Easy Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Skip the bottled dressings and make your own zesty vinaigrette at home! This EASY Apple Cider Vinaigrette recipe comes together in seconds and is healthy with a flavor packed punch. Made with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

This post may contain affiliate links to products I use and love.

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Sometimes eating a salad can be a struggle.  You really want a burger but you know, deep in your heart, that you should just eat some greens. But salad can be boring unless you have the right salad dressing and the bottled dressings at the store are not always enticing.

The best way to get around all of that is by making your own salad dressing at home.  It’s super easy to do and this Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette is no exception.  It’s super zesty, vibrant and healthy! 

I used my favorite Chick-fil-a apple cider vinaigrette as my inspiration for the flavors I wanted in this easy salad dressing. To keep it healthy, I use raw apple cider vinaigrette with the mother to get some of that gut-friendly bacteria that’s said to promote healing from within.

What is Vinaigrette Dressing?

A Vinaigrette Dressing is made by mixing an oil with something acidic such as vinegar or lemon juice. You can add just about any herbs or spices you like to mix up the flavor as I did with this vinaigrette recipe.

For the acid, we’re using apple cider vinegar and mixing it with extra virgin olive oil. To achieve a creamy apple cider vinaigrette, I whisked in a bit of mustard which helps pull together all the ingredients so they’re light and creamy.

Apple cider vinegar, or cider vinegar, is made from fermented apple juice and is claimed to have a number of health benefits from weight loss to reducing cholesterol, as well as, lowering blood sugar.

It’s used in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes, food preservatives, and chutneys. It is made by crushing apples, then extracting the juice. I love Bragg’s Vinegar and have been using it for years. (You can click the link to have it sent right to your house!!)

Vinaigrette vs. Dressing

While a vinaigrette can also be called a salad dressing, there is a difference between the two. A vinaigrette is always made from a base of oil and vinegar (or another adic) while a dressing is most often mayonnaise based and creamy.

The terms can be used interchangeably and I think we’re all pretty smart enough to know that a vinaigrette is primarily used to dress a salad. This easy Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing (see what I did there?) is a fantastic way to amp up a bowl of greens.

Other uses for Apple Cider Vinaigrette

While I LOVE to douse my salad greens with this dressing, it also makes a fantastic marinade for meats and poultry.  I usually use this Chicken Marinade but when I want to mix things up and lighten up that flavor, this apple cider dressing certainly does the trick.

It’s also fantastic for drizzling over sauteed green beans or a pile of roasted potatoes.  It’s a simple way to change the flavor profile of so many dishes.

More Easy Salad Dressing Recipes

And if you’re looking for something with a little more depth of flavor this easy Greek Salad Dressing is PHENOMENAL! It takes a little more time to make (like an extra minute) but your efforts will be rewarded.

If you’re looking for more easy HOMEMADE Salad Dressings, we are loving this lighter Thousand Island Dressing.  It’s fantastic on your leftover corned beef sandwiches! Or make this simple Blue Cheese Dressing for dipping your favorite veggies. 

We’re also in love with this easy Avocado Ranch Dressing and this simple Ginger Miso Dressing.…they’re both so fresh and light!

Don’t miss a recipe! Be sure to follow us over on Instagram and Facebook!