Apple cider vinegar gives this Apple Cider Vinaigrette a natural sweet-tart flavor that makes it a simple dressing for all of your favorite fall and winter salads.

This vinaigrette is one of those super versatile items to have ready in the fridge. Like a classic balsamic vinaigrette, it is simple to make, includes pantry staples, and has so many uses. Apple Cider Vinaigrette is  great served over a fall salad with Apples, Brie, and Pecans as it is tossed simply with baby arugula or mixed greens. My kids will dip vegetables in it, and I’ve used it to marinate chicken and pork chops or drizzle over roasted vegetables. 

The ingredients list is short and sweet. Here’s all you need!

Ingredients

• Shallot – Shallot adds a savory flavor to the vinaigrette, but you just need a little. Because the shallot will add texture to the vinaigrette, be sure to mince it very fine or just blend the entire vinaigrette to get it super smooth and creamy. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar – This is the key flavor. Any variety of apple cider vinegar will work well here. 
• Dijon Mustard – Tart mustard balances the sweetness.
• Honey – I like the flavor of honey, but it’s also great with maple syrup.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – If you don’t want the subtle olive flavor that comes from olive oil here, you can use any other neutral oil. Grapeseed oil or avocado oil are great all-purpose oils with mild flavors.
• Salt and Pepper – Add a pinch of salt and pepper at the end – it will really make the flavor pop!

How to Make Vinaigrette

Once you get the hang of making homemade vinaigrette, it’s hard to go back to the store-bought variety. Not only is it super affordable, but you have total control over the flavor – make it more sweet, more tart, or more creamy. Most vinaigrette starts with a ratio of 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar and then customize with aromatics, dried spices and herbs, sweetener (like honey or maple syrup), or mustard.

Once you have your ingredients picked out, make the vinaigrette using one of these methods to combine them:

1. In a bowl with a whisk / fork
2. In a Mason jar (just add a lid and shake it well)
3. With a blender or immersion blender (for a super smooth vinaigrette)

I have a blog post on How to Make Vinaigrette if you’re interested in more tips, tricks, and variations.

More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes

Thai Salad Dressing

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Creamy Herb Yogurt Salad Dressing

Sweet Basil Vinaigrette