Looking to elevate your salads with a dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy to make? Meet your new favorite: maple vinaigrette dressing. It’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the flavor is bold, balanced, and satisfying.
This dressing is especially perfect in fall and winter salads, where its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with roasted squash, apples, walnuts, and hearty greens.
Meta Description: Maple vinaigrette dressing is sweet, tangy, and easy to make. Perfect for fall salads, grain bowls, and roasted veggies. Try this 5-minute homemade recipe!
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Why You’ll Love Maple Vinaigrette
Maple vinaigrette is the perfect balance of sweet, acidic, and savory. The natural richness of maple syrup pairs well with the sharp bite of vinegar and the creaminess of good olive oil.
It’s:
- Quick to make in 5 minutes or less
- Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free
- Versatile enough for salads, veggies, or marinades
- Customizable based on your preferences
It’s one of those dressings that can bring even a simple bowl of greens to life.
Maple Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove, minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- Whisk or blend: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the maple syrup, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add oil slowly: While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
- Taste and adjust: Add more vinegar for tang, or more maple for sweetness.
- Serve or store: Use immediately or refrigerate for up to one week.
Tip: Shake in a mason jar for a mess-free, one-step method!
What to Pair with Maple Vinaigrette
This dressing shines when paired with both sweet and savory ingredients. Here are some ideas:
- Salads with roasted squash, pecans, and goat cheese
- Kale or spinach with apples, cranberries, and walnuts
- Grain bowls with farro, sweet potatoes, and arugula
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots
- Chopped chicken salad with toasted almonds
- Quinoa salads with beets and feta
It’s especially great for fall and winter produce, adding depth and warmth to your dishes.
Flavor Variations
Want to switch it up? Try one of these variations:
| Variation | Add This |
| Spicy Maple | Pinch of cayenne or ½ tsp hot sauce |
| Creamy Maple | 1 tbsp tahini or plain Greek yogurt |
| Zesty Maple | Zest and juice of half an orange or lemon |
| Herby Maple | Fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage (finely chopped) |
| Smoky Maple | Add a few dashes of smoked paprika |
These versions let you match the vinaigrette to different meals or seasonal flavors.
Tips for the Best Maple Vinaigrette
- Use pure maple syrup. Not pancake syrup or maple-flavored syrup—they’re overly sweet and artificial.
- Let it sit. The flavors blend beautifully after 15–30 minutes in the fridge.
- Shake before serving. Like most vinaigrettes, it may separate in the fridge. A quick shake brings it back to life.
- Make a big batch. It stores well in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Maple Vinaigrette for Meal Prep
This dressing is perfect for make-ahead meals:
- Add it to mason jar salads (put it at the bottom of the jar to keep greens crisp)
- Use it as a marinade for chicken or tofu
- Toss it with roasted vegetables and grains for easy lunches
- Make a double batch to keep in the fridge for quick dinners
Meal prep gets way tastier with this on hand.
FAQs About Maple Vinaigrette
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes! Honey makes a great substitute if you don’t have maple syrup. The flavor will be slightly different—less earthy and more floral.
Is maple vinaigrette vegan?
Yes, as long as you use pure maple syrup and no dairy add-ins. Dijon mustard is also typically vegan, but check the label to be sure.
Can I freeze this dressing?
It’s not recommended. Oil-based vinaigrettes separate and lose their texture when frozen. Stick to refrigeration for best results.
How do I make it thicker?
Use less oil or add a bit of tahini, Greek yogurt, or mashed avocado to create a creamy consistency.
What kind of vinegar works best?
Apple cider vinegar pairs best with maple, but balsamic or white wine vinegar also work well depending on the dish.
A simple jar of maple vinaigrette dressing can completely transform your salads, veggies, and grain bowls. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.
It’s quick, customizable, and makes healthy meals taste amazing—what more could you ask for?
