How To Make The Perfect Salad Dressing
How to Make the Perfect Salad Dressings
Making your own fresh, preservative-free salad dressings at home is easy and rewarding. This simple guide will show you how to create the perfect dressing to elevate your salads.
Why Homemade Salad Dressings Are the Best
As the weather warms, fresh, vibrant salads become a go-to for lunch or dinner. They’re an easy way to boost your health. The secret to making a salad truly satisfying lies in the dressing. A great dressing brings together the crisp textures, bold colors, and fresh flavors, making every bite enjoyable.
The best part? Homemade dressings are healthier, fresher, and easier to make. Plus, you have full control over the flavors and ingredients, which means no hidden preservatives or additives.
Types of Dressings
There are two main styles of salad dressings:
- Shaken Dressings: These are quick to make, requiring only 2-3 parts healthy oil and 1 part acidity (like vinegar or lemon). Just pour into a glass jar and shake it up!
- Blended Dressings: These use vegetables, herbs, or fruits blended with a little olive oil. They’re creamy and full of flavor.
Choosing the Right Oils for Your Dressing
For a healthy dressing, I love using cold-pressed vegetable, nut, or seed oils. Some of my favorites include Extra Virgin Olive Oil, walnut oil, and avocado oil. These oils are rich in heart-healthy fats that support your overall well-being.
Mediterranean oils, like olive oil, are especially beneficial as they are rich in monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help reduce inflammation, fight heart disease, lower cholesterol, and support a healthy immune system.
Supporting Ingredients for Extra Flavor
To add flavor and balance, dressings need a touch of acidity. I prefer using ingredients like balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar, or citrus juice (lemon or lime). For a creamier dressing, add a bit of Dijon mustard, tahini, or natural yogurt to help emulsify and thicken the dressing.
Different Recipes
Simple French Dressing
- 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) cold-pressed oil (olive, walnut, flaxseed)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine vinegar and mustard in a bowl.
- Whisk in the oil until it becomes creamy.
- Store in a glass jar for up to 2 weeks.
This simple dressing is perfect for most salads and vegetables.
Parsley + Mint Salsa Verde
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 bunch mint
- Zest and juice from 1/2 – 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup cold-pressed oil (olive, flaxseed, walnut, avocado)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more oil if needed.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Enjoy with green salad leaves or vegetables.
Raspberry Dressing
- 100g (1/2 cup) raspberries
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) cold-pressed oil (olive, flaxseed, walnut)
Instructions:
- Smash raspberries with a fork.
- Whisk in the oil for a chunky dressing or blend for a smooth texture.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Perfect for garden or leafy salads.
Pomegranate Dressing
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 100 ml cold-pressed olive oil
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients until creamy.
- Adjust taste as needed.
- Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Ideal for Mediterranean-style salads.
Balsamic Honey + Walnut Dressing
- 1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted walnuts
- 2 tablespoons cold-pressed oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients.
- Add oil if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Delicious with spinach leaves and shaved Parmesan.
Caesar Dressing
- 2 limes
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 125 ml cold-pressed olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Season to taste.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Enjoy with fresh Caesar salads. I love making mine with baby cos lettuce, avocado, and a soft poached egg. Add a little fresh grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
These easy, flavorful dressings can transform any salad. You can also read the Green Goddess Dressing and try them out, and feel free to adjust the ingredients to match your personal tastes.
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