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pitcher of maple balsamic dressing pouring onto a bowl of salad.
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5 from 6 votes

Best Maple Balsamic Dressing (2 minutes)

Salads are part of a healthy diet, but they definitely need dressing up to become unique and tempting. Enter homemade maple balsamic dressing - sweet, tangy, rich, bold and earthy
Total Time2 minutes
Course: salad dressing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings (change as needed): 8 tablespoons
Author: Cheryl Avrich
US Measures - Metric

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoon good quality Balsamic vinegar, Note 1
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup olive oil or canola oil or a bit more if you like the flavors less intense
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste
US Measures - Metric

Instructions

  • MAKE VINAIGRETTE DRESSING: Use the shake method or whisk method.
    ° Shake method (easiest): Add all the dressing ingredients to a small sealed container. Lock on lid and give it a good shake.
    ° Whisk method: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, maple syrup, salt and pepper in a small bowl or measuring cup. Slowly add olive oil while whisking, until well blended. Taste and adjust as needed.
    Makes about 8 tablespoons or just less than 1/2 cup/124 ml dressing, enough for 4 generous portions.

Notes

  1. Balsamic vinegar substitute: ADD BRIEF DIRECTIONS
  2. Variations and substitutes for recipe: 
      • Try white balsamic vinegar instead of dark. It's less intense and won't turn your dressing dark. 
      • Add a dash of mayonnaise for a creamier dressing. 
      • Whisk in some finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. 
      • Substitutes
          • honey to replace maple syrup
          • orange juice to replace the lemon juice
          • honey mustard or prepared mustard to replace the Dijon.
3. Make ahead: The maple balsamic dressing will last in the fridge in an airtight container for about 2 weeks. I love that I can make it and store it in the same sealed container.
 
Nutrition value estimates are for 1 tablespoon of dressing. A typical serving is 2 tablespoons. 
Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0.05g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.1mg