Elevate your next salad with this homemade maple Dijon dressing. Perfectly tangy, slightly sweet and ready in 5 minutes using 7 simple pantry staples. It's my go-to for salads, but is also great on roasted veggies and grain bowls.
But don't stop here, try my creamy tahini dressing, or this fresh lemon honey dressing to keep those salads interesting.
Skip the store bought and make your own maple Dijon dressing instead! While there are some better-for-you store bought dressings, nothing can compare to homemade dressings. This recipe is made with real food ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen.
And like making your own clean taco seasoning, making dressing yourself is much cheaper, too!
This maple Dijon dressing is definitely more of a vinaigrette, but does have a slight creamy texture thanks to the Dijon mustard. It pairs perfectly with my superfood salad and kale and Brussels sprouts salad.
And I use a very similar dressing in my harvest sheet pan dinner and maple glazed salmon sheet pan.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Real food - Just like my balsamic vinaigrette, this homemade maple Dijon dressing uses simple, real food ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen! No preservatives, added flavors, or refined sugars.
- Easy - This dressing recipe is so simple! Literally throw the ingredients in a mason jar, shake, and it's done.
- Flavorful - The tangy flavor from the Dijon and vinegar is balanced perfectly with the sweet flavor of the maple syrup. The perfect vinaigrette for your next salad or bowl of greens!
- Dietary needs - Like my lemon maple tahini dressing, this recipe is gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.
Ingredients & Substitutions
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below. Here are some specific notes and substitutions.
- Maple Syrup - Don't skimp out here... you definitely want to use pure maple syrup.
- Dijon Mustard - I like the smooth creamy texture and bold flavor of Dijon, but if you'd like, you can use regular mustard, spicy mustard, or whole grain mustard.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - If you don't have any apple cider vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar, or use all lemon juice.
- Extra-virgin olive oil - I highly recommend using quality extra-virgin olive oil. Not only is it better for you and has a plethora of health benefits, it will also result in a better tasting dressing.
Clean food tip: Use a Dijon mustard that does not have added sugars or preservatives. Most organic options are super clean. Primal Kitchen or Good and Gather (Target) make great options.
How to Make Maple Dijon Dressing
Follow these 2 easy steps for making this salad dressing recipe.
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a mason jar.
Step 2: Tightly cover jar and shake vigorously until creamy.
Alternatively, you could whisk all ingredients together in a bowl and then transfer to a storage container or use directly on a salad. However, I feel shaking the ingredients works best to fully mix all the ingredients and flavors.
Ways to Use This Dressing
There are so many ways to use this maple Dijon dressing! Try one of the below:
- Drizzle on your favorite mixed greens for a simple green salad.
- Pairs perfectly with my superfood salad.
- Drizzle on some roasted vegetables, like sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
- Use as a marinade for chicken or fish, or drizzle over protein once cooked.
- Similar to my vegan pesto, you can use it as a sandwich spread (tip: mix with some mayo for a creamy spread).
- Try it with a grain bowl: mix a protein, your favorite grain (quinoa, brown rice, etc.) and roasted veggies and top with this vinaigrette.
Storage
This maple Dijon dressing should be stored in an air-tight container (like a mason jar) in the fridge and will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Expert Tips
Make it creamy! If you're like your salad dressing to be creamy, add in 2 tbsp. of mayonnaise.
Shake the dressing vs. whisking. Shaking the dressing in a jar is much better at mixing the ingredients and helps with a creamier consistency.
Taste and adjust ingredients. If you'd like your dressing to be sweeter, add additional maple syrup. Want more tang from the Dijon, add more mustard. There are no exact rules with homemade dressing, so once you have the base, taste and adjust the recipe to your liking.
FAQ
This recipe makes roughly ½ cup of dressing. If you consider a 2 tbsp. sized serving, you will get about 8 servings from this recipe.
Pending the temperature of your fridge, your dressing may solidify due to wax and long-chain fatty acids in the olive oil. It is harmless, but you will need to let the dressing sit at room temp or put in the microwave quickly (5-10 seconds) to return to a liquid state.
Yes, Dijon mustard is different from yellow mustard. Dijon is made from black mustard seeds, which give it more depth and a slightly spicier flavor. Yellow mustard is made from yellow and white mustard seeds.
You can definitely use yellow mustard if you don't have Dijon. The flavor will be slightly different (Dijon adds some tang and spice), but it will still work.
More Salad Dressings and Sauces to Try
Looking for other recipes? Try these salad dressings and sauces!
If you make this recipe, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or comment below. And don't forget to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama!
Eat Clean.Be Well!
-Sara
Maple Dijon Dressing
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Equipment
- 1 mason jar
Ingredients
- â…“ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp. fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mason jar. Cover tightly and vigorously shake until ingredients are well mixed (about 20 seconds).
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Serving size is based on 2 tbsp. of dressing.
- Dressing should be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge and will stay fresh for 1 week.
- If dressing solidifies in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature or put in the microwave for 10-ish seconds.Â
Nutrition
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Diana Purvis says
Your recipe looks great! I plan to make it soon!
Sara says
Thanks! It's my go-to when I need a quick homemade dressing. Enjoy!
Diana Purvis says
Your recipe sounds great! I pl