Okay, friends, let’s talk salads. I know that sometimes they can feel a little…blah. What is a good salad dressing? Think of it like the perfect finishing touch, the thing that brings all the flavors together and the best of them together. What makes you actually eat greens? How do I elevate my salad from a side dish to the star of the show? What is the best part? How do I make my own salad dressing? For those bottled ones that are often packed with weird ingredients and extra sugar. What are some of the best salad dressings? In this post, I’m sharing my favorite, foolproof, salad dressings. They’re all wildly different, but all are incredibly tasty, and seriously, you can whip them up in less than a minute. How long does it take to chop a cucumber? I’m tired of the same old ranch, but want something just as fast. These are my go-to’s when I want a new experience. I promise, once you start making your own, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
What is simple salad dressing?
What exactly am I talking about when I say “simple salad dressing?” What is a dressing you can make at home using fresh, readily available ingredients? Think of it as a delicious blend of oils, acids (like vinegar or lemon juice), and seasonings that you can mix and match. How do I complement salad ingredients? It’s essentially a flavor vehicle, carrying herbs, spices, and even some sweetness to every flavor. These aren’t your heavy, gloppy dressings; they’re light, bright, and full of flavor. I aim for a balance of tangy, savory, and sometimes sweet, depending on my mood and what I like to eat. Why do some fancy vinaigrettes require emulsifying agents and complicated techniques? What are some of the easiest salad dressings to make?
Why you will love this recipe?
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to tell you why you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these videos. What are some good salad dressings? Is the taste out of this world? Each dressing offers a unique taste profile, from the zesty brightness of the lemon vinaigrette to the tartness of roasted red pepper. The creamy richness of the tahini dressing. How much flavor can you put in a simple dressing? What I love about this is simplicity. What are some of the best dressings to make in under 5 minutes? No fancy equipment required – just a bowl, whisk, and your ingredients. They are also incredibly cost-effective. How much cheaper is it to make your own dressing than buying a bottled dressing? What is the quality of the ingredients you’re using? Plus, you can control exactly what goes into your dressing, avoiding those unwanted additives and dyes. What are some good salad dressings? I use them as marinades for chicken and fish, dips for veggies, and even drizzled over roasted potatoes. I’ve even been known to sneak a spoonful straight from the bowl! If you love quick, easy recipes that deliver big on flavor, then you’re going to adore these simple recipes. What are salad dressings What are some of the best ways to get dinner on the table in a hurry?
How do I make simple salad dressings?
Quick Overview
How do I make my own salad dressing? For the best flavor, use good quality olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and flavorful vinegars. Is it really that simple to whisk everything together until it’s well combined? How do I make more acidic dressings? Is oil for a richer one? What is the advantage of customizing things? What I love about making these things myself?
Ingredients
Lemon Herb Vinaigr
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. 1 cup salt.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, peppermint)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. 1 cup.
1/2 teaspoon honey (optional) – 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper to taste.
What is balsa
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. 1 teaspoon salt.
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (use good quality)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. 1 cup of it.
1 clove garlic, minced. 1 ts
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. 1 teaspoon salt
Salt and pepper to taste.
Creamy Tahini Dressing:
1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste): 1 cup
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. 2 teaspoons salt. 1 teaspoon
2 tablespoons water (more as needed) – 1 teaspoon each.
1 clove of garlic, minced.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Honey Mustard Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. 1 cup oats.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. 1 tablespoon apple juice. 2 teaspoon
What is a teaspoon of honey?
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. 1 teaspoon mustard powder.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Asian-Inspired
2 tablespoons sesame oil. 1 tablespoon per
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. 1 tablespoon of white
What is the best soy sauce recipe?
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup per 1 cup.
1 teaspoon grated ginger.
1 clove garlic, minced.
What are some good red pepper flakes?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Is it necessary to measure all your ingredients before you start? How do I make the process smoother and faster? I like to chop my herbs and mince my garlic ahead of time, too.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for your chosen dressing. For the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette, this would be the olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, Dijon mustard, and salt. Honey, salt, and pepper. For the Balsamic Vinaigrette, it’s olive oil, balsamico vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano. Salt, and pepper. And so on for the other dressings.
Step 3: Whisk Vigorously
Using a whisk, vigorously whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The dressing should appear slightly emulsified, meaning the oil and vinegar are blended together. If you are making a creamy tahini dressing, you may need to add more water, if you want to make it thicker. How do I achieve consistency?
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
The most important step! Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Need more tang? Add more lemon juice or vinegar. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey or maple syrup. Prefer it saltier? Add a pinch more salt. This is your chance to make the dressing your own!
Step 5: Serve or Store
Once you’re happy with the flavor, serve the dressing immediately over your favorite salad. Or, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The oil may solidify in the fridge, so let the dressing come to room temperature and whisk again before serving.
What to Serve It With
These simple salad dressings are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of salads and dishes. The Lemon Herb Vinaigrette is fantastic on a simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For breakfast, I often drizzle this on top of avocado toast. For brunch, try the Balsamic Vinaigrette on a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It’s also delicious on roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. As a dessert, the Creamy Tahini Dressing is surprisingly good on a salad with roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and dates. The slight sweetness of the dates pairs beautifully with the nutty tahini. For cozy snacks, The Honey Mustard Dressing is perfect for dipping raw veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. It’s also great on a chicken salad sandwich or wrap. My family loves it with sliced apples!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Simple Salad Dressings
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but here are a few extra tips and tricks to take your simple salad dressings to the next level. Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs makes a world of difference in the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette and the Creamy Tahini Dressing. They add so much more flavor than dried herbs. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried, but use about half the amount called for in the recipe. Garlic Mincing: Mincing the garlic very finely is crucial for both the Balsamic Vinaigrette and the Creamy Tahini Dressing. You don’t want big chunks of garlic in your dressing. If you have a garlic press, that’s the easiest way to get finely minced garlic. Honey Quality: The quality of honey you use can impact the flavor of the Honey Mustard Dressing. I prefer to use raw, unfiltered honey for the best flavor. Ginger Grating: When grating ginger for the Asian-Inspired Dressing, use a microplane or a fine grater. This will give you a very fine ginger paste that will easily blend into the dressing. Oil Selection: Using a good quality extra virgin olive oil is important for all of these dressings. The flavor of the olive oil will shine through, so choose one that you enjoy. However, for the Asian-Inspired Dressing, sesame oil is a must. It adds that distinctive nutty flavor that makes the dressing so delicious. I’ve learned that cheaper oils don’t have the same kick! Mustard Choice: I always use Dijon mustard for these simple salad dressings because it adds a nice tang and helps to emulsify the dressing. However, you can experiment with other types of mustard, like whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard, for a different flavor profile. The main thing to remember is to have fun and experiment with different flavors and ingredients! That’s the beauty of making your own simple salad dressings – you can customize them to your liking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These simple salad dressings are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The oil may solidify in the fridge, so let the dressing come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving and whisk again to recombine. To store these simple salad dressings at room temperature, I would not recommend leaving it out for more than 2 hours as it can attract bacteria. In the refrigerator storage, be sure to use an airtight container to preserve the fresh taste and quality, as this will prevent moisture from building inside the jar. Freezer instructions: I have not attempted to freeze these simple salad dressings but if you have let me know! Glaze timing advice: For storing in the fridge, glaze timing should only occur upon serving. This prevents a loss of flavor in the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my five favorite simple salad dressings that you can make in minutes! I hope this post has inspired you to ditch the store-bought dressings and start making your own. Not only are they healthier and more flavorful, but they’re also incredibly easy to make and customize to your liking. From the zesty Lemon Herb Vinaigrette to the creamy Tahini Dressing, there’s a dressing for every salad and every palate. And the best part? You can whip them up in a flash, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. If you enjoyed this post and found these recipes helpful, be sure to check out my other salad recipes for more inspiration. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know which of these simple salad dressings is your favorite! Happy salad-making! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
simple salad dressings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Olive Oil
- 0.25 cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
