If you’re looking for a quick, reliable salad dressing to keep on hand, this lemon-maple vinaigrette with mustard is an excellent choice. It comes together in about five minutes—just combine the ingredients in a jar and shake—and it complements a wide variety of salads with bright, balanced flavor.
Make a batch and store it in the refrigerator for easy use throughout the week. The dressing keeps well and is versatile enough to replace store-bought bottles in most recipes.
How to Make Maple Lemon Salad Dressing
This dressing is extremely easy to prepare. You only need a small jar and a vigorous shake. Start by juicing one lemon directly into the jar. Add a grated clove of garlic for a mild aromatic kick.
Next, add mustard. A blend of Dijon and whole-grain mustard works well because Dijon brings a smooth, tangy heat while whole-grain adds texture and depth. The combination creates a more complex, interesting dressing.
Stir in a little maple syrup to balance the lemon’s acidity and the mustard’s bite with gentle sweetness. If you like deeper savory notes, add a finely chopped anchovy fillet—optional but effective. It won’t make the dressing taste fishy; it simply adds umami and complexity. Leave it out to keep the dressing vegetarian.
Pour in extra virgin olive oil, tighten the lid, and shake hard until the mixture is emulsified and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of salt if needed.
This vinaigrette pairs nicely with delicate greens like spinach and arugula as well as heartier salads such as kale with beans. Store it in the fridge and shake well before each use.
Maple Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 60 ml (¼ cup) fresh lemon juice — from one lemon
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp whole-grain mustard
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 anchovy fillet, finely chopped (optional)
- 120 ml (½ cup) extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a small jar, combine the lemon juice, maple syrup, both mustards, grated garlic, anchovy (if using) and a generous grind of black pepper.
- Pour in the olive oil, tighten the lid, and shake vigorously until the dressing is thickened, homogeneous and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Video
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 1 g
| Protein: 0.2 g
| Fat: 7 g
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is automatically generated and provided as guidance only. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
This simple vinaigrette has a bright lemon lift balanced by maple syrup and rounded with olive oil—easy, flavorful, and ready in minutes.
Looking for more dressing ideas or have questions? Leave a comment below.
