Want a simple sweet, yet tangy salad dressing? You’ve got to try this Maple Dijon Dressing. It’s made with just 6 simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen. It’s so versatile that it can even be used as a marinade for chicken or fish. >

Stop buying salad dressing from the store, and make your own instead like this easy Maple Dijon Dressing. Made with just 6 ingredients, including olive oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, dijon mustard, maple syrup, and salt and pepper, this dressing works well as all-around dressing you’ll want to have on hand for salads and as a marinade. >

It’s the perfect dressing for this Kale Salad with Apples and Cheddar. >

About the Ingredients

The base of this Maple Dijon Dressing recipe is oil and vinegar, like many salad dressings, but with a twist as it includes apple cider vinegar instead of the usual red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar. >

• Olive Oil: It gives this dressing a smooth, rich texture and it’s the base that blends well with the vinegar and other ingredients. Be sure to use a high-quality olive oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar: It has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor due to the apple, and works really well with the sweetness of the maple syrup
• Maple Syrup: It has a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs well with the apple cider vinegar and dijon mustard. Opt for real maple syrup, rather than artificial
• Dijon Mustard: It’s the no-so-secret ingredient that helps to give a little sharpness to the dressing and completes all the flavors
• Salt: It helps to round out all the flavors and enhance the ingredients. Be sure to use sea salt or Himalayan salt
• Pepper: Opt for freshly-ground pepper to give the dressing a nice kick

How to Make This Dressing

Add olive oil, maple, syrup, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste to a small jar or bowl. Shake or whisk together. Full recipe is below. >

Variations and Substitutions

You could use avocado oil instead olive oil. Just use the same amount. In addition, you could use white wine, rice wine, red wine, or balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. They all have a slightly different flavor profile, but they all would work well. >

Instead of maple syrup, try raw honey. You may need to use a little less compared to maple syrup. Just add half the amount and add more as needed. >

For the mustard, you could use honey mustard (pair it with honey instead of maple syrup), spicy brown mustard, or even whole grain mustard. >

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Maple Dijon Dressing in an airtight glass container in the fridge. It should last 2-3 weeks, but it’ll taste best if used before then. >

Serving Suggestions

• Serve it up with this Kale Salad with Apples and Cheddar, or any salad. Good salad pairings with this dressing would be mixed greens, spinach, or arugula with fruit like apples, dried cranberries, blueberries, toasted nuts, and a light crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese.
• This dressing can also be used as a marinade for grilled meat like chicken breast, chicken thighs, or salmon filets. Brush on the dressing on the meat, and let marinate for 2-3 hours and then grill.
• You can also use this dressing as a marinade for roasted vegetables like Brussels sports, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Let vegetables marinate in the dressing for 1-2 hours before roasting or grilling.
• Drizzle this Maple Dijon Dressing on sandwiches, wraps, paninis, or Buddha bowls (rice, quinoa, etc.) served up with vegetables and protein like grilled tofu or chicken.
• Serve it up as a dipping sauce for charcuterie boards along with cured meat, cheese, crackers, and fruit.

More Instant Pot Meals You Might Like

• Kale Salad with Apples and Cheddar
• Pan-Fried Chicken Tenders
• Gluten Free BBQ Chicken Pizza

Did you try this? Don’t forget to rate it and comment below to let me know how it went. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.>