This delicious Maple Dijon Dressing is the perfect addition to any salad! The recipe is super simple to make, and the combination of maple syrup and Dijon mustard gives the vinaigrette a sweet-tangy flavor that's impossible to resist. Best of all? It's ready in minutes, so make a batch today!
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Ginnie's Take
I love making my own vinaigrettes. You only need a few ingredients, and unlike store bought dressings, each one is recognizable. Plus, they're budget friendly and so easy to make. This mouthwatering Maple Dijon Salad Dressing is truly a favorite. It has a wonderful flavor that's perfectly tangy and sweet. The dressing pairs especially well with fall and winter produce, though if you're anything like me, you'll find yourself using it year round!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crave-Worthy Flavor - This maple syrup and Dijon mustard flavored dressing has the most scrumptious flavor! The combination of tart, tangy mustard and sweet, cozy maple is the perfect mix of contrasting, yet complementary flavors.
- Quick + Easy - Like most homemade vinaigrettes, this one is quick and easy to make. Just add your ingredients to a jar, then shake to combine!
- Versatile - Sure, you'll love pairing this delicious dressing with salads, but it's great spooned over cooked veggies, mixed with grains, and drizzled on bowl meals, too. Make a jar to keep in your refrigerator, and you'll find a million ways to use it!
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Ingredients
This DIY salad dressing is made with basic, easy to find ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Maple Syrup - You will need some maple syrup, of course. Go for the real thing, and avoid anything maple-flavored (like pancake syrup).
- Mustard - Dijon mustard adds a sharp, spicy bite to the dressing. I typically use Grey Poupon, because it's delicious, affordable, and easy to find. Maille and Edmond Fallot are also excellent options.
- Shallot - A fresh shallot adds a nice texture and a lovely mild onion / garlic flavor to the vinaigrette.
- Vinegar - This recipe calls for apple cider vinegar, though red or white wine vinegar could also be used.
- Oil - You'll also need some extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt + Pepper - I recommend using kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the tastiest flavor.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free, and nut free, making it perfect for serving all your family and friends!
You'll Also Need
You'll need a sharp knife to dice the shallot, a few measuring cups and spoons, and a mason jar (or bowl) to prepare the vinaigrette.
How to Make Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
This Mustard Maple Salad Dressing couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's a quick overview of the process:
- Mix shallot + vinegar. Start by combining the vinegar, diced shallot, and salt in a a jar. Tip: Sometimes I mix these ingredients, then let them rest while I prepare the rest of my dinner (to lightly pickle the shallot), but that's totally optional.
- Add remaining ingredients. Next, you'll add the mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, and pepper.
- Shake or whisk to combine. Cover the jar and shake until everything is well mixed. Taste, then season with additional salt, if needed.
So simple, right? And you won't believe how delicious this Maple Dijon Dressing tastes! It makes the perfect addition to any salad.
Variations
Change up this basic Maple Dijon Vinaigrette recipe with a simple swap (or two):
- Honey - Use honey instead of maple syrup.
- Mustard - Experiment with other mustards. A nice grainy mustard would work really well.
- Vinegar - Replace the apple cider vinegar with white or red wine vinegar.
Serving Suggestions (How to Use)
This tasty salad dressing is so versatile! I used it to make the amazing Fall Pasta Salad shown below (yum). Here are some other ways to use it:
- Salads - Toss with a bowl of greens for an unforgettable salad. Try it paired with my fall-fave Delicata Squash Salad, colorful Autumn Harvest Salad, hearty Wild Rice Salad, or this mouthwatering Pomegranate Pear Salad!
- Topping - Drizzle over steamed, sautéed, grilled, or roasted veggies.
- Grains - Stir into cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous for a flavor boost.
- Bowls - Use as a sauce for veggie grain bowls (like this yummy Roasted Vegetable Bowl).
Storage
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about four days. Olive oil can solidify in cold temperatures. If that happens, simply remove the dressing from your fridge about 30 minutes before using it.
Related Recipes
Looking for similar ideas? This recipe is a cross between my Maple Vinaigrette and my French Vinaigrette, so you're sure to love them, too! And don't miss my other salad dressing recipes:
- Love lemon? Make my go-to Lemon + Olive Oil Dressing, sweet-tart Honey Lemon Dressing, and flavorful Citronette Dressing, then let me know which one you like best!
- This classic Red Wine Vinaigrette is a workhouse. Pair it with a basic bowl of greens and more complex salads, too. You'll love it either way!
- Craving something creamy? This Sour Cream and Herb Dressing is luscious, yet light, and so tasty!
- Use this Vegan Honey Mustard Sauce as a dipping sauce or as a sweet and tangy dressing.
- How about something a little different? My unique Pumpkin Seed Dressing, versatile Tahini Lemon Salad Dressing, and zesty Pesto Dressing recipes will make a basic salad stand out.
P.S. Check out all my salad recipes for more lunch and dinner ideas!
Maple Dijon Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup finely diced shallot (about 1 shallot)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Equipment
- Mason Jar (or Medium Bowl)
Instructions
- Combine ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup diced shallot, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a mason jar (or bowl). Stir well to dissolve salt. (See note about shallots.)
- Add ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Cover jar, then shake until ingredients are emulsified. Dressing should look thick and creamy when done. (If using a bowl, whisk ingredients together.)
- Taste dressing, then season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Use vinaigrette immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
