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When I want a salad dressing that balances sweet and tangy flavors, I turn to this Maple Vinaigrette. The combination of real maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice creates something much more interesting than store-bought dressings.
This quick vinaigrette comes together in minutes, and the finely chopped shallots add just the right aromatic touch. Whether you shake it in a jar or whirl it in the blender, the result is a versatile dressing that brightens up any salad.
Table of Contents
Ingredients to Make Maple Vinaigrette
- Apple Cider Vinegar: I prefer raw, unfiltered vinegar for its fuller flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup here – the artificial stuff won’t give you the same rich flavor.
- Lemon: Pick one that’s firm and heavy for its size for the most juice.
- Shallot: I love how shallots add a milder, sweeter flavor than onion or garlic.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a good quality oil since its flavor really comes through in dressings.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste.
3 Recipe Tips
- Get the Right Texture: Pour the oil in slowly while whisking or blending – this helps everything mix together smoothly.
- Check the Flavor: I always taste with a piece of lettuce since that’s how I’ll be eating it.
- Make it Your Own: Start with the recipe amounts, then adjust the sweet-tart balance to your taste.
Recipe Options
- Switch the Vinegar: White wine vinegar works well here too – it’s just as tangy.
- Try Different Aromatics: Red onion can replace the shallot – just use less since it’s stronger.
- Add Some Depth: A spoonful of Dijon mustard makes the dressing even richer.
- Make it Herby: Fresh basil or thyme add nice flavor.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.
How to Store
Store this maple vinaigrette dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If the olive oil solidifies due to cold temperatures, let the dressing sit at room temperature just until the oil liquifies. Then give it a good shake or whisk before serving.
The beauty of homemade vinaigrette is how a few well-chosen ingredients can create something so much better than what comes in a bottle. This maple version, with its balance of sweet and tangy flavors, brightens up everything from simple greens to hearty grain bowls.
More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes
- White Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Sesame Ginger Dressing
- French Vinaigrette
- Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
- Parmesan Vinaigrette
- Strawberry Vinaigrette
How to Make Maple Vinaigrette
In a bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, and shallot. Gradually whisk in olive oil until blended, then season with salt and pepper.
Maple Vinaigrette
Video
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from about 1 small lemon
- 1 small shallot coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
To Make by Hand:
- In a medium bowl, whisk apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup and shallot together until smooth. Add olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until emulsified; season to taste with salt and pepper.
Blender Instructions:
- In a blender pitcher, combine apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup and shallot; blend until smooth. With blender running, add olive oil in a steady stream, blending until emulsified; season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Transfer vinaigrette to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Homemade salad dressings are always better than the store-bought versions! This maple vinaigrette sounds delicious, and I could see it going on a salad with some pears or perhaps green apples. Add in some toasted pecans and maybe some dried cranberries, too? Yum!
Love how you think, David!
The salad sounds great and I look forward to making it soon. I made the dressing for a different salad and it’s delicious! I no longer use bottled dressings at all and love this simple, fresh, and delicious recipe!
That’s wonderful, Leslie! So glad you enjoyed the dressing.