Maple Balsamic Dressing is a sweet and tangy homemade dressing that mixes Maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard. It’s great as a marinade or dressing for a lot of different foods.
If you like a sweet and sour dressing, this is one of our favorites. You can substitute the maple syrup for a sugar-free alternative if you need to, and it’s great on a simple chopped salad or spread over a simple grilled chicken breast.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Enjoy the convenience of crafting a delicious dressing in minutes, with a straightforward process that requires only a whisk and a few staple ingredients.
- Extended Freshness: With a refrigerator shelf life of up to a week, you can enjoy the convenience of having homemade dressing ready to enhance your meals whenever you desire.
- Versatility at Its Best: From salads to grilled vegetables and marinating proteins, this dressing effortlessly elevates a variety of dishes, adding a gourmet touch to your everyday meals.
- Homemade Goodness, Every Time: Say goodbye to store-bought dressings with unknown additives.
» You might also like these 7 Homemade Low-Carb Salad Dressings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Maple Syrup or Maple Syrup Sugar-Free Substitute – Choose pure maple syrup for its natural sweetness. Opt for a sugar-free substitute if you’re looking to reduce sugar content.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Make sure you choose a balsamic that you like the taste of on its own.
- Dijon Mustard – Look for high-quality Dijon mustard, like Grey Poupon.
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil offers a robust flavor, but you can choose a milder variety if you prefer. Select a high-quality olive oil for the best results.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Helpful Tips
- Allow ingredients like maple syrup and Dijon mustard to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures easier blending and a smoother consistency.
- Regularly taste the dressing as you mix, adjusting the sweetness, acidity, or saltiness to suit your personal preferences. This customization is why we make our own dressings.
- If you find yourself loving this Maple Balsamic Dressing, consider doubling the batch.
- Before using the dressing, give it a good shake or stir, so any settled ingredients are evenly distributed.
How to Make Maple Balsamic Dressing
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Blend together the maple syrup (or a suitable alternative), balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 2: Incorporate the Oil
Slowly drizzle the oil into the bowl while whisking until it is fully integrated and emulsified. You’ll know this stage has been achieved when the dressing looks creamy and the oil doesn’t separate from the other ingredients.
This versatile dressing can elevate the flavors of a wide array of salads, adding a delightful touch of sweetness and tanginess to your culinary creations.
Storing
After preparing your dressing, transfer it to a sealed container immediately. Store the dressing in the refrigerator, and it should remain fresh for up to a week. While it is safe to consume beyond this timeframe, the flavor may start to diminish.
Keep in mind that olive oil may solidify in the refrigerator. If this happens, allow the dressing to come to room temperature and give it a good shake before use.
Questions About the Recipe
I’m on a low-sugar diet. Any sugar-free alternatives to maple syrup?
Yes, you can use sugar-free maple syrup or other sugar substitutes like monk fruit or stevia. Adjust the quantity to taste, keeping in mind that the sweetness level may vary.
My olive oil solidified in the refrigerator. Is this normal?
Yes, olive oil can solidify in cooler temperatures. Allow the dressing to come to room temperature and shake it well to recombine the ingredients before use.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade for meats?
Absolutely! The sweet and savory profile of maple balsamic dressing makes it an excellent marinade for chicken, pork, or even tofu. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
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Maple Balsamic Dressing
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup or maple syrup sugar-free substitute
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup (79 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Mix the maple syrup (or substitute), Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Drizzle in the oil until it is fully combined and emulsified.
- Serve on your favorite salad.
Notes
- Allow ingredients like maple syrup and Dijon mustard to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures easier blending and a smoother consistency.
- Regularly taste the dressing as you mix, adjusting the sweetness, acidity, or saltiness to suit your personal preferences. This customization is why we make our own dressings.
- If you find yourself loving this Maple Balsamic Dressing, consider doubling the batch.
- Before using the dressing, give it a good shake or stir, so any settled ingredients are evenly distributed.
- This recipe makes about 1/2 cup or enough for one large family sized salad.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Laura is dedicated to a low-carb lifestyle after losing 52 pounds on the keto diet. As many of us do, she struggles with her weight and has found that one of the only diet lifestyles that allows her to maintain a healthy weight is a low-carb diet. She shares her favorite low-carb recipes here that are both easy to make and full of flavor, so you don’t even miss the carbs.