Description
This 5-Minute Creamy Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette is a quick and flavorful dressing combining the richness of aged balsamic vinegar, the sweetness of pure maple syrup, and the freshness of herbs. Perfect for salads like kale with cranberries or strawberry chicken salad, it offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet in a creamy emulsion, ideal for enhancing a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped hardy fresh herbs (oregano, rosemary, sage, or thyme) or 1 teaspoon dried herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt, to season (approximately 1 teaspoon plus more to taste)
- Ground black pepper, to season (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Finely chop 2 garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of hardy fresh herbs such as oregano, rosemary, sage, or thyme, or measure out 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. This ensures your vinaigrette is fragrant and flavorful.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, add ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, finely chopped herbs, garlic, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. These ingredients form the creamy and sweet base of your vinaigrette.
- Season the Dressing: Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified for a smooth texture.
- Taste and Adjust: After mixing, taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning by adding additional kosher salt or black pepper if desired to balance flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Use the vinaigrette immediately to dress your favorite salads, such as a kale salad with cranberries or a strawberry chicken salad with goat cheese, and enjoy the vibrant, creamy flavor it adds.
Notes
- For a thinner, drizzled consistency, simply whisk or shake all ingredients without additional emulsifiers.
- Using fresh herbs enhances flavor, but dried herbs are an excellent substitute if fresh are unavailable.
- Store leftover vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; shake well before reuse.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup to taste if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
- Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing; do not omit for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American