Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

Name: Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (preferably with the mother); 2 tablespoons maple syrup (sub with honey); 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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by Marcie // October 12, 2020 (updated 5/9/23)

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Tangy and flavorful with frehsness you can taste, this Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing will elevate any salad! It comes together in mere minutes with just 4 ingredients!

Apple cider vinegar dressing in jar with salad in background

For years, my weekly meal prep has included making homemade salad dressing. I realized long ago that my salads deserve more than store bought dressings laden with preservatives and ingredients that I can’t pronounce.

Homemade has a freshness that you can taste, and it hardly takes any time to make it from scratch.

This Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing has been one of my go-to recipes for years just like my Greek salad dressing and balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipes, but until now it has not had its own post.

I knew it was time to change that because I make this dressing a few times per month at least. If I love it that much, I think it’s something you’ll love too.

Be sure to check out my collection of salad dressing recipes for more delicious ideas!

Apple cider dressing pouring from a spoon into a jar

Why you’ll love this recipe:

This apple cider vinegar dressing is tangy and sweet, with freshness you can taste.
It so easy to make and comes together in mere minutes.
It contains only 4 ingredients.
It keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge, although it’s so delicious that it probably won’t last that long.
It’s gluten-free, vegan and paleo-friendly.

Recipe ingredients

This recipe has only (4) simple ingredients that you more than likely already have on hand.

Apple cider vinegar dressing ingredients

Ingredient notes

Apple cider vinegar. I purchase organic apple cider vinegar that includes the mother, which is why it appears a bit cloudy in the photo above. The mother refers to good bacteria and enzymes present in the vinegar, which have good health benefits. See Healthline’s article on 6 Proven Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for more information.
Maple syrup. The maple flavor is a the perfect complement to the tangy apple cider vinegar, but if you don’t have any on hand, honey would be a good substitute.
Dijon mustard. The mustard adds a wonderful savory flavor, and is also helps the ingredients emulsify.

How to make this recipe

This apple cider dressing couldn’t be easier to make. It’s done in 5 minutes from start to finish!

Pro tip: Prep a batch in advance to have on hand to toss in your salads all week long!

Apple cider vinegar salad dressing process collage

Place the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste in a small jar.
Cover the jar with a lid and shake vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between apple cider vinegar and apple cider vinegar with mother?

Apple cider vinegar is either filtered or unfiltered. The filtered version is simply made with apple juice and water, while unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains the mother, which includes good bacteria and enzymes. Unfiltered ACV is cloudier, but has even more flavor.

Is filtered or unfiltered apple cider vinegar best for this recipe?

The good news is that any type of apple cider vinegar works perfectly in this dressing. I used apple cider vinegar with the mother as that’s what I always have on hand.

How do you store homemade vinaigrette?

Always store homemade salad dressing in the refrigerator. Refrigeration preserves the dressing, which makes it last longer.

Why did my salad dressing congeal?

Once refrigerated, the olive oil in the dressing will thicken and solidify. Simply remove the dressing from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before you plan to use it, shake it well and it’s ready for your salad.

How long does homemade salad dressing last?

Dressing will keep in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Serving suggestions

There are so many ways to utilize this apple cider vinegar dressing recipe! Below are some of my favorite salads to serve it with.

Butternut squash quinoa salad
Chopped autumn salad by Creme de la Crumb
Fall harvest salad
Holiday salad
Pear salad
Persimmon salad
Wild rice salad

Recipe notes

Pro tip: Prep a batch in advance to have on hand to toss in your salads all week long!
You may use filtered or unfiltered apple cider vinegar in this recipe.
Store apple cider vinegar salad dressing in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Once refrigerated, the olive oil in the dressing will solidify. Simply remove from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before you plan to use it. Shake well and enjoy!

Apple cider vinegar salad dressing in a jar with spoon and salad in background

More salad dressing recipes you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram