In just 5 minutes, you can whip up a delicious maple balsamic dressing that surpasses anything you can find in stores.
When it comes to salads, I'm a fan of making my own dressing these days - from a cilantro lime vinaigrette to creamy balsamic dressing to a lime Caesar dressing.
But most dressings use honey which makes them not vegan friendly. So with this dressing, you substitute the honey for maple syrup and honestly it might taste even better than the original!
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor - The maple syrup adds a rich, complex sweetness to the dressing, while the balsamic vinegar provides a tangy, acidic note.
- Convenient - Since this dressing is made from ingredients you typically have in the pantry/fridge, you will never run out of it!
- Healthier - With just 7 ingredients, you know what you are putting in this dressing. It is also vegan and gluten-free for those on certain diets.
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Ingredient notes
- Balsamic vinegar - as the main flavor of the vinaigrette, the better the quality, the better the taste. Good balsamic vinegar shouldn't be thin, but should be thick like syrup.
- Maple syrup - adds a little sweetness to help offset the tartness from the balsamic vinegar. You can use honey as well, but it won't be vegan anymore.
- Dijon mustard - acts as an emulsifier agent and adds a nice pungent flavor.
- Olive oil - you want quality oil. You can use flavor-infused oil too as opposed to plain.
Step-by-Step Photos
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
Add all the ingredients to a glass container or jar with a lid and shake vigorously until thoroughly mixed.
FAQs
While balsamic vinegar is the traditional vinegar used in this dressing, you can substitute it with other types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar or champagne vinegar.
Just keep in mind the flavors will be different.
Oil and vinegar don't naturally mix so when you emulsify are combining two liquids that are normally separate.
You just haven't whisked enough or shaken in a mason jar. Just be patient and it will emulsify.
If it has been stored for some time, it will separate again, so just give the dressing a good shake.
Yes. You want to place in the fridge so it will last longer.
You can keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Don't worry though, it won't last that long.
Dressing Uses
While this maple balsamic dressing is excellent for salads, it can also be used in various ways, including:
- Dressing for pasta salad
- Marinade for pork, chicken or veggies
- Sandwiches
- Drizzle on top of polenta
- Mixed with roasted veggies
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Use quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar as the taste comes from both.
- If you want some additional flavor add a chopped shallot or ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
- For the best flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Salads Options for the Dressing
If you’ve tried this maple balsamic dressing or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Maple Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into a glass container or jar with a lid and shake until completely combined.
- Serve with your favorite salad or store for later use.
Notes
- Use quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar as the taste comes from both.
- If you want some additional flavor add a chopped shallot or ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
- For the best flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
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