Apple cider vinegar has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason! It’s easy to use, flavorful, and versatile for cooking.
Here are some of my favorite recipes with apple cider vinegar, from tangy vinaigrette dressings to roasted chicken thighs, crunchy salads, and more!
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What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar that has a flavor similar to apple cider, but with a delicious tanginess that makes it especially perfect for sauces and dressings. It’s made with fermented apples, sugar, and yeast.
If you haven’t tried cooking with apple cider vinegar before, you’re in for a treat, and as a Registered Dietitian I’m happy to share it also has some moderate health benefits (such as antimicrobial properties and the ability to help control blood sugar levels).
You can find it at most grocery stores, in the same area as the other cooking vinegars.
How is it made?
Apple cider vinegar is made from a multi-step fermentation process. First, apples are crushed and pressed to release the juice. Then, yeast converts the natural sugars from the apples into alcohol (similar to how beer and wine are made, but with different ingredients).
Lastly, acetic bacteria converts the alcohol into acetic acid, and the mixture is diluted with water – making it into the tangy vinegar we know and love. 🙂
Healthy Apple Cider Vinegar Recipes
Looking for some new ways to enjoy apple cider vinegar? I’ve got you covered!
Here are my best easy and healthy recipes with apple cider vinegar – from tangy coleslaw to BBQ chicken and even fermented watermelon rind pickles!
Watermelon Rind Coleslaw
Crunchy, veggie-packed slaw makes a super flavorful side dish that’s great for any meal! This no mayo coleslaw is made with refreshing watermelon rind, shredded carrots, and bell peppers, and tossed with an apple cider vinegar dressing.
It’s also dairy free, gluten free, and vegan, so everyone can enjoy it!
BBQ Chicken Sliders with Slaw
Did you know it’s actually pretty simple to make your own barbecue sauce? This recipe for pulled chicken sliders features apple cider vinegar in both the vinaigrette coleslaw and the homemade BBQ sauce. (Because you can never get enough of that lightly sweet tang!)
This easy appetizer is perfect for game day, parties, holidays, or any event – it’s always a hit! Plus, you can use rotisserie chicken to make it even quicker.
Instant Pot Maple Mustard Chicken Thighs
If you’re looking for a new weeknight chicken dinner staple, look no further! These tender and tangy chicken thighs are made in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy meal.
They’re cooked in a delicious sauce that’s made with maple syrup, whole-grain mustard, and apple cider vinegar for a ton of flavor. Serve them with your favorite roasted veggies or side dish!
Kale & Quinoa Salad with Soft-Boiled Eggs
I’m a huge fan of quinoa salads – they’re tasty and filling at the same time, and so versatile. This kale and quinoa salad is packed with goodness like feta cheese, red onion, and crunchy bell peppers, then topped with jammy soft-boiled eggs and a flavorful vinaigrette dressing.
This nutritious grain salad is perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner! Plus, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to make (always a win in my book!).
Apple Cabbage White Bean Slaw
Crunchy cabbage, sweet-tart apples, protein-packed white beans, and nutty sunflower seeds come together for the perfect slaw side dish!
It’s dressed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette dressing (can you tell yet how much I love apple cider vinegar in dressings?!), and is both refreshing and fall-inspired at the same time. Plus, it’s dairy free and gluten free, and can easily be made vegan (just swap the honey for maple syrup)!
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
When you’re craving comfort food but don’t want something super heavy, this is a perfect choice! Super flavorful bbq sauce is surprisingly easy to make yourself. And slow-cooking chicken thighs in it makes them super tender and delicious!
Pair this easy crockpot chicken with your favorite side dishes, like roasted vegetables, potatoes, cooked grains, salad, etc. The options are endless.
Pickled Watermelon Rind
It’s fun (and surprisingly easy) to make your own pickled veggies at home using an apple cider vinegar mixture. And, did you know you can use leftover watermelon rind as your pickle base? In fact, it’s quite refreshing.
This guide features two recipe variations for pickled watermelon rind, including a spicy jalapeño version and a savory masala-spiced version. They’re both a tasty snack and a flavorful topping for salads, tacos, sandwiches, and more.
Fall Harvest Salad
You need this ultimate autumn salad in your life! It’s packed with goodness like roasted butternut squash, brown rice, crunchy pecans, peppery arugula, and more.
Plus, it’s tossed in an apple cider dijon dressing that you won’t be able to get enough of. It’s the perfect fall lunch salad, with tons of flavor and texture!
Sauces & Dressings with Apple Cider Vinegar
With its delicious tangy flavor, apple cider vinegar makes a fabulous addition to sauces, dressings, and dips. Here are some of my favorites (and they’re super easy to make, too)!
Creamy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Say hello to your new favorite dipping sauce! This creamy honey mustard sauce is surprisingly easy to make at home, and doesn’t use any mayo – the secret ingredient is Greek yogurt (plus apple cider vinegar, of course).
This is the perfect dipping sauce for fries, salmon bites, crunchy veggies, or anything your heart desires. It’s delicious as a spread on wraps and sandwiches, as well!
Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing
This strawberry salad dressing is one of my favorites, with bright flavor (thanks to the apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice). It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. And, it’s easy to make – just toss everything into a blender and whirl away!
Drizzle it over your favorite side salad, or this delicious steak and strawberry salad for a crave-worthy main dish.
Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette
This lemon balsamic vinaigrette is one of my favorite easy homemade salad dressing recipes, and you can easily make it with apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar! Just swap it out with a 1:1 ratio, and you’ll have a tasty, deliciously tangy vinaigrette perfect for any salad.
Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together in minutes!
If you’re an apple cider vinegar lover like I am, I hope you get a chance to try these recipes! Many of them are especially perfect for fall, but can definitely be enjoyed year-round, too. 🙂
