5 Homemade Salad Dressings to Try at Home
Ellie Striebich
| 4 min read
Storebought salad dressings are a convenient go-to when grocery shopping, especially when you’re in a rush. It can be easy to make a habit of buying storebought dressing to save time, but they are often highly processed and contain excess sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats. Making your own salad dressing is not only healthier, but it’s easy, inexpensive and you can put your own spin on it. Here are five delicious and simple salad dressing recipes to make at home
Classic Vinaigrette
This is a staple dressing that is versatile, easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. It’s easy to keep a small amount of this ready in the fridge to elevate salads, wraps and sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1.4 cup of vinegar of choice; balsamic vinegar has a sweet and tangy taste, while red and white wine vinegar work just as well and have a milder flavor
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1tsp. honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine the vinegar, Dijon mustard and garlic in a small bowl.
2. Slowly mix in the olive oil until the mixture is combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and drizzle over your favorite salad or wrap.
Honey Mustard Dressing
Honey mustard is a tangy way to spice up your go-to meals. It’s a crowd-pleaser and can also be used as a dipping sauce, with roasted vegetables or drizzled over a grain bowl or wrap.
Ingredients:
- ¼ extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. honey; start with 1 Tbsp. and add more to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, honey and garlic
2. Whisk until well-combined
3. Add salt and pepper to taste and use as a salad dressing or dipping sauce
Green Goddess Dressing
This cool and rich dressing is a healthy substitute for creamy storebought dressings, without the excess fat. It’s also perfect for dipping and has a unique rich flavor, packed with herbs, that everyone is sure to love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or other bases like mayo or sour cream can be used
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup mixed leafy herbs; mint, basil, tarragon and/or cilantro
- 2 Tbsp. chopped chives
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or a blender, add all the ingredients and blend by pulsing until the mixture is well combined
2. Mix this dressing over your favorite salad mixes or as a dip for snacks and vegetables
Lemon Tahini Dressing
For a nutty and slightly tangy dressing, try this lemon tahini blend, perfect for Mediterranean-inspired salads and grain bowls.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix the tahini, lemon juice and water in a bowl until the mixture is smooth
- Stir in the olive oil and garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste
- Drizzle over a salad or grain bowl and pair with this dressing
- Add tomatoes, feta and cucumbers for a Mediterranean flavor
Vegan Ranch Dressing
This simple and delicious vegan ranch dressing is a perfect healthy substitute for ranch and includes ingredients you most likely have lying around your house.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ chopped cucumber, optional, adds a hint of freshness to this creamy dressing
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. fine sea salt
- ½ tsp. dried dill
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender and combine until the texture is creamy and has no lumps
2. Season to taste with extra salt or spices.
Image: Getty Images
