Apple Cider Dressing

When the leaves start to turn and apple season takes over, there’s one flavor that deserves more credit than pumpkin spice: apple cider. And while we love it warm in a mug, it also happens to make an incredible homemade salad dressing. Fresh, tangy, just sweet enough, and bursting with fall flavor — this apple cider dressing might become your official autumn obsession.

It’s quick. It’s easy. It tastes like a hug for your salads.

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Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Dressing

This dressing is:

• Sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced
• Ready in 5 minutes
• Made with real, simple ingredients
• Perfect for fall harvest salads
• Shake-and-go friendly (hello mason jar!)

Plus, it looks fancy when guests ask why your salads taste so good.

What You’ll Need To Make Apple Cider Dressing

• Apple cider (NOT vinegar — actual cider!)
• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider
• Maple syrup or honey
• Salt & pepper
• Optional: minced garlic, a pinch of cinnamon, fresh thyme

Each ingredient plays a role — the cider adds tang and apple flavor, the maple brings warm, cozy sweetness, and the Dijon brings it all together.

How to Make Apple Cider Dressing

• Add apple cider, vinegar, mustard, maple, and seasonings to a jar.
• Slowly stream in olive oil.
• Shake like you’re auditioning for a smoothie commercial.

Taste. Adjust. (It’s required chef behavior.)

That’s it — no fancy equipment needed.

What to Serve It On

This dressing shines brightest in fall bowls and salads, like:

• Kale + apple + pecans
• Roasted butternut squash salads
• Brussels sprout salads
• Sweet potato bowls
• Pear + walnut salads
• Warm grain bowls with quinoa

You can even drizzle it on roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

Flavor Variations

Make it your own:

• Add cinnamon for cozy warmth
• Swap maple for local honey
• Use fresh thyme or sage
• Add a spoon of Greek yogurt for creaminess

Fall flavors = endless creativity.

Tips for Success

• Taste and tweak: Too tangy? Add another drizzle of maple.
• Shake before serving — separation is normal!
• Don’t drown the greens — a little goes a long way.

A great salad dressing should elevate, not overwhelm.

How to Store It

Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The oil may firm slightly when cold — just let it warm on the counter and shake.

Pro tip: Double the batch. You’ll use it more than you think.

Apple Cider Dressing for Thanksgiving

Move over ranch — this dressing balances heavier holiday dishes with bright, fresh acidity. It’s a fantastic pre-dinner salad topper and adds a gourmet touch to leftovers.

Holiday hint: guests LOVE asking for the recipe.

Why Homemade Beats Bottled

Store-bought dressings can hide:

• Preservatives
• Low-quality oils
• Weird sweeteners

Homemade means:

• You control the sweetness
• The flavor is fresher
• You can pronounce every ingredient

And it tastes better. Every. Single. Time.

Apple cider dressing is the unsung hero of fall cuisine. It’s bright, balanced, and brings seasonal flair to everything it touches — salads, bowls, veggies, sandwiches, you name it. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a homemade dressing that instantly elevates your kitchen game.

It’s the little things… especially when they taste like autumn.