Quick Creamy Winter Maple Salad Dressing Recipe

It remains cold here in Virginia with even colder temperatures on the horizon this week.  I’m slowly taking down my ‘winter decor’ even if winter doesn’t seem over yet.  I’m ready for Spring, but I’ll hold on to winter a bit longer when it means salads with this creamy maple dressing.

We can’t get enough of this maple dressing right now.  It’s slightly creamy, slightly sweet, and overall super easy to throw together.  This salad and dressing were first introduced to me by my Mom who had it when a friend brought over.  It’s one you’ll want to make on repeat and goes best with items you easily stock in your winter pantry, or at least I hope you do.

I was asked for the recipe the other week and thought, “oh, that was just what I had on hand.”  Do you find yourself eating more seasonally too?

​Keeping it Simple

I don’t tend to have salad dressing bottles stocked in my pantry so finding a good dressing I can make at home that everyone loves is key.  If I can make a big batch and store it in a mason jar I’m winning.  

I love the convenience of store bought, but often to get something with the ingredients I’d like, and leaving out the things I want to avoid, hello seed oils, a bottle of salad dressing can cost five bucks or more.

Making homemade dressings in a small bowl then stored in an airtight container in your fridge is a life hack you’ll want to start.  Once you get into the habit of having balsamic vinegar, good dijon mustard and avocado or extra virgin olive oil on hand you’re well on your way to a wonderful homemade vinaigrette.  

My Favorite Winter Pairings

I like to think our bodies crave eating foods in season, just as much as we love making them.  In the winter months I’m not buying tomatoes, I’m topping a salad with things like granny smith apples, walnuts, and either goat cheese or feta cheese.  I love blue cheese on hand as well and if leftovers pair well, that can work too.  

Roasted sweet potatoes are a great thing to top salads with, paired with goat cheese of course and maybe some pomegranate seeds.  And then there’s roasted brussels sprouts, pumpkin seeds, and even having a pear salad.

I love winter salad greens like spinach and kale and often grab a box of organic mixed greens and romaine to always have on hand.  If you’re making this maple vinaigrette I’d recommend a softer lettuce and save your romaine for later.

Putting Everything Together

One of the things I love about making my own recipe is how simple ingredients turn into such a perfect balance of flavor.  I always find cooking at home to be a lot of work, but well worth it when I consider bland meals served outside the home often for far too much money.

A few months ago I needed to bring something to a potluck and this salad was it.  I didn’t have to go to the store for anything special and it had a wow factor not just in appearance, but flavor too.  

Want some more protein?  A great addition would be some grilled chicken or baked salmon atop this salad and you’ve easily got a delicious meal.  I always want a little bit of cheese on mine and adding dried cherries or cranberries its a great way to send it over the top!

Today’s recipe is my favorite winter salad recipes, and one I hope you can’t get enough of either!