Hey there! It’s Sheila, and today we share 5 homemade salad dressings recipes. Say goodbye to boring salads as I share five variations of a clean and delicious basic vinaigrette with you. These dressings are easy to make and versatile, doubling as marinades for your favorite proteins.
Highlights:
- Say goodbye to dull salads with easy-to-make, flavorful homemade dressings.
- Experiment with Italian, Balsamic, Apple Cider, Sesame, and Lemon dressings for a versatile taste experience.
- Opt for a 1:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio for a lighter, tangy dressing that transforms your salads.
- Choose apple cider vinegar with the “mother” for added gut health benefits.
- Store these dressings in the fridge for up to 10 days, ensuring a quick flavor boost whenever you need it.
5 Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe
Five homemade salad dressings (Italian vinaigrette, Sweet Balsamic, Apple cider, Nutty Sesame, and Bright Lemon) will shine your salads. Savor these tasty, simple-to-make dressings that work well as marinades for steaks or chicken.
Stick around till the end. Let’s get started!
1. Italian Vinaigrette dressing
Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
I'm Sheila, and I'm thrilled to share with you my go-to Italian vinaigrette recipe that's a staple on our family dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
I'm excited to share this italian dressing recipe with you, so let's dive in!
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and measuring all your ingredients. Having them ready will make the preparation process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Whisk It Together
In a small bowl or spouted cup, combine the crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This blend creates the flavorful base of your vinaigrette.
Step 3: Add the Vinegar and Oil
Pour in the vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. The vinegar provides acidity, while the olive oil adds richness, creating a harmonious balance.
Step 4: Gently Whisk
Whisk the ingredients together gently but thoroughly. The goal is to emulsify the oil and vinegar, creating a smooth and well-blended dressing.
Step 5: Adjust to Taste
Give the vinaigrette a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar to suit your preferences.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Your Italian vinaigrette is now ready to elevate your salad game! Drizzle it over your favorite greens and toss to coat evenly.
Notes
Experiment with Ratios: While the traditional vinaigrette ratio is three parts oil to one part vinegar, I prefer a 1-to-1 ratio for a lighter and tangier flavor. Feel free to adjust the ratios to suit your taste.
Versatile Pairing: This Italian vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with a variety of salads. Whether it's a simple garden salad or something more elaborate, the flavors will complement various ingredients.
Use as a Marinade: Don't limit this dressing to salads only. It doubles as a fantastic marinade for grilled chicken or steak, infusing them with delicious Italian flavors.
Transform weeknight salads with our go-to Italian vinaigrette. In a bowl, combine 1 clove of crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper, followed by ¼ cup each of vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil.
With its 1:1 ratio, this dressing offers a lighter, brighter flavor profile, making it a versatile choice for daily green salads that pair well with various dinner options.
2. Sweet Balsamic Dressing
Sweet Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Let's begin with the step-by-step guide!
Ingredients
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1 tsp honey
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
Whisking Wonders
Begin by whisking together the crushed garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
The Vinegar Elegance
Add the star of the show, balsamic vinegar, to the mix. Combining honey and balsamic vinegar creates a harmonious balance between sweetness and acidity.
Oil Embrace
Complete the symphony by adding extra-virgin olive oil to the mix. Whisk gently until all the ingredients are well emulsified.
Notes
The result? A dressing that beautifully coats your greens with a sweet, slightly tangy essence, transforming a simple salad into a culinary masterpiece.
Add an elegant touch to your salads with our sweet balsamic vinaigrette. Whisk together 1 clove of crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon of honey, a pinch of salt and pepper, equal parts balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil (¼ cup each).
The honey-infused balsamic flavor makes it a delightful complement to salads featuring grilled chicken or salmon, offering a hint of sweetness that enhances the overall dining experience.
3. Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing Recipe
Let's dive into creating this delectable Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing:
Ingredients
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 2 tbsp finely diced onion
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Equipment:
- Whisk
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board and knife (for garlic and onion)
Instructions
Let's begin with the step-by-step guide!
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Crush the garlic.
- Finely dice the onion.
Whisk the Base:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together crushed garlic, finely diced onion, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar:
Add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar to the mixture. Ensure it has 'the mother' for added health benefits.
Introduce Olive Oil:
Pour in 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil.
Whisk Until Blended:
Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing achieves a smooth and well-emulsified consistency.
Adjust to Taste:
Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your preference.
Serve or Store:
Use immediately on your favorite salads or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
A Symphony for Your Taste Buds
This dressing delivers a symphony of flavors – the garlic adds a hint of savory, the honey brings sweetness, and the apple cider vinegar provides a zingy tartness. The Dijon mustard ties everything together, creating a balanced and delightful experience for your taste buds.
Versatility at Its Best
The Apple Cider Dressing is not just confined to salads. Get creative and use it as a marinade for grilled chicken, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless; each dish will thank you for the flavorful upgrade.
Health Boost in Every Bite
Beyond its delicious taste, this dressing brings numerous health benefits to your table. The fermented apple cider vinegar probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion and boosting your immune system. Plus, the antioxidants present in the ingredients contribute to overall well-being.
Embrace the essence of autumn in every bite with our apple cider vinaigrette. Combine 1 clove of crushed garlic, 2 tablespoons of finely diced onion, 2 teaspoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt and pepper, and ¼ cup each of apple cider vinegar (with the mother) and extra-virgin olive oil.
This dressing imparts a burst of fall flavors and brings gut-friendly probiotics courtesy of the fermented apple cider vinegar.
4. Nutty Asian Sesame Dressing
Sesame Dressing Recipe
Let's begin with the step-by-step guide!
Ingredients
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
Instructions
I'm excited to share this recipe with you, so let's dive in!
Start with Garlic:
Crush a garlic clove into a small bowl.
Add Sweetness:
Mix in 1 tsp of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Soy Sauce:
Pour 1 tbsp of low-sodium soy sauce (or alternatives like tamari or coconut aminos).
Season Well:
Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
Tangy Twist:
Pour in 1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar for a tangy kick.
Nuttiness Unleashed:
Drizzle in 1/4 cup of toasted sesame oil for that rich, nutty flavor.
Whisk It Up:
Gently whisk all ingredients until well combined.
Elevate your salads with the delightful nuttiness of our sesame vinaigrette. Whisk together 1 clove of crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, a pinch of salt and pepper, and ¼ cup each of vinegar and toasted sesame oil.
This homemade salad dressing’s mild, nutty undertones make it an ideal companion for salads rich in crunch with carrots, cucumbers, and red cabbage.
5. Bright Lemon Vinaigrette
Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe
Let's begin with the step-by-step guide!
Ingredients
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Pinch of salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
I'm excited to share this recipe with you, so let's dive in!
Step 1: Start with the Base
Combine the crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. These ingredients lay the foundation for the dressing.
Step 2: Add the Citrus Zing
Squeeze fresh lemons to obtain 1/4 cup of juice. The key here is to use fresh lemons for that authentic and vibrant flavor.
Step 3: Balance with Olive Oil
Pour in 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. This enhances the texture and complements the acidity of the lemon, creating a well-balanced dressing.
Step 4: Whisk to Perfection
Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is emulsified. This ensures that the lemon juice and olive oil meld harmoniously.
Step 5: Adjust to Your Taste
Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. The beauty of homemade dressings is the ability to tailor them to your preferences.
Infuse your salads with freshness using our bright lemon vinaigrette. Combine 1 clove of crushed garlic, ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme, a pinch of salt and pepper, and ¼ cup each of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil.
This zesty dressing pairs exceptionally well with arugula-based salads, creating a harmonious balance between brightness and a hint of peppery spiciness.
FAQs
Can I adjust the oil-to-vinegar ratio in these dressings?
While traditionally, vinaigrettes follow a 3:1 ratio, these recipes use a 1:1 ratio for a lighter and tangier flavor. Feel free to tweak the ratios to match your taste.
How long can I store these dressings?
All these dressings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. Just give them a good shake before using it to re-emulsify the ingredients.
Can these dressings be used as marinades?
Yes! These dressings double as fantastic marinades for grilled chicken or steak, enhancing the flavors of your proteins. It’s a convenient way to add a punch of taste to your meals.
What’s the significance of choosing apple cider vinegar with “the mother”?
The “mother” in apple cider vinegar indicates fermentation and the presence of probiotics. It supports gut health and immunity. Always look for a brand with the mother for an added health boost.
Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, oils, or vinegar to create your unique variations. The key is to find a combination that suits your taste buds.
Are these dressings suitable for specific types of salads?
While these dressings work well with various salads, some pairings can be particularly delightful. For instance, the Nutty Sesame Vinaigrette complements crunchy vegetable salads, while the Lemon Vinaigrette pairs beautifully with peppery arugula salads.
Can I make a larger batch and store it more extensively?
You can double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch. However, consuming the dressings within 10 days is recommended for the best freshness and flavor.
Do these dressings work well with other proteins besides chicken and salmon?
While these dressings are highlighted with chicken and salmon, they work well with various proteins. Feel free to experiment with beef, tofu, or other protein sources based on your preferences.
Can I use these dressings on warm salads?
Yes, these dressings are versatile and can be used on both cold and warm salads. They add flavor to any dish, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Conclusion
There you have it – five homemade salad dressings to transform your salads into culinary delights. Experiment with these recipes, tweak them to your liking, and share your creations with us. Say goodbye to store-bought dressings and hello to a world of fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite. Until next time, stay clean and delicious!