Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Your Easy & Healthy Fall Salad Dressing Guide

Elevate your seasonal dishes with this incredibly easy and exceptionally flavorful homemade apple cider vinaigrette. This vibrant dressing is a true game-changer for fall salads, roasted vegetables, and even grain bowls, delivering a bright, punchy zest that will awaken your taste buds. Forget store-bought options filled with unknown ingredients; this simple apple cider vinaigrette recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples and comes together in minutes. Perfect for anyone seeking a healthier, more delicious alternative to their everyday salad dressing.

Nothing quite compares to the freshness of a homemade salad dressing, and this apple cider vinaigrette stands out as a personal favorite. It’s the quintessential accompaniment for any fall-inspired meal, perfectly capturing the spirit of apple season. The delightful sweet tanginess of apple cider vinegar marries beautifully with autumn ingredients like roasted squash, tart cranberries, and hearty winter greens, creating a truly irresistible flavor profile. But don’t limit this gem to just one season! Its bright, zingy notes make it a fantastic choice any time of the year, whether you’re tossing it with a light summer salad or drizzling it over grilled chicken.

With a mere six ingredients, this easy apple cider vinaigrette transforms everything it touches into a culinary delight. A quick whisk or shake is all it takes to prepare this versatile dressing, ready to add a burst of wholesome flavor to your favorite dishes.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing

This isn’t just another dressing recipe; it’s a simple solution for adding incredible flavor to countless meals. Here’s why this homemade apple cider vinaigrette will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless & Simple Ingredients: You’ll be amazed at how much vibrant flavor can be created from such a short list of common pantry items. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, blending seamlessly to create a harmonious and delicious dressing that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
• Superior to Store-Bought Alternatives: Once you taste the fresh, clean flavors of this homemade vinaigrette, you’ll find it hard to go back to processed, preservative-laden store varieties. Like our popular lemon vinaigrette and Greek vinaigrette dressing, this recipe takes mere minutes to prepare and stores beautifully in the fridge. You control the quality of ingredients, the sweetness level, and the salt content, ensuring a healthier and tastier result every time.
• Bright, Balanced, & Versatile Flavors: This dressing boasts a captivating flavor profile. You’ll experience a subtle warmth and ‘tingle’ from the Dijon mustard and fresh garlic, balanced by the natural sweetness of honey, and ultimately brightened by the delightful tang of apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice. This complex yet refreshing blend pairs exceptionally well with all your cherished fall ingredients but is equally fantastic as a bright accent to dishes year-round.
• Health Benefits in Every Drizzle: Beyond its incredible taste, this apple cider vinegar dressing offers potential health perks. Apple cider vinegar is often praised for its digestive benefits and ability to help regulate blood sugar, while healthy olive oil contributes beneficial fats. Choosing homemade means avoiding artificial flavors, colors, and excessive sugars often found in commercial dressings, making it a mindful addition to your healthy eating routine.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Vinaigrette

Creating this delicious apple cider vinaigrette is a breeze, especially since it uses readily available pantry items you likely have on hand already. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the synergy of these core ingredients. For precise measurements and full recipe details, please refer to the complete recipe card below.

• Olive Oil: We recommend using a good quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and beneficial properties. If you prefer a milder taste or have dietary restrictions, other neutral-flavored oils like avocado oil or light olive oil work wonderfully as well. The oil forms the base of your vinaigrette, carrying and balancing the other flavors.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The star of the show! Look for raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar “with the mother” for the most robust flavor and potential health benefits. You’ll typically find it in the condiment aisle alongside other vinegars and dressings. Its distinctive tangy, slightly fruity notes are what give this dressing its signature character.
• Honey: This natural sweetener beautifully balances the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice. Local honey can add a unique floral note. If you’re looking for alternatives, agave nectar or maple syrup are excellent substitutes, each imparting a slightly different depth of flavor. For a vegan option, maple syrup or agave are perfect choices.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for optimal brightness and aroma. It adds another layer of tangy citrus that complements the apple cider vinegar beautifully. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled 100% lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though the flavor may be slightly less vibrant.
• Dijon Mustard: More than just a flavor enhancer, Dijon mustard acts as a natural emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar bind together to create a smooth, creamy texture. Its subtle spiciness and savory notes add depth. If Dijon isn’t on hand, a good quality stone-ground mustard or even yellow mustard can work, but Dijon offers the best balance.
• Garlic: A single minced clove of fresh garlic infuses the dressing with a wonderful aromatic kick. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference – use a little less for a milder dressing or add another clove for a more pronounced garlic flavor. Fresh is always recommended over garlic powder for this recipe.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning! Start with a pinch and adjust to taste. These humble ingredients bring out all the other flavors, ensuring your vinaigrette is perfectly seasoned and delicious.

Crafting Your Apple Cider Vinaigrette: A Simple How-To Guide

Preparing this delicious apple cider vinaigrette is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever bought dressing from a bottle! Here are two super easy methods to get your dressing perfectly combined and ready to drizzle:

Method 1: The “Shake It Up” Jar Method

1. Gather Your Tools: Grab a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. A mason jar works perfectly.
2. Combine Ingredients: Pour all your measured ingredients – olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper – directly into the jar.
3. Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar enthusiastically for at least 1-2 minutes. This vigorous shaking is key to emulsifying the dressing, ensuring the oil and vinegar are well combined and the flavors are fully incorporated. You’ll notice the dressing becoming slightly thicker and opaque.

Method 2: The “Whisk Away” Bowl Method

1. Prepare Your Bowl: Place all the liquid ingredients (olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice) into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk Until Combined: Using a whisk, vigorously beat the ingredients together. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes, or until the dressing appears creamy and well-emulsified, with no visible separation of oil and vinegar.

Voila! Your homemade apple cider vinaigrette is now ready to add a burst of fresh flavor to your favorite dishes.

Expert Tips and Creative Variation Ideas for Your Vinaigrette

The beauty of this apple cider vinaigrette lies in its adaptability. Once you master the basic recipe, you’ll discover endless possibilities for customizing it to your taste and pairing it with almost any meal. Here are some tips and inspiring variations to make your homemade vinaigrette truly shine:

• Embrace Different Vinegars: While apple cider vinegar is central to this recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment! If you’re out of ACV, or simply craving a different flavor profile, you can substitute with other vinegars. Try balsamic vinegar for a deeper, sweeter note, red wine vinegar for a robust tang, or white wine vinegar for a lighter, crisper finish. Each choice will create a distinctly delicious dressing.
• The Art of Emulsification: Achieving a perfectly emulsified vinaigrette isn’t just about appearance; it ensures a smoother texture and prevents the oil and vinegar from separating too quickly. Shake or whisk the dressing vigorously for a full minute (or even two!) to properly combine the ingredients. The Dijon mustard acts as a natural emulsifier, but consistent agitation is key. For an extra stable emulsion, consider using an immersion blender or a food processor – just a few pulses will create a wonderfully creamy dressing.
• Whip Up a Creamy Version: Transform this tangy vinaigrette into a luscious creamy dressing with a simple addition. Whisk in a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt for a richer texture and flavor. This creamy twist is absolutely amazing not just on potato salad, but also on coleslaw, sturdy greens like kale, or as a dip for fresh vegetables. For a dairy-free and vegan creamy option, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of tahini or cashew cream.
• Add a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper into the mix. This adds a subtle warmth and zing that can beautifully complement the sweet and tangy notes of the vinaigrette, especially when drizzled over roasted root vegetables.
• Herbaceous Infusions: Elevate your dressing by adding fresh or dried herbs. Finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, dill, or thyme can add a wonderful aromatic complexity. For a more intense flavor, you can let sprigs of herbs like rosemary or thyme infuse in the finished dressing for a few hours before serving.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Taste your vinaigrette before serving. If you prefer it a little sweeter, add a tiny bit more honey or your chosen sweetener. If it’s too sweet, a splash more apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can rebalance the flavors.

Delicious Apple Cider Vinaigrette Serving Suggestions

This versatile homemade apple cider vinaigrette is so much more than just a salad dressing. Its bright, tangy, and subtly sweet flavor makes it a perfect complement to a wide array of dishes. Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy your freshly made vinaigrette:

• Perfect Partner for Fall Salads: The classic pairing! This vinaigrette is truly exceptional with seasonal fall salads. Imagine it drizzled over a hearty roasted squash and goat cheese salad, a vibrant fall couscous salad packed with dried cranberries and toasted pecans, or a refreshing sweet-smoky apple broccoli salad. It beautifully highlights ingredients like crisp apples, roasted root vegetables, candied nuts, and crumbly cheeses.
• Enhance Roasted and Grilled Vegetables: Take your vegetable side dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. This vinaigrette is amazing drizzled generously over virtually any grilled or roasted vegetable. Try it with earthy roasted asparagus, caramelized roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, broccoli, or carrots. Drizzle it on before roasting for a tangy glaze, or after for a fresh burst of flavor.
• The Ultimate Grain Bowl Dressing: Transform your autumn grain bowls into culinary masterpieces. Use this apple cider vinaigrette as your primary dressing for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Start with a base of fluffy quinoa, farro, or brown rice. Add some protein like crispy chickpeas (try our Parmesan roasted chickpeas for extra crunch), grilled chicken, or tofu. Pile on roasted vegetables like roasted butternut squash, sautéed spinach or kale, and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for texture. A generous drizzle of this vinaigrette ties all the components together.
• Brighten Up Year-Round Salads: Don’t reserve this dressing just for fall! The fresh, clean flavors of this homemade apple cider vinaigrette can instantly brighten up a simple tossed salad topped with crunchy homemade croutons at any time of the year. It’s also fantastic for seasoning a lightened-up potato salad, a vibrant coleslaw, or a hearty bean salad.
• Flavorful Marinade: This vinaigrette makes an excellent marinade for poultry, fish, or pork. The acidity of the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice helps to tenderize the meat while infusing it with incredible flavor. Marinate chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or flaky white fish for 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
• Drizzle for Sandwiches and Wraps: Add an extra layer of flavor to your lunch! A light drizzle of this vinaigrette inside a sandwich, wrap, or pita can elevate it from good to gourmet, providing a welcome tangy counterpoint to savory fillings.

Storing Your Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade vinaigrette fresh and delicious. Once prepared, transfer your dressing to an airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to 1 week. Before each use, give the dressing a good shake or whisk, as natural separation of the oil and vinegar may occur. This ensures all the flavors are perfectly blended for every serving.

Can I Freeze Vinaigrette Salad Dressing?

While technically possible, I generally don’t recommend freezing vinaigrette salad dressings. The primary reason is that the texture tends to change significantly once the dressing is thawed. The oil and vinegar components can separate irreversibly, and emulsified ingredients like mustard can break down, resulting in a less desirable, often grainy or watery consistency. Given how quickly and easily this fresh batch comes together, it’s far better to simply whip up a fresh batch whenever you need it to enjoy the best possible flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes a vinaigrette emulsify?

Emulsification in vinaigrettes is primarily achieved through vigorous mixing (whisking or shaking) which breaks the oil into tiny droplets and disperses them throughout the vinegar. Key ingredients like Dijon mustard act as emulsifiers; the proteins and starches in mustard help stabilize this mixture, preventing the oil and vinegar from separating too quickly.

Is apple cider vinaigrette healthy?

Yes, homemade apple cider vinaigrette is generally considered very healthy, especially compared to many store-bought dressings. It uses whole, natural ingredients like healthy olive oil, beneficial apple cider vinegar, and fresh aromatics. By making it yourself, you control the amount of sugar and sodium, avoiding artificial additives and preservatives often found in commercial options.

Can I make this vinaigrette vegan?

Absolutely! This apple cider vinaigrette recipe can easily be made vegan. Simply substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. Both alternatives pair wonderfully with the other flavors in the dressing.

How do I fix a separated vinaigrette?

If your vinaigrette has separated in the fridge, don’t worry – it’s completely normal! Simply give the jar a good, vigorous shake for 30-60 seconds, or whisk it well in a bowl. If it still seems stubbornly separated, try adding a tiny drop (about 1/4 teaspoon) of cold water or a tiny bit more Dijon mustard, then re-whisk or shake. This often helps to re-emulsify the dressing.

Explore More Homemade Salad Dressings

If you love the freshness and flavor of homemade dressings, be sure to try these other fantastic recipes:

• Homemade Ranch Dressing
• Creamy Balsamic Dressing
• Cafe Rio Dressing
• Avocado Dressing
• Cilantro Lime Dressing

No ratings yet

Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette

By
Erin Sellin

This homemade apple cider vinaigrette dressing is the best way to add bright, punchy flavor to any fall salad or roasted vegetable. Quick and easy to make with just 6 simple ingredients!

Prep:
5 minutes mins

Total:
5 minutes mins

Yields:
3/4 cup (approx. 6 servings of 2 Tbsp each)

Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

• ▢ ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (preferably raw, unfiltered with the mother)
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ▢ 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ▢ 1 clove garlic, minced
• ▢ salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients (olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper) to a jar with a tight-fitting lid or a medium mixing bowl.
   ½ cup olive oil,
   ¼ cup apple cider vinegar,
   1 Tablespoon honey,
   1 Tablespoon lemon juice,
   2 teaspoons Dijon mustard,
   1 clove garlic,
   salt & pepper to taste
2. If using a jar, secure the lid and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until fully combined and emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk thoroughly for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

Nutrition Information (per 2 Tbsp serving)

Calories: 174kcal |
Carbohydrates: 3g |
Fat: 18g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g |
Sodium: 47mg |
Sugar: 3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

Additional Recipe Information

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
5 minutes minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes minutes

Course:
Salad Dressing, Condiment

Cuisine:
American, Healthy

Yields:
3/4 cup (approx. 6 servings)

Calories:
174

Keywords:
apple cider vinaigrette, apple cider vinaigrette dressing, homemade salad dressing, healthy vinaigrette, fall dressing, easy salad dressing

Enjoyed this recipe? Share your thoughts below!

I’ve created a fun and supportive community on Facebook, and I’d be absolutely thrilled for you to join us! It’s a fantastic space where you can share your favorite recipes, ask cooking questions, and stay up-to-date with all the new content from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so you never miss an exciting new recipe!).

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU create!

Stay connected and make sure you never miss a post from us by following on social media!

Facebook | 
Twitter | 
Pinterest | 
Instagram