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Glass cruet of golden Apple Cider Vinaigrette sitting next to a fresh spinach salad with sliced apples and pecans.

Brighten Your Plate: Zesty Fresh Apple Vinaigrette Dressing

This vibrant and refreshing apple vinaigrette is bursting with zesty flavor, perfect for enlivening any salad or grain bowl. It's an easy-to-make, wholesome dressing that truly brightens your plate.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Condiment, Dressing, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy, Seasonal
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Vinaigrette
  • 1 medium apple e.g., Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji; peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey, adjust to taste for sweetness
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small shallot peeled and roughly chopped, or 1/2 clove garlic
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional, for added freshness)

Equipment

  • Blender (high-speed recommended)
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Prepare Ingredients
  1. Peel, core, and roughly chop the apple. Mince the shallot (or garlic) if not using a high-speed blender for extra smoothness. If using fresh parsley, chop it finely.
Blend the Base
  1. In a blender, combine the chopped apple, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), fresh lemon juice, chopped shallot (or garlic), salt, and black pepper. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no apple chunks remaining. This may take 1-2 minutes.
Emulsify with Oil
  1. With the blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil through the lid's opening. Continue blending until the oil is fully incorporated and the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. This process helps create a smooth, stable vinaigrette.
Adjust and Serve
  1. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, a touch more maple syrup for sweetness, or lemon juice for extra tang. If using, stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
  2. Serve immediately over your favorite green salads, grain bowls, or as a vibrant marinade for chicken or fish. Enjoy your Brighten Your Plate: Zesty Fresh Apple Vinaigrette Dressing!

Notes

This vinaigrette is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use as some separation may occur. For a thicker dressing, you can use a bit less apple cider vinegar, or for a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of water.