Why settle for store-bought when you can easily whip up your own delicious salad dressings at home? From a classic vinaigrette to creamy blue cheese, these 7 Easy Homemade Salad Dressings turn a basic salad into a stunning meal. This flavorful collection has everything you need in one helpful spot!
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If you were to take a peek inside my fridge on any given day of the week, you’d always find two things: fresh greens for salads and homemade salad dressing. I have a passion for salads that are full of fresh ingredients, and that includes the dressing, too.
Creating your own salad dressings at home is simple and fun—yes, fun! In addition to getting creative, you can also control the ingredients, ensuring they’re fresh and healthy. Store-bought dressings are full of additives, preservatives, and other things none of us want. My recipes include pantry ingredients you probably have on hand, allowing you to customize and bring out flavors you love.
Tips For Making Homemade Dressing
- Always start with good quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning and acidity according to your taste.
- Store your dressings in the refrigerator in a sealed container; most homemade dressings can be kept for up to a week.
Ingredients In Most Dressings
I’ve included the pantry staple ingredients that almost every single homemade dressing has in it. There’s also a variety of fun flavor additions that can be added to make one of my 7 homemade dressings or whip up your own! Rest assured – you probably already have what you need in your fridge or pantry!
The Basics
- Salt & pepper
- Oil: Avocado or olive oil generally, but sometimes sesame oil or coconut oil
- Vinegar: It could be apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar, just something to add that tang.
The Fun Stuff
- Garlic cloves
- Greek yogurt or mayo
- Dijon mustard
- Herbs like dill, basil, chives, or cilantro
- Berries
- Lemon zest and juice (or lime)
How To Make Homemade Salad Dressing
I use two basic techniques for making dressing:
- Mason Jar Method: Add all the ingredients to a mason jar and shake, shake, shake! You can also put everything in a bowl and whisk until blended. This method is best for oil-based dressings like vinaigrettes.
- Blender Method: Place the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend. I like this method, which works for creamier, thicker dressings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most homemade salad dressings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Vinaigrettes can last up to two weeks. Always store them in an airtight container and give them a good shake or stir before using.
Absolutely! Substitute ingredients like mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt or avocado to create a creamy texture while adding benefits like protein and healthy fats.
To keep oil and vinegar from separating, slowly whisk the oil into the vinegar in a steady stream. Adding a small amount of mustard or honey can also help emulsify the dressing, providing both flavor and stability.
If your dressing is too tart, add a bit more oil or a sweetener like honey or sugar. If it’s too oily or bland, increase the acidity with more vinegar or lemon juice. For dressings that lack flavor, a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can make a big difference.
7 Easy Dressings To Bring Out The BEST In Any Salad:
Homemade Greek Salad Dressing
Homemade Greek Salad Dressing is so simple to make and is so much better than anything you can buy at the store! It's bright, fresh with just the right amount of garlic and herbs.
Creamy Vinaigrette Dressing
In just 5 minutes, you can make Creamy Vinaigrette Dressing, perfect for salad greens, a party platter with veggies, or drizzled over chicken or fish. This restaurant-quality homemade dressing is better than anything you can find in a store and it's made with simple, flavorful pantry ingredients.
Homemade Blueberry Vinaigrette
This homemade Blueberry Vinaigrette is not your average salad dressing! Made with fresh blueberries, honey, and few other simple pantry ingredients, this dressing is full of bright sweet flavors. Whether you drizzle it over a fresh green salad or you use it as a flavorful marinade, it's sure to be a crowd pleaser!
6 Ingredient Garlic Herb Tahini Dressing and Dip
Easy to make with just 6 ingredients, this Garlic Herb Tahini recipe is a homemade dressing and dip all in one!
Green Goddess Dressing
Made with fresh herbs, this creamy Green Goddess Dressing is a classic recipe for salads, fish, and pasta. With a pretty green tint, this tangy dressing has a robust flavor from fresh garlic, salty anchovy paste, and sour lemon juice.
Classic Thousand Island Dressing
Homemade dressing is always the BEST way to show off fresh greens. This Classic Thousand Island Dressing, made in less than ten minutes, is creamy, tangy with a hint of sweetness and is not only wonderful on salads but also on burgers, sandwiches and as a dip!
Easy Blue Cheese Dressing
Easy Blue Cheese Dressing is cool, creamy, and loaded with chunks of rich blue cheese. It’s the perfect dressing for salads, makes an outstanding dip for fresh veggies, and is delicious with wings and slathered on burgers!
Ways To Use Homemade Salad Dressing:
- As a yummy dip with sliced veggies or chips.
- Use as a marinade for beef, chicken, or pork.
- Brush it on fish or shrimp for an extra punch of flavor.
- Slather it on burgers and sandwiches for an unexpected twist.
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