Making vinaigrette dressing at home couldn’t be easier! Combine a few ingredients, give the jar a shake, and you’re ready to dress those greens. This apple cider vinaigrette recipe is just what you need to get started with making your own frugal salad dressing.
It may be surprising, but the truth is, I haven’t bought ready-made salad dressing in many, many years. Think: decades.
The expense of prepared dressings coupled with the disposable plastic bottle waste convinced me to embrace homemade long ago. With flavors that outshine the mass-market squeeze bottles of dressing and simple ingredients from the pantry, it won’t take long until you’re convinced to break the bottled salad dressing habit, too.
Salad Dressing from Scratch
Adding the know-how to make a simple vinaigrette dressing to your skill set breaks the salad possibilities wide open. A vinaigrette dressing is endlessly versatile by changing up just a few ingredients.
Be sure to see the variations I list in the recipe card below, but don’t be afraid to try some of your own!
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A good vinaigrette is great over salad, of course, but roasted veggies and a healthy vegetarian grain bowl can benefit from those flavors, too. It’s also great for dipping bread.
Choosing Vinegar for Dressing
Choosing Vinegar for DressingRed wine vinegar makes a bold dressing and pairs nicely with Italian seasoning or oregano (add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs to the recipe).
White wine vinegar is milder than red, making it a good all-around choice for any type of greens.
Balsamic vinegar creates a rich, somewhat sweet vinaigrette, so it’s a good option for salads with fruit, such as strawberries or mandarins.
Apple cider vinegar pairs well with salads featuring roasted winter squash, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries.
Choosing an Oil
Extra virgin olive oil has the strongest flavor of the olive oil options. If you’d prefer a lighter flavor, opt for the less expensive regular olive oil.
Avocado oil is one of our favorites when we’re not looking for a strong flavor.
Utitlize the Bottom of the Jar
Have a jar of jam or jelly that’s nearly empty? Add the ingredients for a vinaigrette directly to the jar, screw on the lid, and shake well. You can do the same with mustard or horseradish. It’s a great way to salvage what’s left at the bottom of the jar and flavor your next salad.
Apple Cider Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ¾ cup olive oil See notes in text above
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar See notes in text above
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Recipe yields 1 cup
- Combine all ingredients in an airtight jar (an upcycled jar or mason jar both work), and shake until combined. Alternatively, you can whisk together the ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
