Caramelized Apple Vinaigrette

Nothing says Fall like apples, and this Caramelized Apple Vinaigrette is the perfect way to add delicious salads to your Fall menus.

The dressing uses a beautiful red apple. I use a Gala or Jazz apples only because those are the apples I usually have on hand for my midday snack. And I like the sweetness of both. Use whatever apple you like but stay with the sweeter types of apples rather than the tangy Grannys.

The sweetness of the apple paired with tangy apple cider vinegar will certainly brighten up those healthy greens.

Making this dressing takes a few extra minutes than my usual homemade vinaigrettes, but it’s so worth the time.

Try this dressing on my favorite Fall Salad. So good!

How to Make the Caramelized Apple Vinaigrette

In a small skillet, add 1/4 cup and an additional 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar along with the brown sugar.
Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring, until it becomes a light caramel color and thickens a bit.
Next, add the apples and the garlic.
Cook until the apples are tender, about 5 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. The mixture will start looking bubbly.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Place the mixture into a blender (or use an immersion blender).
Add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of cider vinegar, thyme, lemon juice, and pinch of salt.
Blend the mixture and SLOWLY add in the olive oil, blending until dressing comes together (emulsifies).
Taste and adjust the seasonings. It may need a little more vinegar, lemon juice or a pinch or two of salt.

Print Recipe

Caramelized Apple Vinaigrette

Author: Anita's Table Talk

Ingredients

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (or as needed)
4 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 red apple, peeled, cored, cut into 1/4-inch dice (I like Jazz or Gala)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Juice of 1/2 lemon large or 1 small lemon
salt
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

In a small skillet, ADD 1/4 cup and 2 Tablespoons of vinegar along with brown sugar.
COOK over medium heat, stirring, until mixture becomes a caramel color and thickens.
ADD apples and garlic. COOK until the apples are tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
REMOVE skillet from the heat.
PLACE mixture in a blender. ADD remaining 2 Tablespoons vinegar, thyme, lemon juice, and pinch of salt. BLEND mixture. Slowly ADD in the olive oil, blending until dressing emulsifies.
TASTE and ADJUST seasonings (may need more vinegar or lemon juice)