Seven easy ingredients and ready in under seven minutes, Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing is just the flavor pop you want!
While apple cider vinegar is often touted for its health benefits, it’s a great ingredient just to keep on hand in your pantry for salads and veggies. With a few other simple pantry items, you can whip up a delicious salad dressing in minutes. The tangy, slightly sweet apple cider vinegar brings a flavor pop that amps up the fall vibes on tossed salads—especially when they are loaded with dried cranberries, crisp apple slices, and other seasonal salad items.
So, how is apple cider vinegar (sometimes just called cider vinegar) different from white vinegar? Unsurprisingly, it’s the base ingredient: apple cider. The apple cider goes through a double fermentation process, and the result is a vinegar that has a definite zing to it but also a lovely note of apple, giving the finished product a slight sweetness. This sweetness balances the natural acidity of the apple cider vinegar and makes it a perfect candidate for a salad dressing.
Ditch the premade, bottled salad dressings taking up space in your fridge and make your own. Apple cider vinegar salad dressing is quick and easy, and the taste is definitely a notch up from the salad dressings sold in supermarkets. While it’s delicious on tossed salads (especially in the autumn), it’s also a delightful drizzle on roasted veggies like squash, sweet potatoes, and parsnips. This versatile, tasty dressing will likely become a household favorite, so give it a try today.
Consider your oil choices
While extra-virgin olive oil is the oil called for in the ingredients below, you can certainly substitute other oils if you prefer them. Good candidates include canola oil or avocado oil. The key is to use an oil that has a fairly neutral flavor profile so that the other ingredients of apple cider vinegar—Dijon mustard and honey—can shine through. Whichever kind of oil you use, just take the time to gradually add it so it mixes perfectly with the other ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
The great part about making apple cider vinegar salad dressing is that you end up with enough for several salads. Pour any leftover dressing into a mason jar, airtight cruet, or other tightly sealed bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freezing is not recommended. When you’re ready to enjoy, give the bottle a shake to mix up the elements again. If the oil has solidified during refrigeration, simply set the dressing out on the countertop for about 15 minutes, and it should be easier to shake and serve.
Serving suggestions
Apple cider vinegar salad dressing is wonderful tossed onto your favorite green salads. Good candidates include Apple-Walnut Salad or Grilled Romaine. If serving with grilled romaine, sprinkle a few dried cranberries and toasted pecans on top before enjoying. This salad dressing also makes for a wonderful final touch on roasted veggies. Simply drizzle a small amount onto dishes like Roasted Carrots And Parsnips for a lovely autumn side dish. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or when you want something hearty, seasonal, and full of flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
Ingredients Â
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
InstructionsÂ
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is smooth and well blended. If necessary, add more honey or Dijon mustard to suit your taste.
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