Simple Maple Dijon Dressing

Sometimes salads can be boring and lacking in flavor. But one of the best ways I have found to elevate a simple salad is by adding a flavorful, homemade dressing. And when it comes to dressings, one stands out above the rest: Maple Dijon Dressing. This mouth-watering dressing combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard, resulting in a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds happy. 

Not only is this vinaigrette recipe incredibly tasty, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Drizzle it over a bed of mixed greens for a simple and delicious salad, or use it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders or roasted vegetables. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, Maple Dijon Dressing will become a staple in your kitchen. So why wait? Try it out today and prepare to be amazed!

For another fantastic salad dressing, try my popular Parmesan Vinaigrette!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Versatile, able to use for salads, roasted vegetables, and more!
• It uses simple ingredients and is an excellent combination of sweet and savory.
• Perfect for low FODMAP, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian diets.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Extra-virgin olive oil blends well with the other ingredients.
• White wine vinegar has a light, fruity flavor. Or you can substitute apple cider vinegar.
• Dijon mustard is sharp, tangy, and flavorful, perfect for salad dressings. 
• Maple syrup adds a delicious sweet maple flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel.
• Salt enhances the other flavors. Adjust to your liking.
• Ground black pepper also enhances the flavors of this vinaigrette.

Variations of Maple Dijon Dressing

One of the great things about maple dijon dressing is that it can be customized to your tastes. 

• If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add more maple syrup. If you like a tangier sauce, add more Dijon mustard or vinegar. 
• You can also experiment with different types of oil, such as avocado or grapeseed, to change the flavor profile of the dressing.
• Another way to vary the flavor of maple dijon dressing is to add different herbs and spices. For example, chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a subtle earthy flavor to the dressing. Also, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give the dressing a bit of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Simply whisk together the maple syrup, dijon mustard, and vinegar in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously—season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to a mason jar. Serve with your favorite salad or roasted vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Maple dijon mustard dressing pairs well with a variety of salad ingredients. Some of my favorite salad pairings include:

• Spinach, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs
• Mixed greens, cranberries, and goat cheese
• Kale, roasted sweet potatoes, and pecans
• Arugula, beets, and feta cheese

This dijon vinaigrette recipe also pairs well with meats like chicken, pork, and salmon. 

• Drizzle it over grilled chicken or pork chops for a sweet and savory flavor, or use it as a marinade for salmon before grilling or baking.
• Toss your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, with maple dijon dressing before roasting in the oven.
• Spread maple dijon dressing onto bread before adding cheese and grilling for a sweet and tangy twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich.

Common Questions

Nutritional Benefits

Maple dijon dressing is not only delicious but also has some nutritional benefits. 

• Maple syrup is a natural sweetener with antioxidants and nutrients like zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
• Dijon mustard contains minerals such as phosphorus, selenium, iron, and calcium. And mustard also has antioxidants that protect against diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. 
• White wine vinegar has been shown to improve blood pressure and digestion. 
• Extra virgin olive oil is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamins E and K. 

Low FODMAP Information

If you are following a low FODMAP diet, you can enjoy this maple dijon vinaigrette safely. Maple syrup is low FODMAP in up to two tablespoons per meal or 50 grams. Dijon mustard is also low FODMAP in up to one tablespoon per meal (23 grams). You can also enjoy different kinds of vinegar, such as white wine, apple cider, and red wine vinegar, up to 42 grams or two tablespoons per meal. 

Olive oil is fat and does not contain any carbohydrates and therefore does not have FODMAPs. However, Monash University recommends limiting excess fat intake because it can trigger digestive issues. You can safely consume this maple dijon dressing recipe if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as there is less than one tablespoon of olive oil in one serving of dressing. 

Storage Instructions

Maple dijon dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let the dressing come to room temperature and give it a good shake or whisk to re-emulsify the ingredients.

Conclusion

Maple dijon dressing is the perfect addition to any salad. It is easy to make, versatile, and customizable to your liking. Whether you use it as a salad dressing, marinade, or dip, maple dijon dressing adds a sweet, tangy flavor that will elevate any dish. Try using my recipe and experimenting with variations to find your perfect combination.

More Salad Recipe Ideas

• Chicken Bell Pepper Pasta Salad
• Greek Peasant Salad