Dress up your salads with this easy-to-make Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Ready in minutes, it is a simple way to add a delicious, refreshing twist to salads that can sometimes get a little boring!
This recipe is:
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- Low Carb
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- Keto
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- Gluten Free
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- Dairy Free
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- Paleo
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- Vegetarian
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- Vegan
Table of Contents
7 Reasons to love this recipe
Thinking why this vinaigrette recipe is worth the shot? Let me convince you! This recipe is:
- Low carb & keto-friendly.
- Versatile as a dressing or marinade.
- Easy to customize to taste.
- Quick to prepare.
- No added sugars or sweeteners.
- Long-lasting in the fridge.
- Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients.
Is Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette low carb?
🥗 Ingredient List for Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Here is a basic list of the ingredients needed for this zesty apple cider vinaigrette recipe:
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Ingredient Substitutions:
See anything that you want to skip? Here are some keto-friendly and low carb substitutes:
- Olive oil: Use avocado oil for a lighter taste or MCT oil if you choose.
- Apple cider vinegar: Stick with organic for a milder taste, but non-organic works in a pinch.
- Dijon mustard: Whole grain mustard for texture or Stadium mustard is a good backup if Dijon is unavailable. Avoid yellow mustard, as it significantly changes the flavor profile.
Ingredient Additions
Are you someone like me with a higher taste palate? Let's try these optional additions:
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): For those who love garlic, adding a clove of minced garlic can introduce a robust flavor to the vinaigrette. PLEASE NOTE: Refrigeration is necessary after adding fresh garlic.
- Sweetener: If you prefer a touch of sweetness in your dressing, honey can balance the tanginess of the vinegar. If you are low carb or keto, adding monk fruit, stevia or erythritol are good alternatives. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil can be added to create a herbed vinaigrette. Start with ½ teaspoon of dried herbs or one tablespoon of fresh, chopped herbs and adjust to taste. Refrigeration is necessary after adding fresh herbs.
- Shallots (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Shallots can be a wonderful addition to any dish. They provide a milder oniony bite than raw onions. However, they must be refrigerated after being added.
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch can add a spicy element for those who like their dressing with a bit of heat. A great substitute is a touch of cayenne to retain the creamy texture of the dressing.
Cooking Tools (Suggestions)
To make this easy salad dressing, you will need the following kitchen tools:
- Measuring Cups / Spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Small whisk
How to make Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette: A Complete Guide
Cooking Method
No Cook Recipe
Preparation Steps
Making this recipe at home is very easy. Let’s work together and start by adding all the ingredients with the exception of the oil to a small bowl.
Mix the mustard and vinegar well with a whisk. This sets stage for emulsification. Slowly add the olive oil, starting with a couple of tablespoons, whisking constantly. You will see the dressing thicken and the oil disappear before adding more oil.
Continue adding oil and mixing until the oil is fully incorporated into the dressing.
This methodical addition of oil, paired with consistent stirring, guarantees a creamy vinaigrette that will not separate.
Cooking Steps
Step 1: add all the ingredients but the oil to a bowl. Mix well with a whisk to emulsify.
Step 2: continue adding oil and whisking until the oil is completely incorporated.
💡 My Pro Tip
If you make this in a blender or pour all the oil in at once, it will separate. It is important to emulsify the oil a little bit at a time, which will allow the dressing to sit for long periods of time without separating. Start by making a small emulsification and simply adding a little oil at a time.
⏲️ Time Saving Tips
Make ahead: This zesty apple cider vinaigrette keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator. Whip up a large batch to have it ready for any occasion that calls for a salad dressing.
Versatility: Not just for salads, this dressing tastes fantastic on oven-baked or grilled chicken breasts. Simply pour it over the top for a delectable meal that is ready on the fly.
Old school: Believe it or not, it actually takes longer to get the blender or food processor out for this recipe—especially when you consider the cleanup! Stick to the old school method and mix by hand for an easy and efficient experience.
Storage
Storing this zesty apple cider vinaigrette is straightforward and convenient. When prepared according to the instructions, without any additions, it can be stored at room temperature, thanks to the preserving nature of vinegar and oil.
STORAGE NOTE: I keep several jars on the counter filled with various homemade salad dressings. When you're using stable ingredients such as oil, vinegar, mustard, and salt, there's no need for refrigeration once they're mixed together.
However, if you choose to personalize your vinaigrette with any additional ingredients such as garlic, refrigeration becomes necessary.
In such cases, ensure your dressing is kept in a sealed container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for approximately 10 days.
Additional amazing salad dressing recipes
- Hot Bacon Salad Dressing: If you’ve never tried a Hot Bacon Salad Dressing before, get ready to savor the flavor… because it is simply delightful. You’ll forget you’re even eating a salad.
- Avocado Lime Salad Dressing: Brighten up your greens with this creamy Avocado Lime Salad Dressing. If you are looking to add more fats to your daily macros, this is a great way to do it!
- Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing: Indulge in the bold and tangy flavors of this Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing. This is my favorite blue cheese dressing and I am a blue cheese fanatic. Simply delicious.
- Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette: Transform your salads with the rich, intense flavors of Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette, a perfect blend of tangy tomatoes and smooth olive oil that's as vibrant as it is delicious.
- Keto Ranch Dressing: Enjoy the classic taste of Ranch Dressing, perfectly adapted for a low carb lifestyle, with this homemade version that's as creamy and herby as any other recipe.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Finale
Other Salad Recipes To Try:
- Keto Taco Salad
- Southwestern Salad
- French Frisée Salad
- Iceberg Wedge Salad (with blue cheese dressing)
- Caprese Salad
FAQ's
Yes, apple cider vinegar is an excellent choice for salad dressings. Its tangy flavor is a great balance for greens and vegetables, adding a refreshing zing that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Yes, the homemade version of zesty apple cider vinaigrette is gluten-free. It uses simple ingredients like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, to ensure that the dressing is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, add all of the ingredients but the olive oil. Mix well with a whisk or a fork.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the mustard mixture. Mix well. It will start to emulsify.
- Continue to stir and add in the oil until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
Notes
- Marinade: use as a marinade for chicken breasts, pork chops, or pork tenderloin. Add some of the zesty apple cider vinaigrette to a resealing plastic bag along with your protein of choice. Allow to sit for an hour before cooking. Remember to discard any uncooked marinade.
- Dipping sauce: My family loves to use this sauce to dip grilled lamb chops or even Italian or other sausages. The acid provides a great contrast to the fats found in many proteins. Experiment, and let me know what your favorite combos are, too!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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