Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

This apple cider vinegar dressing is my favorite way to brighten up a fall salad! Made with 7 basic ingredients, it's super flavorful and easy to make.

Apple cider vinegar dressing

If I’m making a salad in the fall, there’s a good chance that I’ll drizzle an apple cider vinegar dressing on top. Maybe it’s because fall is apple season, but there’s something irresistible about the combination of apple cider vinegar and autumn foods like cranberries and squash. In a hearty salad or side dish, an apple cider vinaigrette adds a tangy pop of flavor that brings these sweet ingredients to life.

I’ve made a million apple cider vinegar dressing recipes over the years. Some are spiced with cinnamon, others are infused with sage, but the recipe below is the one I make most often. It’s incredibly simple, and it tastes great on just about anything. I’ll always encourage you to enjoy it in the fall, but if you toss it with a salad or drizzle it over roasted veggies at another time of year, you’re still going to love it.

Apple cider vinaigrette recipe ingredients

Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing Ingredients

Ready to try this apple cider vinaigrette? Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

  • Apple cider vinegar, of course! It gives this apple cider vinegar salad dressing its delicious tangy flavor.
  • Maple syrup – Who doesn’t love apples + maple? The syrup’s sweetness balances the bold vinegar and mustard in this recipe.
  • Garlic – For sharp depth of flavor.
  • Dijon mustard – Its savory, peppery taste pairs perfectly with the punchy vinegar.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil – I rarely make a salad dressing without it. It gives this dressing body and unites the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors pop!

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking, and continue to stir until the dressing is emulsified. Alternatively, combine everything in a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, and shake to combine. Season to taste, and enjoy!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Hand whisking apple cider vinaigrette

Apple Cider Vinaigrette Serving Suggestions

Toss this apple cider vinaigrette with any salad you please! I especially love it with fall flavors. I call for it specifically in my Wheat Berry Salad, and it would be fantastic on my Farmhouse Farro Salad, Pomegranate Salad, and Butternut Squash Salad too.

If you’re not in the mood for a salad, you can still enjoy this delicious dressing! Drizzle it over roasted vegetables like beets or acorn squash, or use it in place of the dressing in this roasted delicata squash recipe. It’s also a great way to brighten up a grain bowl. Start with a base of wheat berries, farro, or quinoa, and add a protein like roasted chickpeas or lentils. Pile on vegetables like roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sautéed kale, and pour the dressing on top to tie it all together.

Apple cider vinegar salad dressing in small bowl with spoon

More Homemade Salad Dressings

If you love this apple cider vinegar dressing, try one of these salad dressings next:

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Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

rate this recipe:
4.95 from 40 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serves 6 to 8
This homemade apple cider vinaigrette is SO much better than any store bought dressing! Made with 7 simple ingredients, it's tangy, healthy, and easy to make.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, mustard, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
  • Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking and continue to whisk until the dressing is emulsified. Alternatively, combine everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to combine.

34 comments

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. maryaka
    02.06.2024

    The recipe seduces new to me and is very good. Thanks so much for sharing recipes.

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      02.09.2024

      Hi, so glad you enjoyed the dressing!

  2. Julia
    08.21.2023

    This went great on a salad!

  3. RB
    07.08.2023

    3 stars
    Simple recipe. I felt it to lack depth and flavor. Was also too oily. I use this to dress, a spinach, apple, beet, goat cheese, and pistachio salad. I ended up adding more apple cider vinegar and salt to adjust the balance of flavors.

    • Hannah
      01.22.2024

      5 stars
      You might like to add 1/4 c of balsamic vinegar + 1/2-1 lemon. I do this and it’s very good.

  4. Deepali
    06.10.2023

    5 stars
    It was good but do you have any fall salad recipes you would use this in

  5. Monica
    05.22.2023

    5 stars
    Another winner! I love your blog 💝

  6. Vanessa
    04.15.2023

    5 stars
    My 4 year old absolutely loves this dressing and would drink it if I let her lol

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      04.20.2023

      Haha I’m so glad it’s a hit!

    • Kurt
      02.07.2024

      5 stars
      Can this be canned? If so directions please! And thanks!

      • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
        02.09.2024

        Hi Kurt, we haven’t tried canning this, sorry!

  7. Erin
    03.20.2023

    Love this! Does it require refrigeration?

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.23.2023

      Yep, it keeps well in the fridge for about 5 days.

  8. Maura
    03.15.2023

    Definitely one of my favorite so far. I don’t buy dressings. We always make our own and the flavor is so good on this one. thank you!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      03.15.2023

      I’m so glad you loved it!

  9. Kirsten
    03.06.2023

    5 stars
    Delicious and easy. Will definitely make again!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.10.2023

      So glad you loved it!

  10. Nikki
    02.28.2023

    5 stars
    Thank you for such a simple and easy recipe 🙂

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.03.2023

      Hi Nikki, I’m so glad you loved the dressing!

  11. Julie
    02.07.2023

    5 stars
    This was delicious! I added field roast vegetarian sausage, but it is delicious either way. Thank you!

  12. Tracy
    01.11.2023

    5 stars
    Loved this! So easy and a delightful tang. I added an extra tsp of honey and it’s a slam dunk!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      01.13.2023

      Hi Tracy, so glad you loved the dressing!

  13. Rhonda
    12.30.2022

    What is the calorie count per serving?

  14. Laura Fogleman
    11.20.2022

    How long will this stay good for?

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.22.2022

      Hi Laura, I keep it up to about 5 days.

  15. Kim
    02.25.2022

    5 stars
    This is my go-to salad dressing. It’s so delicious. Thank you for a great recipe!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      02.25.2022

      I’m so glad you loved it!

  16. christine67
    01.23.2022

    5 stars
    L O V E D this, even with a couple of substitutions based on what I had on hnad (lettuce for kale, honey for maple syrup). I’d make it again in a heartbeat.

  17. Donna
    10.28.2021

    How many days will it keep? How far in advance can one make the dressing? We are going to use it to drizzle over your roasted vegetable recipe. Thank You!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      10.29.2021

      Hi Donna, I keep this one in the fridge for about a week. I hope you enjoy!

  18. Ellen
    11.20.2020

    Can I substitute the maple syrup? I have molasses also honey, would either of these work in your Apple cider vinegar dressing?

    Thank you,
    Ellen

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.20.2020

      honey would be great!

A food blog with fresh, zesty recipes.
Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.