Originally published in April 2013; updated May 2022.
Creamy Apple Vinaigrette
Looking for a dietitian-approved salad dressing that is not only healthy but easy to make in the comfort of your own kitchen? Sally of Real Mom Nutrition is sharing this delicious homemade creamy apple balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipe that pairs well many types of salads.
It goes without saying, but dressing can really make or break a salad. When it comes to freshness, homemade vinaigrettes trump store-bought any day of the week. Because you’re making it at home, you can also control the amount of fat and sodium in the dressing—and you’ll avoid additives like the preservatives or added colors often found in the bottled kind.
Fresh, crisp apples make a perfect base for this light, springtime dressing. I chose Stemilt’s Pink Lady apples but feel free to use your favorite: Granny Smith for extra tang, Piñata for a tropical twist, or Braeburn for a note of spicy-sweetness. Be sure to chop the apple with the peel on for this dressing. Not only will you get the extra nutrients in the peel such as fiber, but you’ll also end up with tiny flecks of pretty pink peel throughout the apple balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipe.
White Balsamic Apple Vinaigrette Recipe
White balsamic is one of my favorite vinegars for homemade dressing. Less syrupy and sweet than regular balsamic, it’s both lighter in color and flavor. (If you’ve never used it, you’ll find it stocked alongside regular balsamic in your store.) I also chose to use mild, neutral vegetable or canola oil to let the other flavors shine through. Though most vinaigrette recipes call for whisking in the oil at the end to emulsify the dressing, blending it all together at once actually creates a texture of a creamy vinaigrette.
What is so great about this dressing is how versatile it can be. It goes with any type of green (spinach, arugula, romaine and more!) and can be used on many different types of salads. Lunch or dinner, or even for a light afternoon snack. There are a few salads in our cookbook that we like to use this flavorful recipe with. Check out our suggestions below:
Spring Kale & Apple Salad –Sub out the dressing included with this recipe for the white balsamic apple vinaigrette recipe. It will taste delicious with crunchy kale and Stemilt apples.
Greek Salad with Apples – Mix up your traditional Greek Salad with Apples recipe by adding in this apple balsamic vinaigrette recipe to the mix.
Salmon & Apple Salad – While this salad originally calls for a Creamy Cucumber Dill dressing, it can easily be substituted. The savory Dijon mustard found in this creamy apple cider dressing pairs well with the Salmon making for a delicious combination.
Ready to give this creamy balsamic dressing recipe a try? Watch our video below to create this simple creamy vinaigrette for your next bed of greens! Have your own vinaigrette? Share it in the comments below!
Sally is a registered dietitian and mom of two busy kids who is passionate about helping kids develop a love of fresh foods and helping other moms do the same. She knows that eating habits are always a work in progress, and has dedicated her blog, Real Mom Nutrition, to sharing the triumphs (and tragedies) when it comes to feeding kids. Sally’s favorite Stemilt fruit is a tie between Artisan Organics peaches and Honeycrisp apples.
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