Sometimes a salad dressing deserves it's own post! This week I'm sharing with you my favorite fall salad dressing. Elevate your fall salads (like my Fall Panzanella Salad and my Harvest Grain Bowl) with a delightful dressing that combines the warm, aromatic essence of cinnamon and maple syrup with the tangy brightness of apple cider vinegar for a perfect seasonal touch.
Summer salads are good, but there is something special about making a salad with the rich flavors and textures of fall vegetables. But none of that matters unless you have a delicious dressing to go along with it. Store bought salad dressings rarely compare in quality, taste and health benefits to homemade. And why sacrifice flavor, especially when you can whip one up in minutes.
I roast just about everything I can get my hands on this time of year. My oven has had a good rest all summer long and I look forward to the aroma of roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and beets filling up my kitchen.
I love to add these roasted vegetables to salad greens such as kale, spinach or mixed greens along with whole grains like wild rice, quinoa and barley. All those flavors seem to explode when they're tossed with the perfect side kick made with apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, onion, garlic powder and the autumnal warmth of cinnamon and maple syrup (there's a reason it's my favorite fall salad dressing). You could also add in other spices as well such as ginger, coriander and nutmeg and alter the combinations depending on what you're serving it with. I've also used chopped shallots in this vinaigrette as well.
One of my favorite ways to use this dressing this time of year is with lentils and apples! I'll be sharing that recipe with you very soon right here on the blog! In the meantime, get out your mason jar and whip up some of this goodness so it's ready to go when you are!
If you love the flavor of homemade dressings try my Wildflower Lemon Honey Dressing too!
Favorite Fall Salad Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- one or two twists of freshly ground crushed pepper
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a jar.
- Cover and store on the counter with lid or refrigerate for prolonged storage.
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Nutrition
I prefer to focus on quality ingredients from a variety of sources that work in tandem to promote optimal health. Nutrition calculations may not reflect these valuable interactions. However, I understand certain values can be helpful to some. Please note these calculations are merely estimates. Values will vary depending on modifications, brands used, and portion size. Should you require specific information, it's best to consult with a dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.
April L Johnson says
This is so good! I used maple syrup and my entire family raved- even the teens!
Donna Castellano, MS, RDN says
April, that is so awesome! I love it!! Thank you for sharing this with me! xo Donna
Melanie says
I just whipped this to prepare for a dinner on Thursday evening. It's *delicious* and made from common pantry ingredients, so it is easy too! Going to serve over a fall salad with baby spinach, pears, celery, manchego and pepitas. Can't wait!
Donna Castellano, MS, RDN says
Melanie, that is exactly my goal! To give my readers easy but delicious ways to prepare healthy ingredients! So happy! Enjoy! xo Donna
Kristen says
I just made this and it was perfect for my arugula, apple, goat cheese, and candied pecan salad. Thank you for the recipe!
Donna Castellano, MS, RDN says
Kristen, YES!! Thank you for commenting! Sounds absolutely delicious!
Trish Fields says
My God! Super easy to whip up but also one of the best vinaigrettes I’ve ever had. Very Fall-forward. Going to use with my fall salad with goat cheese, roasted beets and roasted butternut squash. Thank you!
Donna Castellano, MS, RDN says
Trish, haha! You'll never go back to store-bought once you've made homemade! So glad you love it! And that sounds perfect! 🙂 Donna