This Maple Balsamic Dressing is a tangy, slightly sweet vinaigrette that instantly makes any salad more irresistible. It takes only 5 minutes to make with just 5 ingredients.
And this balsamic and maple dressing is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and Paleo and can be made keto friendly.
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Why this recipe works
Balsamic vinegar and olive oil is a classic combination for salad dressings. The tangy, sharp vinegar balances the rich, complex oil for a match made in heaven.
But what if we sweetened it up a little? By making a balsamic dressing with maple syrup, it becomes even more interesting. And that extra bit of sweetness works so well on so many kinds of salads with all sorts of vegetables and proteins.
And a balsamic maple salad dressing doesn’t even really need any adjustments for those of us trying to avoid certain foods like gluten, dairy, etc. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan as is.
Just be sure to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup which can have extra thickeners, fake flavor, and other undesirable ingredients that will throw off the flavor of the dressing.
And while I always opt for extra virgin olive oil for my dressings, I’ve found that it can overpower the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. So I like to do half olive oil, half avocado oil, which has a milder flavor.
I love to shake this maple balsamic vinaigrette in a mason jar and keep it in the fridge for a few weeks. It’ll be ready to drizzle over any salad you throw together and is also great drizzled over chicken breasts, pork chops or salmon.
What you need
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil – There are a lot of counterfeit olive oils out there that blend inferior oils together. Try to use a certified authentic extra virgin olive oil (check out this list) sold in a glass or metal container, not plastic.
- ⅓ cup avocado oil – Using only extra virgin olive oil can overpower the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup, so I like to use half olive oil, half avocado oil, which has a milder flavor and buttery texture.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar – No need to use anything expensive. Basic balsamic vinegar will work just fine.
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup – Use only 100% pure maple syrup. Grade A will be light in color and milder in flavor. Grade B (my personal choice) will be darker with a more robust flavor.
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Equipment:
- a 1-pint mason jar, blender or medium mixing bowl with a whisk
- measuring spoons
- a measuring glass
How to make Maple Balsamic Dressing
Step 1: In a 1-pint mason jar, combine all the ingredients. Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until everything is blended.
Alternately, in a medium bowl, add the vinegar, syrup, salt and pepper. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the oils until everything is combined.
Or add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until combined.
Step 2: Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. If you want it sweeter, you can add more maple syrup, about a teaspoon at a time. Makes about 1 cup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can use all avocado oil, but the flavor of the dressing will be a little blander.
You can use other vinegars such as apple cider vinegar.
You can use honey, date syrup or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.
To give it extra body and more tanginess, add about a tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
To make it creamy, add 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. You can also add both mustard and mayo.
Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Shake or whisk before using.
Yes. Instead of maple syrup, use a keto maple syrup, such as one by Lakanto.
Other recipes you might like:
- Healthy Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Tahini Date Dressing
- Paleo Cobb Salad
- Pear, Pomegranate and Feta Salad
- Balsamic Jam Pork Chops
Maple Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup avocado oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a 1-pint mason jar, combine all the ingredients. Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until everything is blended. Alternately, in a medium bowl, add the vinegar, syrup, salt and pepper. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the oils until everything is combined.Or add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. If you want it sweeter, you can add more maple syrup, about a teaspoon at a time. Makes about 1 cup.
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