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Just because apples are in season from late summer through fall doesn’t mean you have to wait to enjoy the crisp, tangy goodness of apple cider vinegar salad dressing. This flavorful dressing can be made any time of year with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a few simple pantry ingredients. It’s an easy way to bring fresh, vibrant flavor to your meals, no matter the season.
Apple cider vinegar salad dressing is known for its balance of sweet and tangy notes, making it a perfect companion to leafy greens, air fried sweet potatoes, and roasted vegetables. It complements both fresh and cooked produce, adding brightness without overpowering the natural flavors of your ingredients. Whether you’re tossing it with a simple cucumber tomato onion salad or drizzling it over a warm quinoa bowl, this dressing adds just the right touch.
The best part is how quickly and easily it comes together. With just a few minutes and everyday ingredients, you’ll have a homemade dressing that’s healthier and more flavorful than store-bought versions. A little goes a long way, so you can stretch one batch across multiple meals while enjoying that subtle apple-infused tang in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This
- Takes seconds to make! It’s the perfect last-minute salad dressing that comes together in under five minutes. With just six simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, there’s no need for a store run.
- This apple cider vinegar salad dressing is light, refreshing, vibrant, and creamy. It adds a burst of flavor without weighing down your salad or cooked vegetables, making it ideal for warm-weather meals or light lunches.
- It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and low-calorie (100 calories per serving). You can enjoy it confidently as part of a healthy lifestyle, without compromising on flavor or texture.
If you’re into all things saucy and creamy, check out our homemade spaghetti sauce, cashew cream, and plant-based applesauce.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Garlic: A little goes a long way, and we’ll only need one clove for a flavorful punch. If you prefer a milder taste, roasted garlic or garlic powder can be used instead.
- Olive Oil: This brings the perfect amount of healthy fats to our apple cider vinegar salad dressing, helping to balance the acidity. For a lighter option, you can use avocado oil or another neutral oil.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Lightly fruity and pleasantly acidic, this vinegar is the star of the dressing. You can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice in a pinch.
- Honey: Since the dressing can be a bit tangy, honey helps mellow it out with a touch of sweetness. For a vegan version, swap in maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Dijon Mustard: This helps emulsify the dressing, giving it a smooth, creamy texture. It also adds a slight tang that complements the apple cider vinegar beautifully.
- Salt & Pepper: Just a touch enhances all the other flavors in the dressing. Feel free to adjust to your personal taste, adding more as needed.
Step-By-Step Recipe
- Toss it all into a blender. Add the garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper into your blender or use an immersion blender if that’s what you’ve got on hand. Blend it up until it’s smooth, creamy, and totally pourable.
- Pour and store. Transfer your freshly blended dressing into a mason jar or any container with a lid. Make sure it’s sealed tight.
- Chill until it’s time. Pop it in the fridge and let it hang out until you’re ready to drizzle. Just give it a good shake before each use since it can settle.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
- Use high-quality ingredients: Since this dressing is so simple, the flavor really depends on the quality of your vinegar, oil, and mustard. Opt for extra virgin olive oil and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the best taste.
- Shake or whisk well before serving: The ingredients will naturally separate as they sit, so give the dressing a good shake or stir before each use. This helps ensure a smooth texture and even flavor distribution.
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to tweak the sweetness, acidity, or salt level based on your preferences. Taste as you go and add small amounts at a time to avoid overpowering the dressing.
What to Serve with Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
Of course, salads are one of the most common and delicious ways to enjoy a homemade vinaigrette. A light green salad made with crisp lettuce, tender spinach, or peppery arugula is a classic base that pairs beautifully with the tangy sweetness of apple cider vinaigrette.
The dressing enhances the natural flavors of the greens without overpowering them, making it a go-to for quick lunches or a fresh side dish.
Beyond leafy greens, this vinaigrette also works wonderfully in vegetable-based salads like a cucumber and tomato salad. The acidity from the apple cider vinegar helps balance the juiciness of the tomatoes and the refreshing crunch of cucumbers. Toss in a few fresh herbs and a sprinkle of salt, and you have a simple yet vibrant dish that’s perfect for warmer days or backyard gatherings.
But don’t stop at salads—apple cider vinaigrette is surprisingly versatile. Use it as a dip for fresh-cut vegetables, a sandwich spread to add moisture and flavor, or even drizzle it over roasted veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. It also makes a great marinade for tofu or tempeh, helping infuse your plant-based proteins with a bright and tangy flavor.
How To Store
To store your apple cider vinaigrette, simply pour it into an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week, and you may need to give it a good shake or stir before each use, as the ingredients can naturally separate over time.
For best results, keep it chilled and avoid letting it sit out at room temperature for extended periods.
Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing FAQs
Yes, you can mix apple cider vinegar and olive oil to create a simple vinaigrette. It’s a healthy and flavorful dressing often used for salads or as a marinade.
Some people mix apple cider vinegar with water, lemon juice, and a bit of honey or cayenne pepper to support digestion and metabolism. However, there’s limited scientific evidence that it directly targets belly fat.
A vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and herbs is considered one of the healthiest salad dressings. It’s rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, especially when made fresh without added sugar or preservatives.
Vinaigrette isn’t always vegan because it’s often sweetened with honey, which comes from bees. You can easily make it vegan by swapping the honey for maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener.
More Recipes for the Summertime
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Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove crushed or minced
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Transfer the garlic cloves, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt & pepper into a blender, or use an immersion blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing into a mason jar and seal with a lid. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- The dressing may solidify in the refrigerator, as it cools. This is normal! Allow the dressing to sit out for about 15 minutes. Then give it a shake, whisk, or blend until the ingredients are well-combined.
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