Easy and Delicious Salad Dressing Recipes for Every Occasion

Salad season is here!  Gorgeous, sexy fresh produce is starting to roll into our grocery stores, and farmer’s markets are popping up with locally grown and sourced fruits and vegetables.  There’s nothing quite like a delicious and healthy tossed salad of various greens, with juicy ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tart radishes, and colorful bell peppers.  But what to dress these healthy and nutritious plates of salad-y goodness with, you ask?

​HOMEMADE MOTHER&K^*G SALAD DRESSINGS, THAT’S WHAT!

In this article, we will share a collection of mouthwatering salad dressing recipes that are not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will inspire you to get creative and experiment with various combinations of ingredients.​

Easy and Delicious Salad Dressing Recipes for Every Occasion

​Pricey bottled salad dressing is so ho-hum compared to home made.  Additives, preservatives and that Godforsaken, absolutely unnecessary, what-is-even-the-point high fructose corn syrup is in EVERYTHING.  To make a simple do-it-yourself dressing doesn’t even take much know-how--just gather up a few pantry staples along with some herbs and spices--and voila!  You can have a fresh, flavorful alternative to the store bought stuff in no time.  Remember, you control the amount of the seasonings, so add a little, add a lot, what do I care?  You are the Debra Messing of your homemade dressing!

Directions for making your own salad dressings are easy-peasy:
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• Add all of the ingredients to a small, clean jelly jar (like a Mason or Ball jar)
• Shake
• Pour
• Enjoy!
  

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Set of 16 12-Ounce Mason Jars,amazon.com

Set of 6 4-Ounce Jelly Jars, amazon.com

Use these dressings & vinaigrettes on your favorite veggies, salads & even as marinades for chicken and fish.

​NOTE: Each recipe makes approximately 1/2 C. of vinaigrette or dressing. If you have leftovers, store in the fridge for about a week or so. Expect the oil to thicken up a bit, but that’s no big woop. Let stand at room temp a few mins, shake & you’re good to go.

Creamy Caesar Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

​Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped anchovy fillets, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Use immediately or refrigerate for later use.

This creamy Caesar dressing is a classic choice that complements romaine lettuce perfectly. Its rich and tangy flavors add a delightful twist to your salad.

Tangy Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well emulsified.
3. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
4. Store in a sealed container and refrigerate until ready to use.

​The tangy balsamic vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor to any salad. Its sweet and sour notes are a perfect match for mixed greens, tomatoes, and even strawberries.

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You May Also Like:

• ​Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad
  
• In A Pickle: A How-To Guide For Pickling Your Own Veggies & Fruits

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Zesty Lemon-Herb Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or dill), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a mason jar or small bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Shake or whisk vigorously until the dressing is well blended.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Pour over your favorite salad and enjoy the refreshing flavors.

The zesty lemon-herb dressing is a delightful combination of citrusy tang and aromatic herbs. It pairs wonderfully with mixed greens, cucumber, and feta cheese.

Honey Mustard Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
4. Store in a sealed container and refrigerate until ready to use.

The honey mustard dressing strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. It adds a delightful flavor to green salads, roasted vegetables, and grilled chicken.

Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

​Instructions

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

The creamy avocado lime dressing adds a luscious and tangy flavor to your salads. It pairs well with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and grilled shrimp.

Salad Dressing Shaker with BlenderBall, amazon.com

Salad Dressing Mixer Bottle, amazon.com

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Looking to up your salad game?  Check out these ideas for building a better salad:

We hope you enjoyed this compilation of easy and delicious salad dressing recipes. By incorporating these homemade dressings into your meals, you can take your salads from ordinary to extraordinary. Remember, the key to a great salad dressing lies in the quality of ingredients and the balance of flavors. So, get creative, experiment with different combinations, and let your taste buds guide you. With these mouthwatering dressings, your salads will never be the same again!

What kind of dressings and vinaigrettes are your favorites?  Let me know in the comments, I would love to try something new!

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