If you’re on the hunt for a dressing that perfectly balances sweet and tangy with a touch of boldness, then this Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a wonderfully simple concoction that brightens up any salad, roasted vegetable, or even grilled chicken with that irresistible maple syrup sweetness married seamlessly to the sharp kick of Dijon mustard. Not only does this vinaigrette bring an exciting twist to your everyday salads, but it also elevates weeknight meals effortlessly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Prepare to fall in love with how easy it is to whisk together a dressing that tastes like it took hours to master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe starts with a handful of essential ingredients that pack a serious punch of flavor and texture. Each element plays its part, from the fruity richness of olive oil to the bright acidity of apple cider vinegar, creating a harmonious blend that’s both silky and vibrant.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use the highest quality you have for a rich, smooth base that carries all the flavors.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds the perfect tang to balance the sweetness and tie everything together.
- Pure maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness with a deep, rich flavor unlike any ordinary sugar.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a sharp, slightly spicy note that enhances the dressing’s complexity.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers a mild pungency that adds depth without overpowering the mix.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season simply to taste, enhancing all the flavors without stealing the show.
How to Make Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Begin by gathering your ingredients and placing them into a clean mason jar or any airtight container. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This combination ensures a well-rounded flavor profile that’s balanced and enticing.
Step 2: Shake to Emulsify
Seal the jar tightly and shake it vigorously for about 20 to 30 seconds. Shaking the mixture blends all the ingredients together and slightly emulsifies the vinaigrette, which means it thickens just a little so the oil and vinegar won’t separate immediately. This step is key and such an effortless way to get a smooth, consistent dressing every time.
How to Serve Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
A drizzle of this vinaigrette over crisp mixed greens is divine, especially when you add crunchy nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts, and a few crumbles of tangy goat cheese or feta. The garnishes complement the dressing’s sweet-tangy profile beautifully, making every bite a harmony of textures and flavors.
Side Dishes
Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe shines just as brightly when poured over roasted root vegetables such as carrots, beets, or sweet potatoes. It also works wonders tossed with steamed asparagus or as a bright finishing touch on grilled chicken or salmon, giving side dishes an unexpected lift that’s anything but ordinary.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond salads—this vinaigrette can be your secret weapon for creating vibrant grain bowls or as a zesty marinade. Try tossing it with quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh herbs for a delightful lunch bowl. You can even use it as a dipping sauce for crudités or drizzled over avocado halves for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just make sure your container is airtight to maintain freshness, and remember to give it a good shake before using as the ingredients may settle or separate over time.
Freezing
Freezing vinaigrette isn’t generally recommended because the olive oil can solidify and the texture may change once thawed. For this maple and mustard-based dressing, it’s best to keep it refrigerated and fresh rather than freezing.
Reheating
No reheating needed here. This vinaigrette is always enjoyed cold or at room temperature, which preserves its bright and vibrant flavors. Just give it a shake before drizzling and it’s ready to go!
FAQs
Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar with another type?
Absolutely! While apple cider vinegar offers a fruity tang that complements the maple syrup perfectly, you can swap it for white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
Is this vinaigrette vegan-friendly?
Yes, the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe is entirely vegan as it uses plant-based oils and natural maple syrup instead of honey, making it a fabulous choice for anyone avoiding animal products.
How long does this vinaigrette last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to one week. Just remember to shake well before each use for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?
You can, but Dijon mustard has a unique sharpness and smooth texture that really makes this dressing stand out. If you do use a different mustard, expect a milder or slightly different taste.
Can I make this dressing ahead of time for meal prep?
Definitely! Making the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe ahead is perfect for meal prep — just prepare it up to a week in advance, keep it chilled, and give it a good shake before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe enough—its delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes is truly transformative. It’s a simple go-to that effortlessly upgrades your salads and meals with a burst of inviting flavor. So go ahead and give it a try; once you do, you’ll find yourself reaching for this homemade dressing again and again.
Print
Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful Maple Dijon Vinaigrette that combines the sweetness of pure maple syrup with tangy Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, balanced with extra virgin olive oil and a hint of garlic. Perfect for salads or as a marinade, this easy-to-make dressing comes together in minutes with no cooking required.
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 airtight container.
- Shake to Emulsify: Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture thickens slightly, creating a smooth and emulsified vinaigrette.
- Serve or Store: Use immediately to dress your favorite salad or store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before each use as separation may occur.
Notes
- Use a fresh garlic clove for the best flavor, but you can adjust or omit it if you prefer a milder dressing.
- This vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days; always shake well before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Try adding fresh herbs such as thyme or basil for a different flavor twist.
