Get ready to shake things up with my maple balsamic vinaigrette. In less time than it takes to run to the store and for less money, you can put this balsamic and maple dressing together. No preservatives or refined sugar, just pure and simple deliciousness for any salad (especially this tomato spinach salad recipe).
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This balsamic maple salad dressing is iconic and classic, and it’s my ace-in-the-hole when I can’t decide what to put on my salad. It’s creamy and fresh, and since it is made with pure ingredients, you can really feel good about eating that salad!
What is the difference between salad dressing and vinaigrette?
The best way to explain the difference is that all vinaigrettes are salad dressings, but not every salad dressing can be considered a vinaigrette. Vinaigrettes have a light quality to them that balances oil and acids. Dressings tend to be creamier in nature, often relying on mayo as the base.
Ingredients + Substitutions
As a nutritionist, I love a homemade salad dressing. Don’t worry if you’re missing something from your pantry to make this maple balsamic vinaigrette recipe. Here are some tips to help you keep going:
- Oil: It’s not over if you don’t have extra virgin olive oil. You can try canola oil, grapeseed, or even avocado oil.
- Vinegar: You can try white balsamic if you don’t have the traditional kind, but if not, then red wine vinegar can work, though it will alter the taste a bit.
- Herbs: While this balsamic maple vinaigrette is delightful as-is, feel free to add some fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to balance the sweetness. Even basil would be a nice addition!
A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette
Why drive to the store, spend more money, and bring home a bottle of preservatives disguised as a vinaigrette? It will be ready before you can even say, “maple balsamic dressing!”
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- Add all ingredients into a small bowl (with a spout) and whisk until well combined. (Alternatively, use a jar with a lid and shake until well combined.)
Servings Ideas
If you’re looking for a superb salad to enjoy with this balsamic and maple dressing, I’ve got you covered. It pairs perfectly with my tomato and spinach salad, spinach and kale salad, arugula salad with citrus, and spinach salad with blueberries.
How should I store this homemade dressing?
When you make this balsamic maple vinaigrette, be sure to keep it in an airtight container. Mason jars are great for this, allowing you to enjoy this dressing for up to a week.
FAQ
Balsamic vinegar is an ingredient, but balsamic vinaigrette is a dressing with multiple ingredients added to it. When you make your vinaigrette yourself, you can count on fresher flavors and more wholesome ingredients.
Thanks to its high acidity, balsamic vinegar itself does not need to be refrigerated even after you’ve opened it. You can conserve space in your fridge and keep it with your pantry items.
Yes, it’s a healthy dressing, and one that won’t add tons of calories to your salad but will add tons of flavor. When you make it yourself, it’s the best way to enjoy a balsamic maple vinaigrette.
If you tried this Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Recipe
Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, (to taste)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a small bowl (with a spout) and whisk until well combined. (Alternatively, use a jar with a lid and shake until well combined.)
Notes
When you make this balsamic maple vinaigrette, be sure to keep it in an airtight container. Mason jars are great for this, allowing you to enjoy this dressing for up to a week.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
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I love that it only takes 5 minutes to make.