Get ready to take your salads, sandwiches, and veggie platters to next level good with this delicious Maple Dijon Dressing! It’s sweet, tangy, and savory, all blended into a creamy, oil-free emulsion that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Do you ever get stuck in a salad rut?
You know, when it feels more like an obligation instead of a delicious meal? I’ve been there. But the right dressing can turn those greens into something you crave (really!). And that’s where my creamy, oil-free Maple Dijon Dressing comes in.
In our house, we’re big on salads. And when I’m especially on top of my game, a big, overflowing salad is practically a daily ritual for me (even in the winter!). I’ve always been a salad lover — I genuinely look forward to them. But realistically, the dressing can make or break the entire experience. That’s why dijon is a staple in my kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, and it’s a hit with picky kids and adults alike.
As a health coach, I often recommend starting with a small salad each day. It’s an easy way to sneak in more plant-based nutrients. I hear you though, “another salad?” But trust me, this dressing is about to change your mind. It’ll have you excited to eat your greens, making a healthy choice feel like a delicious indulgence rather than a dreaded chore.
That’s why I’m a huge fan of homemade dressings (especially creamy, oil-free dressings). They’re healthier and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, they’re the ultimate meal prep hack! Make a batch on Sunday and you’re set for the week. And the best part? You control the ingredients — you can make a healthy dressing that matches your taste and preferences.
Jump to:
Why you're going to love Maple Dijon Dressing
- Healthy: This dairy-free dressing is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients. Plus, cashews are packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, and minerals like copper and magnesium.
- Flavor: The combination of sweet maple syrup, tangy dijon mustard, and a hint of garlic creates a flavor that’s complex and addictive.
- Surprisingly creamy (and oil-free!): You won’t believe how rich and luscious this dressing is without added oil. The secret is the cashews!
- Versatile & easy: This easy dressing recipe takes just minutes to make in a blender and can be used in countless ways.
- Did you know: According to Dr. Michael Greger, a study from the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study found that women who enjoyed just a couple of handfuls of nuts each week were more likely to live longer — with benefits on par with jogging for several hours a week!
How to make Creamy Maple Dijon Dressing (Oil-Free & Vegan)
Combine all ingredients in a blender (Cashews, water, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, dijon mustard, peeled garlic, salt, and black pepper).
Blend on high for about 2 minutes, or until completely smooth.
Pour into a storage container and enjoy! This dressing goes great with salads, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, wraps, and veggie burgers.
Flavor twists
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
- Lemon zest: Brighten the flavor with a bit of lemon zest.
- Garlic lover: Add an extra garlic clove for a more pungent flavor.
- Smoky: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Herby: Blend in a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.
In the kitchen tips
- Cashews: If you don’t have cashews, you can substitute blanched almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Maple syrup: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup to your taste.
- Storage: This dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
FAQ
Yes! This homemade version is packed with nutrients from cashews and is oil-free, making it a healthier choice than most store-bought dressings.
Yes! This is completely normal due to the cashews. Simply thin with a splash of water and give it a good stir before using.
Salads, sandwiches, roasted veggies, grain bowls… get creative! It’s even delicious as a dip.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Try soaked sunflower seeds or blanched almonds for a similar creamy texture.
Absolutely! Add more maple syrup for sweetness, dijon for a sharper tang, or apple cider vinegar for a milder tang. A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne adds some heat.
Yes! This recipe is 100% vegan and made with plant-based ingredients.
What equipment you'll need
- Blender: A high-speed blender is ideal, but a regular blender works if you soak or boil the cashews beforehand.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (optional)
- Jar or container with an airtight lid
Optional but Nice
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping every last bit of delicious dressing out of the blender.
- Citrus Juicer (Optional): If you’d like to add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for extra zing.
📖 Recipe
Creamy Maple Dijon Dressing (Oil-Free & Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unroasted and unsalted cashews
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 clove peeled garlic
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or roughly 6–8 turns
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Soak the raw cashews in water for at least 2 hours, then drain and rinse. (No need if you have a high-speed blender)
- In a high-speed blender all ingredients, scraping down sides as needed.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, 1–2 minutes.
- Check the consistency. Thin with additional water, one tablespoon at a time, if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate before serving. Dressing thickens as it chills.
Happy dance optional, but encouraged
This Maple Dijon Dressing is a flavor explosion that’ll have you falling head over heels for salads again. Ditch the boring bottled stuff and let this creamy, goodness turn your greens into a crave-worthy meal. If you’re anything like me, you might even do a happy dance (Well, in your mind anyway!). 😉
Comments
No Comments