Cider French Dressing
A tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette with apple cider, carrot, and tomato, perfect for salads and light dishes, offering fresh, vibrant flavors that suit all tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a food processor with a chopping blade, process the carrot and tomato until finely chopped.
- Strain the vegetables through a sieve over a 1 cup measuring cup, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible; discard the vegetables.
- Add enough apple cider to make 1/2 cup of liquid.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cider mixture, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother dressing, you can blend the carrot and tomato into a puree instead of chopping them. If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard can work as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly. Adjust the vinegar to taste, especially if you prefer a tangier dressing. This recipe can also be adapted to use other vinegars such as red wine or balsamic for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
This cider French dressing is perfect drizzled over mixed greens and fennel with ginger dressing or as a vibrant topping for a Sweet And Sour Mixed Bean Salad. It can also enhance grilled vegetables or be used as a marinade for chicken or fish. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving again, give it a good shake or whisk to re-emulsify, as the ingredients may separate over time. This dressing is best used fresh, but its flavors can deepen after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cider French Dressing contains roughly 35 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1774mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dressing a day in advance. Its flavors will meld together beautifully in the fridge. Just remember to shake or whisk it well before serving, as it may separate while stored.
What can I substitute for the olive oil?
If you're looking for an alternative to olive oil, consider using avocado oil or canola oil. Each will give a different flavor profile, but they will still work well in this dressing. Avoid using oils with strong flavors that might overpower the other ingredients.
Is this dressing suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this cider French dressing is entirely plant-based and fits perfectly into vegan recipes. It’s a great way to add flavor to your salads without any animal products, making it a versatile option for various diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).