Maple Dijon Dressing

By Adam Fisher
Published 8/28/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Erin McNamara, RDN, LDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Low Sodium | Gluten Free | Diabetic | Low Cholesterol | Vegan | Vegetarian
Maple Dijon Dressing
Photo Credit: Adam Fisher, Baldwin Publishing

Skip the store-bought bottles and make our Maple Dijon Dressing, the iconic sweet-and-tangy vinaigrette from our copycat Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad. With only 50 calories, 3g carbs, and just 19mg sodium per serving, this low sodium salad dressing is also low carb and low calorie, making it a healthy, satisfying addition to your weekly salad rotation. Made with pantry staples like Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil, this maple dijon vinaigrette recipe comes together in just 5 minutes. Whisk, chill, and enjoy! It’s a great healthy dressing to prep ahead for easy meals throughout the week.

Looking for more ways to dress your salads the healthy way? Check out our full collection of low sodium salad dressings packed with flavor, not salt. And don’t miss our lineup of healthy salad recipes that pair perfectly with this tangy maple dijon salad dressing!

Total Time
5 minutes
Servings
6
Calories
50

Why This Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is Deliciously Healthy

Low Calorie, Big Flavor Salad Dressing in 5 Minutes

This light and tangy Maple Dijon Dressing is the key to making a healthier version of the popular Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad at home. It’s citrusy and just sweet enough thanks to real maple syrup and organic Dijon mustard with only 50 calories per tablespoon and just 19 mg of sodium. Unlike store-bought versions, this low calorie salad dressing is made without preservatives or added salt, and it's naturally vegan, gluten free, and low in saturated fat. Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice add brightness, while the Dijon gives it body and flavor without needing extra oil. Whether you're following a low carb diet or just want a healthy dressing for hearty greens and roasted veggies, this one checks all the boxes.

Key Health Highlights

  • Only 50 calories per tablespoon
  • Low in saturated fat and sodium (19 mg per serving)
  • Naturally sweetened with real maple syrup
  • Vegan, gluten free, and dairy free
  • Fits low calorie, low carb, and heart-healthy diets

FAQs About Maple Dijon Dressing

Maple dijon dressing is a simple vinaigrette made with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and vinegar. It's used to add sweet and tangy flavor to salads and veggie bowls. Ours is a healthy dressing version that’s lower in fat, sugar, and sodium than most store-bought bottles.

Dijon dressing is zesty, slightly sharp, and creamy with a smooth texture. The mustard adds a peppery bite, while vinegar and citrus bring brightness. When paired with maple syrup, it strikes a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Yes, maple syrup adds natural sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing. It pairs especially well with bold greens like kale or arugula. Plus, it keeps the dressing plant-based without any processed sugars.

Yes. With just 3 grams of carbs and 2 grams of added sugar per tablespoon, this is a solid low carb salad dressing option. It’s a good fit for keto-inspired or diabetic-friendly meals.

Absolutely. This is the same style of kale crunch salad dressing used in Chick-fil-A’s version, just made lighter and lower in sodium.

Definitely. It works on spinach, cabbage slaws, grain bowls, or even roasted vegetables. It also makes a great dip for fresh veggies or as a sandwich spread.

There are no wheat-based thickeners or additives in this recipe. All of the ingredients, including the Dijon mustard, are naturally gluten free. However, always double-check all of your ingredient labels to make sure they are certified gluten-free to be safe.

More of Our Healthy Homemade Dressing Recipes

Looking to build a whole collection of clean, flavorful salad toppers? These dressings are easy to prep, free from additives, and work on a wide range of dishes. Try one for your next lunch salad or grain bowl:

Healthy Salad Recipes to Pair with This Dijon Maple Dressing

This dressing is especially good with hearty greens and sweet-savory combos. These salads make great meal prep options and pair beautifully with our maple dijon salad dressing recipe:

Ingredients

Recipe yields 6 servings

How to Make Maple Dijon Dressing

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the vinaigrette dressing. Transfer to a mason jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 Tbsp

50
Calories
5
g
Fat
0
mg
Cholesterol
19
mg
Sodium
3
g
Carbs
1
g
Sat. Fat
0
g
Fiber
0
g
Protein
2
g
Sugars

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week
  • Shake well before each use — separation is natural
  • Try it as a marinade for grilled chicken or roasted veggies
  • Works great with raw kale, arugula, or shredded cabbage

Ingredient Substitutions

Use agave or date syrup for a similar sweetness and to keep it vegan. If you are not following a vegan diet, feel free to swap maple syrup with honey.

White wine vinegar or rice vinegar will work in a pinch.

Try a small finely grated clove of fresh garlic instead.

A splash of freshly squeezed orange juice will add a citrusy sweet twist.

Gluten Free Salad Dressing Recipes You'll Love

Looking for more gluten free dressing options like our Maple Dijon Dressing? These recipes are naturally free of gluten and made without artificial thickeners or emulsifiers: