Bright Winter Salad Dressing with a Warm Kick
Winter salads deserve to be just as vibrant and crave-worthy as summer ones - and this Fire-Kissed Red Vinaigrette brings exactly that. It’s bright and tangy, lightly sweet and kissed with just enough warmth from our Fire Cider to wake up your taste buds (without overpowering the dish).
This is the dressing I used throughout the holidays and it quickly turned into the “put this on everything” recipe in our kitchen. We drizzled it over winter spinach salad, tossed it with roasted brussels sprouts, and even used it as a marinade for budda bowls most recently. It’s delicious, simple and full of nourishing ingredients your body will love this time of year.
If you’ve been looking for a homemade winter salad dressing that feels cozy, bright and a little bold - this is the one.
Ingredients
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp Fire Cider
2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1–2 cloves garlic, grated (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
½ tsp sea salt (taste + add a little more if desired)
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a jar or shaker bottle.
Shake vigorously until emulsified (or whisk in a bowl).
Taste + adjust - if you want a touch more heat, add 1 tsp Fire Cider at a time.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Before Serving
Let the dressing sit out about 10 minutes and shake again (olive oil naturally firms when cold).
Delicious Ways to Use This Vinaigrette
🥗 Winter Strawberry–Spinach Salad
Pairs beautifully with winter greens, berries, goat or feta cheese, red onion, and toasted or candied nuts. Sweet, tangy and just a hint of warmth - perfection.
🥬 Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roast until crispy, then toss with this vinaigrette while the sprouts are still warm. Total game changer.
🍲 Grain Bowls
This dressing shines on nourishing bowls layered with roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa or rice, chickpeas, greens, avocado, nuts or seeds and your favorite protein. It ties everything together with brightness and warmth.
🥘 Protein Marinade
Use it on chicken or salmon. The Fire Cider adds brightness while the honey helps with gorgeous caramelization.
🥗 Everyday Meal Prep
This recipe keeps well and adds instant flavor to simple meals all week long.
Storage
Store in the refrigerator and shake before each use. Best within 2–3 weeks.
Make It Your Own
Want it sweeter? Add a little more honey.
Want it zestier? Add extra red wine vinegar.
Want more heat? Add another splash of Fire Cider.
This dressing is forgiving and flexible - make it the way your family loves.
If You Try It…
I’d love to hear how you use it! Tag us on Instagram or send a message and let me know if it landed on your holiday table, weeknight dinners or in your weekly meal prep rotation.
Here’s to cozy kitchens, nourishing food, and flavors that make winter feel a little brighter. 💜- Carol