So let’s break down what you’ll need to make a basic salad dressing.
- A little bit of sour - Most salad dressing will have an acidic component like lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- A dash of oil - Most dressings would have oil like virgin coconut oil or olive oil. They add a mild flavour to it. But make sure it does not overthrow the flavours of the other ingredients.
- Something sweet - A little bit of sweetness can enhance the overall flavour of the dressing. The best sweeteners are honey and maple syrup. But it is also common to use agave and sugar.
- Top it off with some spice - Now comes the hero of our dressing, the spices and herbs. While most dressings have salt and pepper in them, herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil add a special twist to them. Garlic and ginger are also used on occasion.
Preparing a dressing is probably one of the easiest things in the world. Grab a shaker, add all the ingredients and give it a good shake until it mixes up well. It is ideal to use a blender for a smoother and clump-less dressing but a good shake does the job as well.
How Long Does Homemade Salad dressing Last?
The ingredients used determines the longevity of the salad dressing. Most vinaigrette-based dressings can last up to two to three weeks when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. However, dressings with milk, cream or any dairy and a good amount of garlic should be used within a week.
How To Pick Your Herbs Right?
Some salad dressings might call for the usage of fresh herbs while dried is the apt choice for others. Fresh herbs tend to give out a stronger flavour quickly as compared to dried. Your dressing will be ready for use within 20-30 minutes when fresh herbs are added. Whereas it might take up to two hours for the flavour to fully come out when dried herbs are used.
Now let's see what we have in store for you.
1. Coconut Cream Dressing
This is the perfect dressing to spruce up an all-green salad. The creamy and buttery texture will whip you off your feet.
Ingredients
Coconut cream - 1 cup
Apple cider vinegar - ¼ cup
Italian seasoning - 20 grams
Steps
Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake well. Store in the refrigerator and serve chilled.
2. Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
This is one of the classics when it comes to salad dressing. With four simple ingredients, balsamic vinaigrette dressing is magical.
Ingredients
Virgin Coconut Oil - ¾ cup
Balsamic vinegar - ¼ cup
Salt
Pepper
Steps
Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake well. Taste and adjust the flavours if required. If the dressing tastes too acidic, add more oil. If it is too dense, add more vinegar. Store in the refrigerator and serve chilled. You can play around and try adding garlic or honey to it as well.
3. Ranch Dressing
All mayonnaise fans out there, this one is for you. This is a thick and creamy dressing that can bring your salad to life.
Ingredients
Mayonnaise - 1 cup
Sour cream - ½ cup
Dried parsley - ½ teaspoon
Garlic powder – ¼ teaspoon
Onion powder - ¼ teaspoon
Salt
Pepper
Steps
Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake well. Store in the refrigerator and serve chilled.
4. Honey Mustard Dressing
Hey, sweet tooths. We have something for you! This is a versatile dressing that can be used with green, chicken or seafood salads.
Ingredients
Dijon mustard - ¼ cup
Honey - ¼ cup
Apple cider vinegar - ¼ cup
Virgin coconut oil - ¼ cup
Salt
Steps
Take a bowl and add mustard, honey, vinegar and salt. Gradually add in the oil while whisking and blending the dressing. The result would be a creamy and buttery dressing. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
5. Italian Dressing
You cannot talk about dressing and miss out on Italian dressing. It is a burst of flavour in your mouth.
Ingredients
Olive Oil - 1 cup
White wine vinegar - ¼ cup
Chopped fresh parsley - ½ cup
Lemon Juice - 1 tablespoon
Chopped Garlic - 2 cloves
Dried basil - 2 teaspoons
Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
Salt
Pepper
Steps
Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake well. Store in the refrigerator and serve chilled.
6. Lemon And Honey Dressing
Sweet and sour is the Bonnie and Clyde of dressings. The perfect combo of lemon and honey is sure to be one of your favourites.
Ingredients
Honey - ½ cup
Lemon Juice - 1 cup
Mustard - ½ cup
Virgin Coconut Oil - 1 cup
Salt
Pepper
Steps
Mix honey, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper and whisk slowly. Add in the virgin coconut oil while whisking and blend well. Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
7. Yoghurt And Lemon Salad Dressing
Yoghurt and lemon? Would this even work?
Trust me. You’re in for a treat.
Ingredients
Yoghurt - 1 cup
French mustard - ¼ cup
Virgin Coconut Oil - ¼ cup
Lemon - ¼ cup
Vinegar - ¼ cup
Chopped fresh parsley - ¼ cup
Salt
Pepper
Steps
Mix the mustard, lemon juice and vinegar. Add in the oil and whisk for 5 minutes. Finally, add the yoghurt and whisk for 5 minutes. Finish off with parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
8. Asian Salad Dressing
This one might leave you in a pickle trying to find the ingredients. Order in or a trip to a speciality store will be worth your time.
Ingredients
Virgin coconut oil - 2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar - ⅓ cup
Hoisin sauce - ¼ cup
Soy sauce - 1 ½ tablespoon
Chopped fresh ginger - 1 tablespoon
Toasted sesame seeds - ½ tablespoons
Orange juice - 2 tablespoons
Steps
Mix all the ingredients in a shaker. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
9. Creamy Avocado Dressing
Avocado is the butter of vegetables. With a silky and creamy texture, it forms the perfect base for a dressing.
Ingredients
Buttermilk - 1 cup
Sour cream - ½ cup
Mayonnaise - ¼ cup
Avocado - 1
Chopped Parsley - ⅓ cup
Minced Garlic - 1 tablespoon
Lemon - 1
Salt
Pepper
Steps
Mix all the ingredients in a shaker. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
10. Pomegranate Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
This is a quick sweet and fruity dressing that would go well with chicken and green salads.
Ingredients
Virgin Coconut Oil - ⅓ cup
Pomegranate juice - ⅓ cup
Red wine vinegar - ¼ cup
Honey - 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons
Poppy seeds - 1 teaspoon
Salt
Pepper
Steps
Mix all the ingredients in a shaker. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
11. Japanese Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing
Yes, you heard it right. The main base used here is the carrot. Though this dressing requires a lot more ingredients than the previous ones, all are simple to acquire. Most importantly, you’ll need a blender to make this dressing.
Ingredients
Chopped carrots - 2
Chopped onion- 1
Ginger - 2 tablespoons
Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon
Soy sauce - ¼ cup
Rice vinegar - ¼ cup
Virgin coconut oil - ⅓ cup
Salt
Step
Add all ingredients except the oil into the blender and blend well. Once it’s thoroughly blended, add in the oil and let it emulsify well. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Adjust salt and sugar according to taste.
