Maple Vinaigrette Recipe: How to Make Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Maple vinaigrette is a gluten-free vinaigrette in which pure maple syrup is the dominant flavor. Other ingredients—such as Dijon mustard or balsamic vinegar—complement and balance the taste of the maple syrup. This is in contrast to a classic balsamic vinaigrette, in which balsamic vinegar is the most forward flavor.

A maple vinaigrette complements a wide variety of flavors and preparation methods. Here are three ways to enjoy a maple vinaigrette:

1. 1. Serve maple vinaigrette as a dip for raw vegetables. A typical dip or condiment for a crudités platter is a yogurt-based dip or ranch dip, but a maple vinaigrette offers a lighter and sweeter taste. Serve maple vinaigrette in a small bowl alongside raw celery, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, and cauliflower.
2. 2. Toss vegetables in maple vinaigrette before roasting them. Dice sweet potatoes or cut brussels sprouts in half. Toss the vegetables in a maple vinaigrette, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The sugar in the maple syrup caramelizes in the oven and creates a sticky, golden-brown crust over the vegetables. Alternatively, roast the vegetables before tossing them in a maple vinaigrette.
3. 3. Use maple vinaigrette as a salad dressing. Combine mixed greens—such a spinach, arugula, and kale—and toss them with a maple vinaigrette. Top the green salad with feta, goat cheese, pecans, dried cranberries, and chicken for a main course salad.