Maple Dijon Dressing

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Maple Dijon Dressing

A cozy, tangy-sweet vinaigrette with real maple and Dijon—balanced to cling to greens, roasted vegetables, and grain bowls without tasting greasy or too sharp.

Jar of maple dijon dressing beside a fall salad with squash, Brussels sprouts, and pecans

Yield: ~1/2 cup (4 servings) · Time: 5 minutes · Method: whisk or shake in a jar

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (45 ml)
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard (15 ml)
  • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup (15 ml)
  • 1/8–1/4 tsp fine sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 tsp very finely minced shallot
  • Optional (silkier): 1 tsp water to soften the bite

Directions

  1. Base: In a small bowl or jar, whisk (or shake) the vinegar, Dijon, maple, salt, and pepper until smooth. Mustard is your emulsifier—mixing it with acid first helps stability.
  2. Emulsify: Slowly whisk in the olive oil (or shake vigorously 20–30 seconds) until thick and glossy. If too sharp, whisk in 1 tsp water.
  3. Finish: Stir in minced shallot if using; taste and adjust salt or maple to balance.
Chef tips: Salt amplifies acidity, so a tiny extra pinch often makes the vinaigrette taste “rounder” (not saltier). If serving with sweet elements (roasted squash, apples), keep maple level modest.

Swaps & Variations

  • No maple? Use 2 tsp honey + 1 tsp water.
  • Extra bright: Replace 1 tsp vinegar with lemon juice.
  • Herby: Whisk in 1 tsp finely chopped thyme or rosemary.
  • Creamy version: Whisk in 1–2 tsp Greek yogurt or mayo for a café-style creamy maple-Dijon.

Pair With

  • Roasted delicata or butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and pecans
  • Kale or mixed-green harvest salads with apples and cranberries
  • Warm farro or quinoa bowls with roasted veggies
  • Turkey sandwiches or grainy-mustard potato salad

Equipment

  • Small bowl + whisk (or lidded jar)
  • Measuring spoons

Storage

  • Fridge: Store in a sealed jar up to 1 week. Shake before serving; separation is natural.
  • Too thick after chilling? Let sit 5 minutes, then shake; add 1 tsp water if needed.

Nutrition note: Values vary by brands and amounts. Use your preferred calculator if needed.

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