If you’re looking to elevate your salads without much fuss, this Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe is a total game-changer. It brings together a perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a subtle kick from Dijon mustard, all rounded out by the warmth of pure maple syrup. Whether you’re pouring it over greens, roasted veggies, or even grilled chicken, this vinaigrette brightens every bite with its vibrant flavors and smooth texture. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for every meal that needs that extra something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette ingredients flat lay: ⅓ cup golden extra virgin olive oil in a small glass bowl with warm, rich amber hues; 3 tablespoons clear, pale amber apple cider vinegar in a delicate glass measuring cup; 2 tablespoons thick, glossy pure maple syrup with deep golden brown tones in a rustic wooden spoon; 2 teaspoons smooth, creamy Dijon mustard in a tiny white ceramic dish, pale yellow with a velvety texture; 1 small garlic clove, peeled and minced, fresh white with slight translucency scattered nearby; coarse sea salt crystals and freshly ground black peppercorns sprinkled artistically on a clean, light marble surface. Elements arranged with balanced spacing, natural soft light highlighting textures and colors, minimal shadows, slight reflections on glass, fresh and inviting aesthetic. Overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role—from the richness of olive oil to the zesty punch of apple cider vinegar—coming together in a wonderfully balanced dressing that’s quick to prepare but big on flavor.

Extra virgin olive oil: The silky base that brings all the flavors together while adding healthy fats.
Apple cider vinegar: Offers a bright acidity that cuts through the richness and lifts the dressing.
Pure maple syrup: Adds a delicate natural sweetness that makes this vinaigrette uniquely delicious.
Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle tang and helps emulsify the dressing so it coats every leaf beautifully.
Garlic clove (minced): Provides a subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out all the flavors with a little bite and balance.

How to Make Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients and placing them all in a mason jar or any airtight container. This makes mixing super easy and convenient. Adding everything at once saves time and hassle.

Step 2: Shake well

Seal the container tightly and give it a vigorous shake. This action blends the oil with the vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, and garlic into a smooth vinaigrette. You’ll notice it thickens slightly as the mustard emulsifies the mixture, ensuring the flavors stay well mixed.

Step 3: Taste and adjust

Before serving, taste the vinaigrette and add salt and pepper according to your preference. This small tweak personalizes the balance perfectly, making sure every spoonful is ideal.

How to Serve Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe

Garnishes

While the vinaigrette itself shines, consider topping your salads with crunchy nuts, fresh herbs, or crumbled cheeses like goat cheese or feta to add texture and complementary boldness to the bright dressing.

Side Dishes

This vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, grilled chicken breasts, or even quinoa salads. Its lively flavor refreshes side dishes and makes them taste thoughtfully crafted.

Creative Ways to Present

Try drizzling this Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe over a bowl of hearty grain salads featuring farro or couscous with seasonal produce for a gorgeous, healthful lunch. It’s also fantastic as a marinade for salmon or tofu, infusing them with subtle sweet and tangy notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since this vinaigrette is made fresh with simple ingredients, it keeps beautifully stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a quick shake before each use to bring back its creamy texture.

Freezing

Because of the olive oil and vinegar combination, freezing this dressing is not recommended as it can separate and lose its perfect consistency when thawed. Stick to refrigeration for best results.

Reheating

This vinaigrette is best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating to preserve its fresh and vibrant flavors as well as the emulsified texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Absolutely! While apple cider vinegar offers a mild fruity acidity perfect for this recipe, you can experiment with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for different subtle flavor twists.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe is completely vegan, as it contains no animal products. Plus, it’s a naturally wholesome way to dress your salads.

Can I make this dressing less sweet?

Of course! The amount of maple syrup can be adjusted to taste. Start with less if you prefer a more tangy vinaigrette and add more gradually until you find your perfect balance.

How should I serve this vinaigrette for a party?

Serve it in a pretty glass jar or small pitcher alongside a big bowl of mixed greens. That way guests can drizzle it themselves. It also pairs beautifully with crudité platters as a dipping sauce.

Does Dijon mustard always emulsify dressings?

Yes, Dijon mustard contains natural emulsifiers that help bind oil and vinegar together. This results in a beautifully creamy texture that won’t separate easily.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s one of those effortless dressings that instantly upgrades anything from simple leafy greens to roasted veggies and beyond. Give it a whirl and enjoy the incredible harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that makes every meal just a little more special.