Apple cider vinaigrette is a light, tangy, and versatile dressing that can elevate any salad or dish with its refreshing, sweet-tart flavor. Made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and a few simple spices, this vinaigrette combines the health benefits of apple cider vinegar with a delightful balance of acidity and sweetness.

Perfect for green salads, grain bowls, or even as a marinade for grilled meats and vegetables, this vinaigrette is easy to make and customizable to suit your taste. Not only is it healthier than store-bought dressings, but it also packs a punch with antioxidants, healthy fats, and beneficial enzymes.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for extra tang)
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (optional, such as thyme, oregano, or basil)

How to Make Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand. You’ll need fresh, high-quality apple cider vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, while Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing and adds a bit of sharpness. You can adjust the amounts of these ingredients to suit your preferences.

Prepare the Garlic

Mince the garlic finely or use a garlic press for a smoother texture. Fresh garlic adds depth and a slight bite to the vinaigrette, but if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the garlic or use garlic powder instead.

Combine the Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Whisk until the honey is fully dissolved, and the ingredients are well combined.

Slowly Add the Olive Oil

While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This helps to emulsify the vinaigrette, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. If you prefer a more robust olive flavor, you can use extra virgin olive oil, or for a milder taste, try a lighter olive oil or even a mix of olive oil and avocado oil.

Adjust the Flavor

Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, honey, or vinegar depending on whether you want the dressing to be saltier, sweeter, or more acidic. If the vinaigrette is too sharp, add a little more honey or oil to balance the flavor.

Optional: Add Herbs

For an extra layer of flavor, you can mix in dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil. These herbs complement the tanginess of the apple cider vinegar and add a fresh, earthy element to the dressing. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely and stir them in at the end.

Store and Serve

Transfer the vinaigrette to a jar or an airtight container. Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time. This vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it solidifies slightly due to the olive oil, simply bring it to room temperature and shake or whisk to recombine.

Chef’s Note:

 Vinegar Options:

Apple cider vinegar gives the vinaigrette a mild fruity tang, but you can experiment with other vinegars like red wine vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, or champagne vinegar for a different flavor profile. Each one will bring its own unique touch to the dressing.

Sweetness Level:

Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on how sweet you like your vinaigrette. For a more savory version, you can reduce the sweetness or replace the honey with agave syrup for a vegan option.

Customizing the Flavor:

Feel free to get creative with this vinaigrette. For added depth, you can add a dash of soy sauce or tamari, or for a smoky flavor, try a pinch of smoked paprika. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of grated ginger.

Serving Suggestions:

This vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with salads featuring leafy greens like spinach, arugula, or kale. It also works well with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or farro salads. For a fruity twist, try it over a salad with sliced apples, pears, or dried cranberries. You can even use it as a marinade for grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 3g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin E: 5% of Daily Value
• Iron: 2% of Daily Value

This apple cider vinaigrette is a heart-healthy choice thanks to the monounsaturated fats from olive oil. It’s also rich in antioxidants and can aid digestion due to the properties of apple cider vinegar. By making your own vinaigrette, you avoid the added sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats often found in store-bought dressings.

Whether you’re looking to enhance the flavor of your salads, marinate proteins, or drizzle a zesty dressing over grilled vegetables, this apple cider vinaigrette is an all-around winner. Its perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and spice will keep your taste buds satisfied without overwhelming the natural flavors of your ingredients. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant taste that this homemade vinaigrette brings to your meals!