Simple Vegan Vinaigrette

Name: Simple Vegan Vinaigrette
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar (, or red wine vinegar, balsamic, apple cider vinegar); 2 tablespoons maple syrup (, (pure not pancake syrup)); 1 small clove garlic (, grated or minced very finely); ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 big pinch freshly ground black pepper; OPTIONAL ¼ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes

Everyone needs a simple vinaigrette recipe in their back pocket and this vegan vinaigrette couldn't be easier. Whisk or shake it together in a jar and it's ready in litreally 2 minutes. Perfect for dressing all of your leafy green salads!

a jar of vinaigrette with a small whisk in it.

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Simple Vegan Vinaigrette! Not exactly an exciting recipe, but definitely one that's very useful to have on hand. It's ridiculously quick and easy to make and way more budget-friendly and tasty than ready-made vinaigrette from the store.

With fruity, tart vinegar, deep rich extra virgin olive oil, a hint of maple sweetness, a subtle bite of garlic, and optional chili flakes if you like things a little punchier, it's super delicious.

Mix it up, keep it in the fridge and it's ready to dress up all your greens. Perfect for a bit of Sunday meal prep. Add it to your salads along with some quinoa crispies or croutons for some lovely crunch!

See this delicious vinaigrette in action in my Peach Quinoa Salad!

Mel x

Ingredients

Here is what you need at a glance:

white wine vinegar, garlic, maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, red chili pepper flakes.

And a few ingredient notes/substitution ideas:

Vinegar - I used white wine vinegar here but you could use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar. All of them are delicious in this recipe.
Olive oil - My preference is extra virgin olive oil for salad dressings but regular olive oil will work in a pinch. You just won't get as much flavour. Avocado oil works well too.
Maple syrup - For a touch of smoky sweetness and to soften the raw garlic and sharp vinegar flavours. You could use a dash of sugar instead but maple syrup is always my go-to sweetener in salad dressings because its liquid and adds such lovely flavour.
Garlic - Just a touch but feel free to add more if you want a more pronounced garlicky flavour. If you're not into garlic you could omit it or use a little grated or minced shallot instead.
Red chili pepper flakes - I love a tiny touch of heat in my vinaigrette but this is optional. Omit the chili flakes if you prefer.

It's so easy you don't need any step-by-step directions but I've added a recipe video below just in case it's helpful.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make vinaigrette oil-free?

For best results I recommend following the recipe as written, however it is possible to make this recipe oil-free. Oil is what gives a vinaigrette its cling. Aquafaba makes a great substitute in recipes like this. Use the same amount. If there is added salt in it omit the salt from the recipe. Unsweetened applesauce also works well although I recommend omitting or greatly reducing the maple syrup to compensate for the sweetness.

Recipe