Small Batch Maple Balsamic Dressing

An easy and flavorful small batch balsamic dressing recipe with pure maple syrup! {Makes about 1/3 cup}

I love homemade salad dressings, but I don’t need a ton of dressing sitting in my refrigerator, only for half of it to meet its inevitable fate down the garbage disposal. That’s why I like small batch dressing recipes that make 2-4 servings. This is easily my favorite basic dressing for anytime of year, and it comes together in absolutely no time.

I always recommend letting any dressings or sauces sit for about an hour before serving so the flavors have a chance to blend together and become even more delicious. I do recommend that for this maple balsamic dressing, too, but it’s honestly so good as soon as it comes together. If you’re not using it immediately, this will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container.

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Ingredients

• 2 tsp. Pure Maple Syrup
• 2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
• 2 tsp. Mayonnaise (like Hellman’s or Duke’s)
• 2 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
• ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
• ¼ tsp. Oregano
• Pinch each of Salt and fresh cracked Black Pepper
• 3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This balsamic vinaigrette recipe makes about 1/3 of a cup. You can definitely double or triple the recipe if needed! Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste, but don’t skip that part. Salt and pepper tie all of the other flavors together, so season this dressing until it tastes really good to you!

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What is Pure Maple Syrup?

Pure maple syrup is real, rich, delicious maple syrup without preservatives or artificial flavors. If you’re in an area where you can buy local maple syrup from the farmers market or a specialty shop, do it! I also use pure maple syrup in these thick chocolate chip cookies, and they’re delicious.

I have this Maple Groves Farms (12.5 oz. bottle) in my refrigerator right now (it’s under $10 and tastes great), or you could snag this 8 oz. bottle of Wisconsin Pure Maple Syrup for under $10, OR get some incredible Pure Maple Syrup from Vermont in this squeeze bottle for just over $10!

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How to Make Small Batch Balsamic Dressing

In a Small Jar

There’s two options for making this dressing. The first option only requires a small mason jar (I like these 12 oz. mason jars), OR an awesome salad dressing shaker like this one! (My mom got this exact one for me a couple of years ago, and it’s the best way to quickly make this dressing. It seals shut so you can keep it in the refrigerator without dirtying any containers, too!) Combine all of the ingredients in the jar, tightly seal the lid shut, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the ingredients are blended together and slightly creamy.

With a Bowl and Whisk

Alternatively, you can whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl. However, this does take longer because the olive oil has to slowly blend into the balsamic vinegar.

• Whisk the maple syrup, dijon mustard, and mayonnaise together in a medium bowl until totally combined.

• Whisk in the balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and oregano. Add a pinch each of salt and pepper, and whisk to combine.

• Slowly add the olive oil, only a couple of drops at a time, whisking constantly. The oil and the vinegar have to slowly mix into each other to blend, so adding the oil has to be a slow process. (Luckily the mayonnaise helps them bind together easier!)

• Taste the dressing and season with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for about an hour before serving for the best flavor.

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How Long Does this Dressing Keep?

You can keep this dressing in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. PRO TIP: If you use molasses instead of maple syrup, the dressing will last up to 10 days!

Great Salad Recipes for Balsamic Dressing

• Romaine, toasted almonds, apples, feta
• Spinach, walnuts, feta, red onion, grilled chicken
• Romaine, steak, gorgonzola, grilled corn, tomatoes
• Kale, toasted almonds, goat cheese, grilled salmon

It’s also really great on this Grilled Romaine Wedge Salad (substitute the blue cheese dressing for this balsamic vinaigrette, but still add blue cheese crumbles!)

If you make this maple balsamic dressing and love it, I would love it if you left a recipe rating and comment below! Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you post a photo of it, and always feel free to reach out to me via email if you have any questions at all. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

xx Sara