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Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette (just like the one at Chick-fil-A) is super easy to make! It’s perfect on salads (and as a marinade). It’s robust, but sweet.
This recipe is based on Chick-fil-A’s dressing that tastes delicious on their market or cobb salad. So , if you’re a fan of the stuff at CFA, you’re going to love this dressing!
It’s healthier than the fast food version as well, because it has no additives or questionable ingredients. As far as salad dressings go—this one uses only clean ingredients!
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Helpful Tools
You may want to invest in a nice salad dressing shaker and salad dressing containers for to-go lunches.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about the ingredients:
- Olive oil - is going to be the base of this dressing. Be sure to use a quality olive oil because you’re going to want a good flavor as your base.
- Apple cider vinegar - tart and tangy with a subtly fruity undertone. Perfect for dressings and marinades!
- Honey - adds a touch of natural sweetness, balancing out the acidity of the acv. Honey also helps to emulsify the ingredients, giving you a smoother texture.
- Dijon mustard - also an emulsifier, but it’s sharp, tangy, and gives your dressing a slight kick.
- Lemon juice - for a touch of fruity brightness.
- Lemon zest - adds fragrance and a touch more brightness to intensify the fruity flavor of the dressing.
- Red pepper flakes - for a touch of heat (just a touch). By no means will this dressing be “spicy”.
- Salt and pepper - to taste.
The process...
The process is simple. To make Chick-fil-A’s famous Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette, simply combine all of the ingredients into a mason jar and shake until they’re well combined.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a mason jar, just whisk the ingredients in a small bowl until the dressing is smooth.
Substitutions
Here are a few substitutions to consider:
- Olive oil - any neutral-tasting oil you like will work. Avocado would be an excellent substitution.
- Apple cider vinegar - feel free to use white vinegar or white wine vinegar, this will alter the taste a little bit but it'll turn out very similar!
- Honey - you can swap the honey for maple syrup to make this dressing vegan-friendly.
- Dijon mustard - you can use stone-ground mustard or spicy brown mustard.
- Lemon juice - feel free to use orange juice or lime juice.
- Lemon zest - you can use orange zest or lime zest.
- Red pepper flakes - if spice scares you, just leave this ingredient out.
Storage + Tips
You can save and store this Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette by securing it into an airtight container, such as a mason jar.
Then simply place it into the refrigerator. You can safely store it for up to 2 weeks.
Before serving the dressing, give it a good shake or whisk to be sure that the separated ingredients are combined.
Serving suggestions
Obviously this dressing makes a fabulous salad dressing - especially when it comes to fall-inspired salads with apples.
However, dressings shouldn't be limited to just salads. You can serve them alongside fresh greens, fruits, and vegetables. It also compliments chicken and rice when drizzled on top.
Because it's sweet and tangy, you can also use it as a marinade for chicken or pork, and as a dipping sauce for homemade breads.
More recipes to try:
FAQ
What are the ingredients in CFA’s Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 pinch of salt and pepper
Can you use salad dressing (such as zesty apple cider vinaigrette) as a marinade for meat?
Yes! It makes a fabulous dipping sauce and marinade for both chicken and pork because of its bright, sweet, and acidic flavor profile.
Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette (Chick-fil-A Copycat)
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients into a mason jar and shake until they’re well combined. Or whisk in a small bowl.
Notes
- You can save and store this Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette by securing it into an airtight container, such as a mason jar.
- Then simply place it into the refrigerator. You can safely store it for up to 2 weeks.
- Before serving the dressing, give it a good shake or whisk to be sure that the separated ingredients are combined.
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