15 Apple Cider Vinegar Recipes

By
Laurel Randolph
Photo of Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
A fervid lover of the culinary arts and all things Instant Pot, Laurel has been writing about food for 10 years. One of her cookbooks was the #2 cookbook of 2017.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 08/4/21
One day refrigerator pickles

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Apple cider vinegar is a delicious addition to a long list of dishes. Since it's made from actual apple cider, it's a lightly fruity vinegar with a distinctive tang. It lends lots of flavor to dressings, slaws, marinades, sauces, pickles, and any dish calling for vinegar. You'll want to keep a bottle handy so you can try these mouth-watering recipes.

  • 01 of 15

    Old-Fashioned Potato Salad (No Mayonnaise)

    Old-fashioned potato salad

    The Spruce

    For a lighter alternative to a creamy, mayonnaise-based potato salad, use an apple cider vinegar dressing instead. This old-fashioned potato salad is a healthier, lightly tangy option that pairs great with barbecue fare. Prep this dish a couple of hours before serving for the best flavor.

  • 02 of 15

    Warm Bacon Dressing

    Warm bacon dressing

    The Spruce

    Bacon dressing makes the salad course memorable. The warm vinaigrette slightly wilts the greens and adds loads of flavor. Vinegar brings a sharpness to balance the salty bacon and sugar.

  • 03 of 15

    Apple Cider Vinegar Fire Tonic

    Apple cider vinegar fire tonic

    Maxmilian Stock Ltd / Getty Images

    For a folk remedy that's sure to add some spice to your life, try an apple cider vinegar fire tonic. The mixture of ginger, horseradish, hot peppers, turmeric, and lemongrass is potent and might just scare that cold away.

  • 04 of 15

    Pickled Cabbage

    Pickled red cabbage in jars

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Pickled cabbage is quick and easy to prepare, and makes a colorful topping or side dish. Use to top barbecue sandwiches, tacos, or serve alongside fried or roasted pork.

    Continue to 5 of 15 below.
  • 05 of 15

    Instant Pot Collard Greens

    Instant Pot collard greens

    The Spruce

    The Instant Pot makes these slow-cooked greens a quick weeknight option. The combination of bacon, brown sugar, and vinegar turns fresh collard greens into a delectable side dish. Serve with your favorite meat main or fish.

  • 06 of 15

    Best Odds Pulled Pork Table Sauce

    Best Odds Pulled Pork Table Sauce

    The Spruce

    Pulled pork needs a great sauce, and a great sauce needs apple cider vinegar. This table sauce combines vinegar with ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and spices. Serve it on the side or toss with the meat before making sandwiches.

  • 07 of 15

    Oven-Braised Country Style Pork Ribs With Apple Cider

    Cider Braised Country Style Pork Ribs

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Pork ribs slowly braise with apple cider and vinegar for a tender, flavorful main dish. After a trip in the oven, the meat will easily fall off the bone. Serve with mashed potatoes to sop up all of the tasty sauce.

  • 08 of 15

    24-Hour Refrigerator Pickles

    One day refrigerator pickles

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    These quick refrigerator pickles get their tangy, refreshing flavor from apple cider vinegar. The crispy snack doesn't require any canning, making it easy to whip up at a moment's notice and enjoy just the next day.

    Continue to 9 of 15 below.
  • 09 of 15

    Coleslaw With Vinegar or Creamy Dressing

    Coleslaw with vinegar or creamy dressing recipe

    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    Coleslaw is a requirement for any good cook-out, and this classic recipe uses apple cider vinegar in the dressing for a punch of flavor. Add a little or a lot of mayonnaise to achieve your desired level of creaminess, or leave it out altogether.

  • 10 of 15

    Vinegar Pie

    Vinegar Pie

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    While vinegar pie may not sound delicious, don't judge this dessert by its name. The sweet, spiced custard pie gets a subtle, pleasant tang from a little apple cider vinegar. Raisins and nuts add texture to the dessert.

  • 11 of 15

    Memphis Mop

    Memphis mop

     The Spruce

    The key to great Memphis-style ribs is a quality mop sauce. The combination of vinegar and spice rub helps keep the meat moist and flavorful as it slowly cooks. For best results, pair with a Memphis rub.

  • 12 of 15

    Sweet and Savory Bacon Jam

    Sweet and savory bacon jam recipe

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Cooking down bacon, onions, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices creates a sticky sweet, spicy, and salty bacon jam that's delicious on just about everything. Try adding it to your next grilled cheese.

    Continue to 13 of 15 below.
  • 13 of 15

    Perfect 3-Bean Salad

    sweet and sour bean salad

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Green beans, yellow wax beans, and kidney beans are the main ingredients for this 3-bean salad. A sweet and savory dressing of apple cider vinegar and sugar lends the classic side dish its signature flavor.

  • 14 of 15

    Classic Bread and Butter Pickles With Red Bell Pepper

    Classic bread and butter pickles recipe

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

    Sweet and crunchy bread and butter pickles are a great way to use up a summer bounty of cucumbers and red bell peppers. Make extra and can them for the wintertime months, or give a few away as thoughtful gifts.

  • 15 of 15

    Broccoli Bacon Salad

    Broccoli Bacon Salad

    Lilechka75 / Getty Images  

    A broccoli and bacon salad is a must at any potluck. With crisp broccoli, sweet grapes, crunchy almonds, and smoky bacon, it's a uniquely delicious combination. A creamy dressing brings the whole dish together.