Salad).

Try serving it over grain salads with roasted squash and root veggies, like carrots and beets.

I like to make it with a little smoked paprika for this Harvest Wild Rice Salad with Brussels sprouts and pomegranate.

It also makes a great marinade for roasting veggies instead of regular oil and salt. The flavors caramelize down, adding a tangy sweetness in to your roasted carrots or sprouts. So good!