Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing ( Top 14 Free)
DAIRY FREE II GLUTEN FREE II SESAME FREE II PALEO II SOY FREE II TOP 14 FREE II EGG FREE II NIGHTSHADE FREE II SHELLFISH FREE II FISH FREE
If you're looking for a fresh and tangy way to dress up your salads, this apple cider vinegar salad dressing is a top choice. This bright apple cider vinaigrette comes together quickly and easily using pantry staples you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s healthy, homemade, and ready in just 5 minutes, tasting far better than most store-bought dressings.
You can shake up a batch of this apple cider vinegar salad dressing in no time. Whether you whisk it by hand or shake it in a jar, this versatile dressing emulsifies beautifully thanks to a little extra virgin olive oil and optional Dijon mustard, which enhances the flavour and helps it blend smoothly. It keeps well in the fridge, so I like to prepare a few homemade salad dressings ahead of time to always have healthy, flavorful options on hand throughout the week.
This salad dressing is not only delicious but also beneficial for your gut, harnessing the well-known benefits of apple cider vinegar. Made with raw apple cider vinegar, organic honey, garlic, salt, and pepper, it offers far more nutrition than most store-bought brands.
When you make apple cider vinegar salad dressing at home, you control the quality and taste. You get to enjoy natural flavour and peace of mind with every bite, making it a healthy, quick, and versatile addition to your meals.
Notes on ingredients for apple cider vinegar dressing
Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
Choose organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mother included. This mother consists of natural probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support your digestive health. A healthy gut allows your body to absorb nutrients more efficiently from the foods you eat. Since much of your immune system is housed in the digestive tract, these probiotics also contribute to keeping your defences strong.
The good bacteria in raw apple cider vinegar work synergistically with the helpful bacteria already present in your gut, helping to keep harmful bacteria under control and supporting your overall well-being. The mother contains natural enzymes that assist your body in breaking down food, promoting better digestion and maximising nutrition from every meal. Because heating and cooking often destroy these enzymes, using raw apple cider vinegar helps replace what might be lost during meal preparation.
Incorporating a homemade apple cider vinegar salad dressing into your meals is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar. Made with simple ingredients and pantry staples—such as olive oil, garlic, and honey for a touch of sweetness—this tangy and versatile apple cider vinaigrette enhances both health and taste. Drizzling apple cider vinegar salad dressing over your greens adds a healthy, flavorful boost that makes your salads more satisfying.
Olive oil
I love extra-virgin olive oil because it is a high quality olive oil that retains more antioxidants, healthy fats, and natural plant compounds compared to other types of olive oil. These nutrients, which contribute to its healthy profile, are often lost in regular or light olive oils, so choosing extra virgin ensures you get more health benefits.
Tips when buying extra virgin olive oil:
When shopping, select brands packaged in dark glass or metal bottles. These materials protect the oil from light and air, allowing it to stay fresh for longer. Look for a harvest date on the label rather than just a "best by" date. It’s also wise to seek seals from trusted organisations, like the Extra Virgin Alliance or a D.O.P. stamp, which verify the oil’s quality and origin.
Quality extra virgin olive oil usually comes at a higher price, but its flavorful taste makes it worthwhile. The flavour should be rich with fruity, bitter, or robust notes, often finishing with a peppery bite. This makes it ideal for salads or as a dipping oil, and it’s a top choice for creating vibrant salad dressings or bold apple cider vinaigrettes. Selecting the right oil will give your favourite salad dressing recipes a genuine boost.
NB: Swap for avocado oil if you prefer.
Honey
If possible, always opt for locally sourced or organic honey. Honey has a plethora of nutrients, vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, and bee pollen because it’s never heated or harshly filtered. These natural compounds support your immune system, help fight inflammation, and may aid in wound healing. They also make raw honey better for your gut and general health, compared to regular honey that loses much of this goodness during pasteurisation.
Key benefits of raw honey:
Includes more nutrients and antioxidants, plus bee pollen and propolis, which bring extra anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal perks. It may also give your immune system a boost.
Unlike regular honey, which gets heated and filtered, raw honey is only strained to keep its natural goodness. Many people pair raw honey with apple cider vinegar for extra wellness support.
Ingredients
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
Quick to make in under 5 minutes
Perfect balance of tangy and slightly sweet flavours
A versatile apple cider for salad dressing recipe you can use on leafy greens, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables
Healthier alternative to bottled dressings (no preservatives)
This apple cider vinegrette is made with pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and honey.
Great for salads, grain bowls, or as a marinade for roasted veggies.
Homemade apple cider vinegar with lemon, honey, and garlic is considered a magical drink, offering numerous health benefits. Studies show that it may improve heart health, gut health, aid in weight loss, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may also alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Read more about the benefits here.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
For a creamier version, blend in 1–2 tbsp tahini or Greek yoghurt (vegan or dairy).
Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil or tarragon, my favourite for an herby twist.
If you prefer a sweeter apple cider vinaigrette, increase the maple syrup or honey slightly.
Add fresh root ginger, approximately a thumb-sized amount, to further enhance the anti-inflammatory properties.
How to store Apple cider vinegar dressing
This apple cider vinegar dressing stays fresh in the fridge for up to a month. I like to pour it into a clean jar or an old vinaigrette bottle I have on hand. Saving and reusing bottles works well for homemade dressings and makes storage simple.
FAQ’s About Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Which is better for you, balsamic or apple cider vinegar?
Both types of vinegar provide minor sources of minerals, including healthful amounts of potassium. Balsamic provides 18mg of potassium per tablespoon, while apple cider only has 11mg. Balsamic's antioxidants also help lower LDL cholesterol, while apple cider works similarly to lower blood lipid levels.
Is apple cider vinegar dressing healthy?
Yes! Apple cider vinegar salad dressing is a lighter and healthier alternative to creamy, store-bought dressings, offering natural probiotics and reduced sugar.
Can I use apple cider vinegar for salad dressing every day?
Absolutely. This cider vinegar dressing is a great everyday option; there's no reason why you can’t enjoy ACV dressing on a daily basis.
What’s the difference between vinaigrette and dressing?
A vinaigrette is a specific type of salad dressing made from oil, vinegar, and seasonings, often with a traditional 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio, while dressing is a broader term that can include vinaigrettes but also encompasses other types of sauces, such as creamy, mayonnaise-based, or yoghurt-based dressings. The key difference lies in the inclusion of dairy, eggs, or other thickening agents in dressings, which are absent in vinaigrettes.
What is the best thing to mix with apple cider vinegar?
The Top 7 Apple Cider Vinegar Mixes for Weight Loss
ACV + Lemon + Honey (Classic Morning Detox)
ACV + Cinnamon + Warm Water (Craving Crusher)
ACV + Green Tea + Lemon (Fat-Burning Powerhouse)
ACV + Ginger + Honey + Warm Water (Bloat Buster)
ACV + Cranberry Juice + Lime (Tart & Tasty Tonic)
Is olive oil and apple cider vinegar good for you?
This pair not only enhances the flavour of your meals but also brings with it a host of health benefits. Apple cider vinegar is known to possibly aid digestion and control blood sugar levels, while olive oil is packed with heart-healthy fats.
Step by step
Recipe
100 ml olive oil (extra virgin)
55 ml ACV ( apple cider vinegar see notes)
1 tsp dijon mustard
25 ml honey
juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves of garlic
pinch of salt & pepper
Ginger ( a thumb sized amount) *optional
Method
Place all the ingredients into a Nutri bullet or similar and blend till smooth.
Pour into a jar and pop in the fridge, it will keep for at least 3 weeks.
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