Homemade Maple Balsamic Dressing is the perfect way to elevate your favorite salads. This sweet and tangy vinaigrette dressing shakes together quickly with simple ingredients and is so much better than anything you'll find at the store.
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Maple balsamic vinaigrette is one of my favorite homemade salad dressings.
The bold flavor of the balsamic balances perfectly with the sweet maple syrup for a versatile dressing that can take even the most simple salad to the next level.
This rich and flavorful dressing comes together quickly with common pantry staples you probably already have: balsamic vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic.
Maple Balsamic Dressing is delicious on:
Green salads. Our favorites are Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad, Caprese Spinach and Arugula Salad
Roasted vegetables. The flavors pair perfectly with roasted carrots and brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
Meat. It's a great marinade for chicken or pork chops.
Ingredients
Balsamic vinegar. Look for a good quality balsamic vinegar of Modena that has been aged in wood for at least 4 hours. Don't bother using pricier traditional balsamic vinegar in a salad dressing recipe -- save it for drizzling on finished dishes (or ice cream!).
Pure maple syrup. Real maple syrup gives this delicious balsamic vinaigrette recipe a touch of sweetness.
Dijon mustard. Dijon not only adds flavor but acts as an emulsifier in homemade dressings.
Extra-virgin olive oil. Because oil is the main ingredient in the dressing, get the best quality olive oil you can afford. Avocado oil is a good substitute.
Recipe Variations
Garlic. You can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. As an alternative, you can also use fresh minced shallots or red onion.
Mustard. Stone ground mustard is a great substitute for Dijon in a homemade vinaigrette.
Fresh herbs. Add your favorite herbs like fresh rosemary or fresh thyme.
How to Make Balsamic Maple Dressing
Place all of the ingredients in a small bowl or small mason jar with a lid.
Whisk in the bowl or give it a good shake in the covered jar until all of the ingredients have combined.
Toss with your favorite salad or serve on the side.
Storage
Store leftover dressing in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Success Tips
This dressing is very tangy with a low oil to acid ratio. If you prefer more oil, add more.
Taste the dressing and adjust to your liking, adding more balsamic or more maple syrup as needed.
FAQs
Balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper
Yes, honey is a great substitute for maple syrup in maple balsamic vinaigrette.
Of course, that's the beauty of making your own salad dressings! Add a little more balsamic vinegar or a little more maple syrup to adjust the tanginess and sweetness of the dressing.
Get the Stuff I Use
These 8 oz. mason jars with lids are the perfect size for one batch of dressing with plenty of headspace for shaking.
This OXO balloon whisk has a comfortable, sturdy handle, perfect for whisking up dressings, whipped cream, or egg whites.
Delicious Salad Recipes
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Maple Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove minced garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a small bowl or jar with a lid. Whisk or shake vigorously in covered jar until completely combined.
- Serve immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Shake or stir before serving.
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