This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

This delicious vinaigrette recipe is made with actual apple cider – not just apple cider vinegar! With a hint of fruity flavor, Apple Cider Vinaigrette pairs well with so many different salads.

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Inspired by the fall season and the flavors that go along with it, I knew I had to use apple cider in at least one recipe I shared here on the blog. It seems as though pumpkin has totally exploded and taken over the season, but this fall flavor will always remain my favorite: apple!

When I lived in Upstate New York before moving to the South, we would frequent cider mills and apple orchards every fall. For my birthday one year, all I wanted to do was go to an orchard and pick fresh, crisp apples. Saturday morning we would head to the local cider mill (which was always PACKED with customers) and get fresh cider donuts and apple cider. The smell in there alone was AMAZING. What I wouldn’t give for one of those donuts…

Down here in the south, cider mills and orchards aren’t all over the place like they are up north. The closest one to us is about 2 hours away, total bummer! We plan on taking a trip to get some delicious cider donuts sometime this season, but luckily basically any grocery store carries apple cider this time of year, so that’s readily available. (I always find it in the produce section.)

Good thing, too, since you’ll need it to make this amazing Apple Cider Vinaigrette – along with some apple cider vinegar, oil, a little maple syrup for some added depth, and salt & pepper if you desire.

This dressing couldn’t be more simple to make – just shake or blend together the ingredients and it’s ready to be poured over a delicious salad (like this seriously flavorful Cranberry Quinoa Salad.)

For added health benefits, I recommend buying apple cider vinegar that contains the mother. The mother contains friendly bacteria that is good for your gut. You’ll want to look for unfiltered ACV, like this brand.