You know how some dressings make your mouth feel like you just licked a salt block? Yeah, we’re not doing that here. This apple cider vinaigrette is light, tangy, naturally sweet, and 100% salt-free. Your salad’s gonna love it. So will your kidneys.
Why This Dressing Works
It’s sweet. It’s zesty. It’s got just the right kick without drowning your greens in sodium. Apple cider vinegar brings that signature tang, and when you pair it with olive oil and a few pantry basics, the flavor just works. No salt shaker necessary.
Bonus: this one’s super versatile. Use it on salads, grain bowls, or even to marinate veggies or tofu. It’s that good.
What You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple, real-food ingredients:
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Salt-Free Apple Cider Vinaigrette for Healthy Salads
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This recipe makes a week’s worth of dressing, so it’s both convenient and delicious for busy meal prep days. This vinaigrette is simple and versatile and takes under 5 minutes to make, and is made pantry staples, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper, that’s it. There’s no added sugar, or other random ingredients and stabilizers that you can’t pronounce.
Ingredients
1/4 cup raw apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic (roughly 4–5 medium cloves)
1 teaspoon Celtic Sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
In a wide mouth canning jar or glass, whisk together apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Celtic sea salt, pepper and Dijon mustard.
Slowly pour the olive oil while whisking to combine everything well.
Dip a lettuce leaf into the dressing to taste it. If you like more spice, add extra pepper to your taste. I love the kick that pepper gives this dressing, so I usually add a bit more pepper.
Store or Serve: If you’re not using it immediately, be sure to whisk the dressing again before serving. Leftover dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, let it sit out for about 30 minutes to soften the oil, as it will harden when chilled.
Flavor Tweaks to Try
- Add citrus: A squeeze of orange or lemon juice gives it a fresh lift.
- Herb it up: Fresh thyme or parsley goes great with the apple cider base.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of mustard gives it a subtle kick.
Final Pour
This salt-free apple cider vinaigrette is simple, refreshing, and full of zingy, feel-good flavor. No chemicals, no salt overload, just a dressing that lets your salad shine. Homemade wins again.