Apple Dijon Dressing With Maple Syrup + Shallots

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Apple Dijon Dressing With Maple Syrup + Shallots | Tired of boring salads? Make this sweet and tangy apple Dijon dressing with maple syrup and fresh minced shallots and never be short on flavor again. Simply shake these 5 ingredients together and toss over your favorite kale salad. Easy to double and triple.

This simple Dijon vinaigrette pairs perfectly with hardy sturdy kale and cabbage.

This homemade salad dressing is super easy to double or triple, making it perfect for weekly meal prep and meal planning.

When we’re talking about things you can make yourself, at home, salad dressings are probably among the easiest and most versatile recipes you can choose. There are so many different flavor combinations and endless salad recipes you can create with a handful of simple ingredients.

Switching to a plant-based lifestyle can mean for some, that they are buying less processed store-bought items like bottles of dressing, especially of the creamy variety. Sometimes the ingredients just aren’t ones we want to use.

On the flip side, sometimes they are and there’s nothing wrong with buying salad dressing.

For me though, plant-based eating is simpler. I love cooking and I love bold flavors. And having some simple recipes that are good building blocks for my week makes life go smoothly. And it doesn’t get simpler and more wholesome than this 5 ingredient flavorful kale salad dressing.

Ingredients

This is a brief overview of the ingredients used in this recipe followed by substitution ideas. Read the recipe card for measurements.

maple syrup: provides sweetness and contributes to a smooth texture.
Dijon mustard: adds a tangy flavor and helps emulsify the rest of the ingredients.
apple cider vinegar: adds acidity for balance.
olive oil: this is the base of the dressing and makes up most of the volume. Extra Virgin Olive Oil gives a creamy texture to the dressing and a fruity mild flavor. Use one you really like. I like this Greek Olive Oil.
shallot: adds a mild, delicate zing to the dressing.

Substitutions

olive oil: I like extra virgin Greek olive oil for this recipe because I love the flavor. If you need something milder, try a light olive oil or another neutral cooking oil.
maple syrup: try honey instead if you consume honey.
apple cider vinegar: if you don’t want this to be an apple Dijon dressing then try a rose vinegar or white balsamic vinegar instead.
shallot: for an even punchier flavor try finely minced red onion instead. I’d recommend only 2 tablespoons or so as it has more punch than shallots.

Instructions

Prep Tips

No cooking required!
You’ll need a jar with a lid or simply a bowl and a whisk.
Learn how to mince shallots first.

Make sure to finely mince the shallots so that they blend easily into the dressing.

Add the shallots to a jar.

Mustard is added to shallots in a small jar.

Add the Dijon mustard. I like one with some texture. Horseradish Dijon is also good!

Maple syrup is added to shallots in a small jar.

Next add the maple syrup.

Apple cider vinegar is added to shallots in a small jar.

Then add the apple cider vinegar.

Olive oil is added to shallots in a small jar.

Finally, add the olive oil. Season the dressing with a pinch of kosher salt and some freshly ground black pepper.

Dressing is shaken in a mason jar with a lid.

Add the lid and shake the dressing until it’s well blended.

Ratio for a vinaigrette

I make my vinaigrettes with a ratio of either 3:1 oil to vinegar or 4:1 oil to vinegar. The ratio for this apple Dijon vinaigrette is 4:1 oil to vinegar. This mellows the flavors out a bit and allows for the addition of fresh minced shallot.

Tips for Making Salad dressing

customize: this dressing recipe is super easy to customize. You can use the oil of your choice instead of olive oil. Try using a flavored mustard. Add a touch of sesame oil and some sesame seeds for a Sesame Dijon dressing.
balance: I’ve balanced the sweet and sour elements of this dressing to my taste. If you want something sweeter, add more maple syrup. If you want it a bit more sour or tangy, add more apple cider vinegar or mustard. Be sure to season with salt before adjusting any of the other ingredients.
meal prep: salad dressing recipes will keep for weeks in the fridge, making them the perfect meal prep recipe. Double or triple this recipe if you want.
room temperature: Olive oil changes in consistency and color when refrigerated so be sure to let this dressing sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before you use it and give it a good shake first!

What to serve with Apple Dijon Dressing

Vinaigrettes can be used for more than just salad recipes, although it is perfect for my Kale Crunch Salad because that’s what I created the recipe for. You can also drizzle this over roasted veggies or over a grain bowl for a delicious punch of flavor. Try it on roasted potatoes!

Looking for more easy vegan dressing recipes?

Try me Greek Dressing.

Storage

Store this dressing in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before using. Olive oil can change in color and consistency when stored in the fridge. Shake the dressing well before using.

FAQ

Can I use this dressing as a marinade?

Yes! Vinaigrettes are great used as marinades. Coat veggies in this dressing before and after roasting.