Maple Vinaigrette (Quick + Easy Recipe)

Meet your new go-to salad dressing ... this delicious Maple Vinaigrette!

This easy dressing recipe has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It tastes amazing, yet it takes minutes to make. Perfect for a winter or fall salad, but once you try it, you'll want to make it year round!

Closeup of a jar of Maple Syrup Vinaigrette.

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A classic vinaigrette is one of those essential recipes that so helpful to know how to make. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, there really is no need to buy store bought!

While I love all kinds of zippy vinaigrettes, this easy Maple Vinaigrette is truly one of my go-to salad dressings! It's simple to prepare, works with all kinds of salads, and most importantly, it's super delish!

You're going to love the tangy, slightly sweet flavor of this versatile vinaigrette. Make a batch on Sunday, then enjoy it all week long.

Ready to get started? Keep reading for all the details!

A jar of the finished dressing in front of a bowl of lettuce.

Ingredients

This Maple Dressing uses basic ingredients you'll find in any grocery store. Here's what you'll need:

Maple Syrup - The star of the recipe! Use a good quality syrup for best results.
Shallot - Apart from the maple syrup, the delicious, lightly-pickled shallots really make this recipe special! You'll find them near the onions / garlic in most stores.
Apple Cider Vinegar - This tasty vinegar provides the acid in this recipe, and it pairs perfectly with the maple syrup. I recommend using a raw, unfiltered vinegar, which has such a great flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - An essential ingredient in this recipe, the olive oil balances the tart vinegar and carries the other flavors. This extra virgin olive oil is my affordable fave ... you can find it in most grocery stores, and I go through a ton of it!
Salt and Fresh-Cracked Pepper - A good quality salt (I prefer to use Kosher Salt) balances the bitterness of the vinegar and brings out all the other flavors.

You'll Also Need

You'll need a bowl or a jar with a lid to mix the ingredients together. If prefer to use a mason jar. That way, you can prepare the dressing in the same container you use to store it.

Vinaigrette ingredients arranged on a marble counter.

How to Make Maple Vinaigrette

Ready to get started? You'll find a detailed, printable recipe below, but here's a quick overview of the steps:

Combine the shallot and apple cider vinegar in a jar, then set aside. Make sure to do this at least 15 minutes before you plan to serve the salad. That way, the vinegar will have a chance to lightly pickle the shallot. (This can also be done in a bowl.)
Add the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Once the shallot is ready, you'll add the remaining ingredients.
Shake the jar vigorously to combine the ingredients. It should look almost creamy when you are done (see #3 photo below). If you're using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together instead.
Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. The flavors should pop, so don't be afraid to season generously.

And that's all there is to it ... simple, right? This is the perfect weeknight salad dressing. Ready in minutes and super tasty!

Tip: This Maple Syrup Dressing will separate unless you use it right away. If you make it ahead of time, remember to shake / whisk the ingredients together again before using.

A photo collage showing how to make the vinaigrette dressing step-by-step.

Variations

Now that you've mastered the basic Maple Syrup Vinaigrette recipe, have fun experimenting with these easy ideas!

No Shallot - The shallot adds tons of flavor here, however if you don't have any you can replace it with red onion. Or if you're really in a pinch, you can leave it out.
Vinegar - Feel free to swap in other vinegars here, such as balsamic or white / red wine. You could even use fresh lemon juice.
Mustard - A teaspoon of Dijon or whole grain mustard would be a welcome addition. This will also help keep the dressing emulsified for a bit longer.
Garlic - Are you a garlic lover? Whisk in a minced clove along with the olive oil.
Honey - For a change of pace, try replacing the maple syrup with your fave honey.

Tip: If you do make any substitutions to this Maple Cider Vinaigrette, just keep in mind that it will change the balance of flavors. You may need to add a little extra oil, a dash more vinegar, or an extra drop of maple syrup to even things out.

A jar of the finished vinaigrette next to a bowl of lettuce.

Storage

Store any leftover dressing in your refrigerator, and it will keep for about a week. It will separate, so remember to shake vigorously before adding to your next salad.

How to Use

This delicious Maple Syrup Salad Dressing is so versatile! Toss it with a simple green salad or spinach salad, massage it into a kale salad, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables. Here are a few recipes that use it:

You could also use it one of these salads, all of which use a variation of this yummy vinaigrette:

Related Recipes

Looking for more salad dressing and topping ideas? Check out these tasty recipes next:

You can find all of my salad recipes here. And check out my easy sauce recipes, too ... they're the perfect way to make any dinner more exciting!

Pomegranate Salad in a round platter next to a plaid napkin and two wood spoons. — This gorgeous Pomegranate Salad is a great way to use this easy salad dressing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have a question? Check out these FAQs or leave a comment below the recipe!

What is vinaigrette salad dressing made of?

A classic vinaigrette is made with vinegar (or something else acidic, like lemon juice) and oil (typically with 1 part vinegar to three parts oil). However, you can play with the proportions, as well as introduce other flavor elements, such as mustard, garlic, sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, fresh herbs, and more.

What is the difference between dressing and vinaigrettes?

A dressing is a sauce that served on, or tossed with, salads. Its base can be an oil or cream, like mayonnaise, heavy cream, or yogurt. A vinaigrette is a type of dressing that's made with oil and acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice).

Is vinaigrette healthy?

Vinaigrette is a healthier choice for salads when compared to creamy dressings. It is made with oil, so enjoy in moderation, of course!

How long does vinaigrette last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, vinaigrette with keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If it contains fresh ingredients, such as herbs, it should be used sooner.

A jar of Maple Cider Vinaigrette and bowl of lettuce on a marble counter.

A jar of Maple Vinaigrette in front of a bowl of lettuce.

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5 from 5 votes