Mix up a little deliciousness in this easy Maple Balsamic Dressing. This homemade balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing recipe is packed with flavor and couldn’t be easier to prepare. It’s fantastic on Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Candied Almonds or our Spinach Salad with Oranges and Cranberries.
It’s one of our most popular salad toppings, perfect for drizzling on summer salads. Once you’ve tried this homemade salad dressing, be sure to explore other reader-fave dressing recipes, such as Buttermilk Ranch Dressing and Dijon Vinaigrette.
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If you’re looking to add flavor to simple and economical meals, then remember the secret is in the sauce. You can elevate any meal, even a simple salad, just by dressing it well.
One flavor combination that is absolutely delicious is balsamic and tarragon. The herb and the sweetish vinegar combine well. Stir in a little Dijon mustard for a little bite and some maple syrup to smooth it out and you’ve got a dressing or marinade to wow anyone and everyone — on a budget.
This Easy Maple Balsamic Dressing is that dressing.
Why Make This
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing is delicious! Seriously, this stuff is so good. A little bit adds a ton of flavor. You can skip the honey mustard dressing when you’ve got this vinaigrette dressing recipe to hand.
It’s easy to make. This is one of the easiest salad dressing recipes. It mixes up in minutes and brings lots of great flavor to your favorite salads.
You can make as little or as much as you like. Avoid food waste and those store bought dressings piling up in the fridge. Make your own Maple Balsamic Dressing!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Maple Balsamic Dressing:
balsamic vinegar – You can really use any balsamic vinegar that you love to use. Aged balsamic vinegar will have a sweeter milder taste.
Dijon mustard – This gives some tang and also brings out the flavor of the balsamic.
maple syrup – Real maple syrup brings all the flavors together in this vinaigrette dressing, without making it too sweet. If you don’t have maple, feel free to substitute honey instead.
dried tarragon – This herb pairs beautifully with balsamic! Feel free to use basil or oregano if you prefer.
seasoning/spices: garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper – You can season this dressing to taste.
extra virgin olive oil – You can also use avocado oil or any other neutral light tasting oil that you prefer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Maple Balsamic Dressing:
Are you ready for this? Two steps and you are done!
- In a small bowl or glass combine the vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, tarragon, garlic, and salt and pepper. Blend well. You can whisk it together. Or if your jar has a lid then just pop it on and give it a healthy shake.
- Stir in the olive oil in a thin stream, mixing constantly.
Voila! It’s done in minutes. Ready for a simple green salad, pasta salads, or even a lentil salad with goat cheese crumbles. This Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is one to have on repeat.
The best part about making your own homemade dressing is that it will keep covered in an airtight container in your refrigerator for a few weeks.
No wasted grocery store trips or dollars spent on that expensive store-bought dressing that are chock full of weird ingredients!
FAQs
Balsamic dressing is made of balsamic vinegar, some aromatics like garlic or shallots, an emulsifier like honey, mustard, or maple syrup, and a salad oil like olive oil. Mixed together they make a salad dressing that packs the flavor.
As a general rule, since vinaigrettes aren’t high in saturated fats, they can be a little more healthful than mayonnaise-based dressings.
Balsamic vinegar is a dark, concentrated vinegar originating in Italy. It’s generally used straight and sparingly on cheese, fruit, and meats. It’s often sipped at the end of a meal! A balsamic dressing is like an Italian salad dressing in that it is a vinaigrette made from an Italian vinegar.
Salads to Try
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Maple Balsamic Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt
- black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl or glass combine the vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, tarragon, garlic, and salt and pepper. Blend well.¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon dried tarragon, 1 clove garlic, salt, black pepper
- Stir in the olive oil in a thin stream, mixing constantly.¼ cup olive oil
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. Bring to room temperature for best texture.
Notes
Nutritional values are approximate and based on 1 tablespoon. Use on salad or as a marinade for meats.
Nutrition
This post was originally published October 26, 2011. It has been updated for content and clarity.
Rosemary
This dressing is amazing! The only change I made was I used keto maple syrup and garlic olive oil instead of garlic and olive oil separately. Amazing flavor. Wonderful healthy clean dressing! All I use now!
Jessica Fisher
So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the review, Rosemary!
Susan
I do tarragon and balsamic too but I also add some pureed strawberries. My husband’s absolute favorite. 🙂
Carrie @ My Favorite Finds
I love good salads. I wish that I would make more effort to prepare them like you have suggested here. I just don’t think about it. No wonder I’m bored with veggies and lettuce!
Liz@PocketChangeGourmet
Thanks for hosting!
~Liz
Morsels of Life
Thanks for hosting! I linked up with some fun and easy Egg Clouds
Jen Blacker
Thank you for hosting. I shared my tomato soup recipe (which I paired with grilled cheese sandwiches).