This Maple Balsamic Dressing blends sweet maple syrup with tangy balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, mustard and olive oil for a rich, flavourful homemade dressing. It's perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade.
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Why you'll love this recipe
Simple & Quick. With just a few pantry staples like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic, this homemade dressing comes together in minutes.
Sweet & Tangy. The combination of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, elevating any dish.
Versatile. This maple balsamic dressing is perfect for salads like the Cranberry Turkey Salad with couscous or Roast Pumpkin Chickpea Salad, pasta salads like a Mediterranean Pasta Salad, and even drizzled on top of roast vegetables like Honey Roasted Carrots or Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.
Ingredients
Balsamic Vinegar. The tangy base of this Maple Balsamic Dressing, balsamic vinegar adds depth and richness; substitute with red wine vinegar for a milder flavour.
Olive Oil. This provides a smooth and silky texture to the homemade dressing; swap with avocado oil for a lighter alternative.
Dijon Mustard. A key ingredient in maple mustard balsamic dressing, it adds a subtle tangy kick; if you like mustard flavours, try my Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe or the Lemon Mustard Dressing in my couscous salad.
Basil. Fresh or dried basil enhances the flavour of this basil balsamic dressing with herbal notes.
Garlic. Adds a robust, savory flavour to the dressing; substitute with garlic powder if fresh garlic isn't available.
Maple Syrup. The sweetness in this Maple Balsamic Dressing balances the tang.
Please check the recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantity. See below for substitutions and variations.
How to make maple balsamic dressing
- Combine ingredients
In a small bowl or jar, mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic clove and chopped basil.
- Whisk or shake
Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined, or seal the jar and shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing. This is a similar approach to my Satay Sauce Recipe.
- Taste and adjust
Taste the dressing and adjust to your preference-add more maple syrup for sweetness, mustard for tanginess, or basil for extra herbiness. Like my Sweet BBQ Sauce, there are many flavour components so best to adjust as you go!
- Serve or store
Drizzle over salads, roasted vegetables, or use as a marinade. Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week, shaking before each use.
Top Tip
Quality matters. As there are minimal ingredients in this maple mustard balsamic dressing with basil, I recommend using quality ingredients and fresh basil & garlic if you have access.
Storing Balsamic Maple Dressing
Pour the dressing into an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Since olive oil can solidify in the fridge, allow the dressing to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before use, then shake or stir well to re-emulsify.
You can also use this maple mustard dressing in a meal prep like my Cranberry Turkey Couscous Salad. Make sure to layer the bottom with the dressing and keep the leafy greens as far away as possible so they don't get mushy.
Freezing Salad Dressing
While freezing isn't ideal for dressings with olive oil and vinegar (as they can separate), it's possible if needed. Pour the dressing into a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and blend or whisk again to restore consistency.
For portion control, freeze the dressing in an ice cube tray, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This allows you to defrost just the amount you need for a single serving or recipe.
If you want more meal prep information, check out my Meal Prep for Beginners post and my Meal Prep Basics E-Book.
FAQs
Yes, balsamic dressing can go bad over time. If stored improperly or beyond its recommended timeframe (about a week for homemade dressings like Maple Balsamic Dressing), it may develop off smells, tastes, or mould. Always store it in an airtight container in the fridge and check for signs of spoilage before using.
Drizzle it over fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or use it as a marinade for Roast Chicken or Roast Pork or tofu for a flavourful boost.
If the basil balsamic dressing separates, simply give it a good shake or whisk before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients. Room temperature helps with mixing.
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I hope you enjoy this as much as I do - Love & Pasta, Lauren x
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Recipe
Maple Balsamic Dressing
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Ingredients
- 60 ml (¼ cups) balsamic vinegar, See Note 1
- 60 ml (¼ cups) olive oil, See Note 1
- 30 ml (2 tablespoon) maple syrup
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) dijon mustard, subs Note 2
- 6 basil leaves, finely diced, subs Note 3
- 2 garlic cloves, finely diced or minced, subs Note 3
Instructions
Prepare ingredients
- Dice: 6 basil leaves.Mince: 2 garlic cloves
Make Sauce
- Whisk 60 ml (¼ cups) balsamic vinegar, 60 ml (¼ cups) olive oil, 30 ml (2 tablespoon) maple syrup, 5 g (1 teaspoon) dijon mustard, 6 basil leaves, 2 garlic cloves until combined or shake the jar vigorously to emulsify.
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