This healthy homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette recipe is the perfect dressing for any salad! It's easy to make (ready in less than 5 minutes), flavorful, and has none of the processed ingredients found in store-bought salad dressings!
One of the ways I try to keep our family healthy and reduce process foods in our home is by making homemade versions of our favorite pantry staples, like this apple cider vinaigrette salad dressing!
I can honestly say I almost never purchase store-bought salad dressings. Homemade salad dressings like this Apple Cider Vinaigrette are easy to make (take less than 5 minutes), flavorful, and have none of the processed ingredients or preservatives that are found in store-bought salad dressings!
This particular Apple Cider Vinaigrette gets its flavor from apple cider vinegar, sesame seeds, spices, garlic and fresh onion! All off which are blended together in the Vitamix for a silky smooth texture that goes perfectly over any and every salad!
Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Ingredients and Substitutions
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Obviously the name of this recipe is Apple Cider Vinaigrette, you can use white balsamic vinegar and regular balsamic vinegar as well.
- Olive Oil. You may substitute another neutral oil like avocado oil or canola oil if you don't have any olive oil on hand!
- Sugar. Honey or maple syrup are good substitutes for sugar.
- Sesame Seeds. The sesame seeds are critical to the overall flavor of this dressing, however you can substitute the 1 tablespoon of seeds with 1 tablespoon of tahini (which is sesame seed paste).
- Dried Mustard. Another important component of this dressing (and a spice I always keep on hand). But if you don't, you can use your favorite variety of prepared mustard.
- Garlic Powder. Minced garlic can be used in place of garlic powder.
- Chopped Onion. Onion powder can be used in place of fresh onion.
How to make Apple Cider Vinaigrette salad dressing
As you can see from the video, this apple cider vinegar dressing is easy to make! But as always, I will walk through the steps of making this healthy salad dressing to ensure your success!
Add ingredients to the container of a Vitamix
Start by adding all of the ingredients for this Apple Cider Vinaigrette recipe into the container of your Vitamix (or another high-powered blender), in the order listed in the recipe card (except for the water, we'll add that later).
Blend
Next, secure the lid and blend for 15-30 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and homogenous (uniform throughout).
Add water as necessary & pulse to combine
I usually add about ¼ cup of water to reach a smooth, pourable consistency. However, the amount of water needed will vary depending on the nature of the ingredients you use! So start with 2 TBS and work your way up from there!
Store in a glass container
You can use this Apple Cider Vinaigrette dressing immediately or put in a container in the refrigerator to use later!
I received this salad dressing bottle as a gift years ago and LOVE it. I appreciate that it is large enough to hold a batch of dressing, has a secure lid, and that the shape of the bottle (tall and skinny) fits nicely in the door of my refrigerator! However you can store it in a mason jar or another container if you wish!
Serve
Serve this dressing over your favorite salad! It really goes great with just about any combination of greens, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, etc!
FAQS about Apple Cider Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Here are a few frequently asked questions about this Apple Cider Vinaigrette recipe!
Yes! You don't need a blender. If desired you can put all the ingredients into a glass jar and shake to combine. If you do this you will have a "chunky' dressing (bits of sesame seeds and onion floating in it), which is delicious but it will not resemble the photos!
You can also use a food processor to make this Apple Cider Vinaigrette, however it won't be as smooth or creamy as if you use a Vitamix.
This Apple Cider Vinaigrette dressing lasts 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator!
If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!
Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 TBS sesame seeds
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tsp dried mustard
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 TBS chopped onion
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ to ⅓ cup water
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except water into the container of your Vitamix Blender.
- Blend, starting on low speed and increasing to high for 15-30 seconds, until the mixture is smooth.
- Add water and pulse until desired consistency is reached.
- Transfer dressing from Vitamix container into a glass jar or salad dressing bottle.
- Use on your favorite salad or store in the refrigerator to use later.
Video
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Obviously the name of this recipe is Apple Cider Vinaigrette, you can use white balsamic vinegar and regular balsamic vinegar as well.
- Olive Oil. You may substitute another neutral oil like avocado oil or canola oil if you don't have any olive oil on hand!
- Sugar. Honey or maple syrup are good substitutes for sugar.
- Sesame Seeds. The sesame seeds are critical to the overall flavor of this dressing, however you can substitute the 1 tablespoon of seeds with 1 tablespoon of tahini (which is sesame seed paste).
- Dried Mustard. Another important component of this dressing (and a spice I always keep on hand). But if you don't, you can use your favorite variety of prepared mustard.
- Garlic Powder. Minced garlic can be used in place of garlic powder.
- Chopped Onion. Onion powder can be used in place of fresh onion.
Nutrition
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine!
Anita Hughes
This recipe is delicious! Is there an easier way to print your recipes? I didn't see a PRINT option anywhere. Thanks!
Laura
Hey Anita! There is a "Print" button with a icon of a printer in the recipe cards!
Emily Swanson
It's SOOO creamy and beautiful! I love it Laura. 🙂