Easy Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

This apple cider vinegar dressing is the perfect way to add a little sweet and tangy flavor to your favorite salad! Made with olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a little sweetener, it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Just add everything to a jar and shake it up. No blender needed! I like to keep a batch in the refrigerator so homemade dressing is ready whenever I need it.

Ingredients You'll Need

This homemade dressing uses simple ingredients to give you that delicious sweet and tangy flavor. You can use your favorite sweetener and adjust it to suit your taste!

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar: Gives the dressing its tangy flavor. Use whichever brand you have on hand.
• ½ cup olive oil: Balances the vinegar and adds richness. Extra virgin olive oil will give the dressing a stronger olive flavor, while a mild olive oil will let the other ingredients stand out.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds flavor and helps the oil and vinegar blend together when you shake the jar.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Start with these amounts, then taste the dressing and add more if needed.
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced: Mince the garlic finely so you don't get large pieces in your dressing. Jarred minced garlic is a convenient option, too.
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free granulated sweetener: I used Swerve to balance the acidity of the vinegar. You can also use honey, sugar, or maple syrup. Sweetness varies, so start with less if needed and adjust to taste.

How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

This dressing comes together in just a few minutes, and you can mix everything right in the jar you'll use to store it!

Step 1: Add the Ingredients

Add the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and sweetener to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 2: Shake to Combine

Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined. Make sure there isn't any sweetener sitting at the bottom of the jar.

Step 3: Taste and Serve

Taste the dressing and adjust the salt, pepper, or sweetener if needed. Pour over your favorite salad, or cover and refrigerate until you're ready to use it. Give the jar another good shake before serving.

Tips for the Best Dressing

This dressing is really easy to make, but these simple tips will help you get the flavor and texture just right!

• Use a jar with room to shake: Choose a jar that holds more than the finished dressing so the ingredients have room to mix. A pint-size mason jar works well.
• Mince the garlic finely: You want the garlic flavor throughout the dressing without biting into a large piece. You can also grate the clove if you prefer.
• Adjust the sweetness to taste: I like a little sweetness to balance the vinegar. Start with less if you prefer a tangier dressing, then add more after tasting.
• Keep the Dijon mustard: It adds flavor and helps the oil and vinegar stay blended longer. The dressing may still separate as it sits, so give it a good shake before using.
• Let chilled dressing soften: Olive oil can thicken in the refrigerator. Let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then shake until it blends together again.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change up this dressing based on what you like or have in your kitchen!

• Olive oil: Avocado oil is a good option if you prefer a milder flavor. You can use the same amount.
• Sweetener: I used Swerve, but honey, maple syrup, or regular sugar will also work. Start with a smaller amount, then taste and add more until the dressing is sweet enough for you.
• Dijon mustard: Spicy brown or whole grain mustard can be used instead. Whole grain mustard will give the dressing a little more texture.
• Fresh garlic: Use about ½ teaspoon jarred minced garlic or ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder in place of the fresh clove.
• Apple cider vinegar: White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar will work if that's what you have on hand. Each will give the dressing a slightly different flavor.
• Add herbs: Try a little dried oregano, Italian seasoning, or chopped fresh parsley. Start with ½ teaspoon dried herbs or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, then adjust to taste.

Ways to Use This Dressing

This sweet and tangy dressing is delicious on a simple green salad, but there are plenty of other ways to use it! Here are a few ideas to try.

• Everyday salads: Toss with romaine, spinach, or mixed greens, then add your favorite toppings. Apples, pecans, and crumbled feta or goat cheese go especially well with this dressing.
• Meal prep salads: Keep the dressing in a separate container and add it just before eating. For mason jar salads, pour the dressing into the bottom, then add sturdy vegetables and your other ingredients, with the greens on top.
• Chopped vegetable salads: Toss with cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion for an easy side dish.
• Chicken salads: Drizzle over a salad topped with grilled or leftover cooked chicken for a quick lunch.
• Roasted vegetables: Spoon a little over warm roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots just before serving. The tangy dressing adds a nice pop of flavor!

How to Store

Store the dressing in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator and use within 4 days.

The olive oil may thicken when chilled, so let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Give it a good shake to blend everything together again!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing without a jar?

Absolutely! Add the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until well combined. You can also use a container with a tight-fitting lid. Just make sure the lid is secure before shaking!

Does it matter if my apple cider vinegar has "the mother"?

Either type will work! "The mother" is the cloudy material you may see in unfiltered apple cider vinegar. You don't need it for this recipe, so use whichever kind you have on hand.

Is this dressing creamy?

This is a vinaigrette, so it won't be thick and creamy like ranch. The Dijon mustard helps the oil and vinegar blend together, giving it a slightly thicker texture after shaking.

What if the dressing is too tangy for me?

Add a little more olive oil for a milder dressing, or a little extra sweetener to balance the tart flavor. Shake and taste after each addition until it's just how you like it.

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