Maple Dijon Dressing is the perfect way to flavor any autumn-inspired salad. Make a batch in less than 5 minutes and use it throughout the week with salads, roasted vegetables or grilled fish and meat.
Taking a salad from good to great can be as simple as adding a good homemade dressing, such as this Maple Dijon Dressing. And making a dressing from scratch doesn't need to be difficult. In fact, this recipe takes no more than 5 minutes to pull off.
While I often toss this dressing with a simple green salad, it's equally good when drizzled over roasted vegetables, used as a marinade for chicken or seafood, or spooned over a dinnertime grain bowl.
For other homemade dressings, try my Greek Salad Dressing, Tahini Dressing and Miso Ginger Dressing.
What's to love about maple Dijon vinaigrette
- BALANCED FLAVOR: The combination of sweet maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, and the subtle kick of garlic blends together effortlessly.
- VERSATILITY: It's not just for salads! Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a marinade for chicken or tofu, or even as a dipping sauce for bread. The possibilities are endless.
Tips for making it
- Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Opt for pure maple syrup and extra virgin olive oil.
- Grate the Garlic: I'm not a fan of tasting chunks of raw garlic in dressing. To avoid this, grate the peeled garlic clove on a zester. The result is extra-fine pieces of garlic that practically melt into the dressing.
- Taste Test: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess to suit your taste. Add more maple syrup for sweetness or Dijon mustard for an extra kick.
- Whisk Gradually: When adding the olive oil, pour it slowly while whisking continuously. This helps the dressing emulsify, giving it that creamy texture.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Apple cider vinegar - While apple cider vinegar is the classic choice, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar if that's what you have in your pantry.
- Maple syrup - Use pure maple syrup, not a corn syrup-based syrup. If you don't have maple syrup, you can use honey as a sweet alternative. Note: If you follow a vegan diet, skip this substitution. Honey is not considered to be vegan.
- Dijon mustard - If you're out of Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard works as a tasty substitute with a slightly different texture.
- Garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
See recipe card below for full ingredients list & recipe directions.
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How to make Maple Dijon Dressing
- COMBINE: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard and salt. Peel the garlic clove and grate it on a zester. Add it to the bowl and whisk the ingredients to combine.
- ADD THE OIL: While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Once combined, taste the dressing. Adjust the salt and maple syrup if you prefer a saltier or sweeter dressing.
Storage and shelf-life
This homemade dressing is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Because of the oil content, it can solidify when cold, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Just give it a good shake before using.
What to serve it with
Now that you have this easy dressing in your recipe arsenal, here are few ways to serve it:
- Salad: Serve it with a classic green salad, such as Apple Pecan Salad, or try a seasonal favorite like Sweet Potato Arugula Salad.
- Marinade: Use the dressing as a marinade for chicken, shrimp or tofu.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle the dressing over roasted vegetables.
- Bowls: Make a grain bowl with a bed of quinoa, rice or farro. Top it with assorted vegetables and your favorite cooked protein. Then finish it off with a couple of tablespoons of this maple Dijon dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is vegan-friendly! There are no animal products in this recipe. Avoid substituting honey for the maple syrup, as honey is not considered vegan.
While extra virgin olive oil is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other oils like avocado oil or even walnut oil. Just keep in mind that different oils will alter the taste of the dressing.
It's not recommended to freeze this dressing. The texture may change upon thawing, and the emulsion might break. It's best to make fresh batches as needed or store it in the fridge for short-term use.
Other sauce and dressing recipes to try
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and comment underneath the recipe card below. Thank you!
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Maple Dijon Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove peeled & grated on a zester
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- To a medium-sized bowl, add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, grated garlic and salt. Whisk to combine.
- While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is combined. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was first published on September 26, 2023 and updated on August 6, 2026.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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