There’s something about Homemade Lemon Maple Vinaigrette that instantly brightens up any salad. Light, tangy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, it’s the kind of dressing that transforms even the simplest bowl of greens into something crave-worthy. Whether tossing it with arugula, drizzling it over grilled vegetables, or using it to marinate chicken, this lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty kick that’s both refreshing and versatile.

Homemade Lemon Maple Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for more salad dressing recipes, the Best Creamy Strawberry Salad Dressing and White Balsamic Vinaigrette will make your taste buds happy.

This lemon maple vinaigrette is the perfect balance of bright citrus and subtle sweetness, creating a refreshing and healthy dressing. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives it a zesty, clean flavor that wakes up any salad, while pure maple syrup adds a mellow richness that rounds it all out.

What makes this dressing so special is its versatility and warmth. Dijon mustard adds a creamy tang that helps emulsify the vinaigrette, and a touch of garlic brings in a savory depth. It’s light enough for spring and summer salads but carries a comforting hint of sweetness, making it ideal for fall harvest bowls.

This recipe is a go-to for anyone who loves clean, bold flavors without the fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick shake or whisk, you get a vibrant vinaigrette that’s better than anything store-bought.

Ingredients to Gather

• Lemons – Adds a bright, tangy freshness to the vinaigrette, balancing the oil and enhancing the flavors of salads and vegetables.
• Avocado Oil – Provides a smooth, buttery base for the lemon vinaigrette, allowing the lemon’s citrusy brightness to shine while adding richness and depth.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the lemon vinaigrette, creating a smooth and cohesive dressing.
• Maple Syrup – Brings a touch of natural sweetness to the vinaigrette, balancing the tartness of the lemon and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a mild, fruity acidity to the lemon vinaigrette, boosting the tangy flavor while complementing the brightness of the lemon.
• Red Chili Flakes – Brings subtle heat to the vinaigrette, giving the bright, citrusy dressing a spicy kick.
• Sea Salt – Enhances the flavors in the lemon vinaigrette, bringing out the brightness of the lemon and the depth of the other ingredients.

Creating a Cozy Life Group

Since you found this recipe for lemon maple vinaigrette, I’m guessing you love all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 215,000 like-minded souls.

It’s a group where we share recipes, photos of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.

This recipe is from a restaurant in Arizona called Modern Market that specializes in salads.

Ingredients

2 organic lemons

3 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 cups avocado oil

Directions

1. Using a zester, remove the lemon zest from both lemons. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a blender.

2. Add the lemon zest, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, red chili flakes, and sea salt to the lemon juice and blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the avocado oil with the blender running until fully combined.

Tips for Making Vinaigrette

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the vinaigrette its vibrant, zesty flavor. Bottled juice often tastes flat or bitter.
• Emulsify Properly – Whisk the lemon juice with Dijon mustard before slowly drizzling in the oil. This helps the dressing emulsify (blend) into a smooth consistency instead of separating.
• Choose a Mild Oil – Use a neutral or mild oil like avocado or light olive oil so the lemon flavor shines through without being overpowered.
• Customize with Extras – Add fresh herbs for a garden-fresh twist.
• Make it Ahead – Lemon vinaigrette keeps well in the fridge for about a week. Shake or whisk before each use as it may separate over time.

Storage

Store lemon maple vinaigrette in an airtight container or glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Before each use, give it a good shake or stir. For the best flavor, allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Salad Toolbox

• Mason Jar Pour Spout Lids for Regular Mouth Mason Jars – spout Mason Jar lids make pouring homemade salad dressings a breeze, keeping your fridge tidy and your dressings fresh with every shake.
• Twist and Pour Salad Dressing Mixer – a twist-and-pour salad dressing mixer lets you shake, blend, and serve your dressings all in one container – no mess, no fuss, just fresh flavor on demand.
• Salad Container for Lunch – salad lunch containers keep your greens crisp and your toppings separate, making it easy to enjoy a fresh, mess-free salad anywhere you go.
• Herb Stripping Comb – an herb stripping comb quickly removes leaves from stems, saving time and making it effortless to add fresh herbs to your salads and dressings.

Delicious Ways to Use the Vinaigrette

• Salad Dressing – Toss it with leafy greens, chopped veggies, or grain-based salads like quinoa or farro for a bright, tangy finish.
• Marinade – Marinate chicken, shrimp, or tofu before grilling or roasting.
• Vegetable Drizzle – Spoon it over steamed, roasted, or grilled vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.
• Pasta Salad – Mix it in cold pasta salads with fresh herbs, veggies, and feta or mozzarella.
• Grain Bowls – Drizzle over bowls filled with rice, lentils, or couscous, roasted vegetables, and protein.
• Roasted Potatoes – Toss with warm roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes for a zesty boost.
• Avocado Toast Topper – Add a splash over avocado toast for a citrusy upgrade.
• Seafood Finisher – Spoon over grilled fish, scallops, or crab cakes for a bright punch.
• Bruschetta or Crostini – Use it to dress tomatoes or greens served on toasted bread.

Let me know in the comments below if you tried the recipe and what you thought.

Be sure to join the Creating a Cozy Life Group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!

I created a pin for you above to add to your salad board on Pinterest to refer back to this recipe. You can follow me here on PINTEREST.

Thanks for stopping by! I’m so happy you found us!

More Salad Dressing Recipes You’ll Love!

• The Best Salad Dressing Recipes
• Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
• Fall Honey Vinaigrette

Printable Recipe Card for Lemon Maple Vinaigrette with Nutritional Information