More flavorful than any store-bought dressing, this apple cider vinaigrette comes together in under 10 minutes using basic pantry ingredients. It strikes the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and bright flavors, pairing beautifully with fresh greens, grains, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade for your favorite proteins.
1tablespoonfinely minced shallotabout ½ of a small shallot
1smallgarlic clovegrated
1tablespoonspicy brown mustard
1tablespoonhoney
¼teaspoonsea salt
¼teaspoonblack pepper
Instructions
Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, shallot, garlic, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and thickened.
Taste and adjust ingredients as necessary (see notes below).
Notes
Storage: Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. It may solidify after a day, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using. Shake or whisk before serving.Vinegars: Use white wine vinegar instead of ACV for a milder tang. Other alternatives include rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar.Oil: If the olive oil flavor is too strong, use a mixture of neutral oils, such as half avocado oil and half olive oil.Mustard: If you don't have spicy brown mustard, Dijon mustard is also a suitable alternative.Sweetener: For a vegan dressing, use maple syrup instead of honey.Optional Add-ons: For a burst of flavor and freshness, add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, chives, dill, or parsley, just before serving. You can also use dried herbs. A pinch of chili flakes adds more heat and flavor. To brighten the dressing, add lemon juice or lemon zest.Jar Dressing: If you're short on time or don't have a whisk, combine ingredients in a mason jar, seal the lid, and shake vigorously before serving.