The dressing is what can make or break a salad. To be more exact, a bad dressing can instantly ruin a good salad, and a good dressing can transform a mediocre salad into one that has you going back for seconds or thirds.
My usual base is olive oil, which provides a robust flavor, and balsamic vinegar, which adds a delightful zing. I like to use a little Dijon mustard to add depth and a touch of honey or maple syrup to add sweetness.
The big factor with fresh herbs like basil or dill is their aromatic quality. But equal in importance, if not greater, is the richness of minced garlic or shallots and robust seasoning with Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.Â
The 12 Best Homemade Salad Dressing
1. Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
I take pleasure in preparing a basic balsamic vinaigrette in my kitchen. This recipe brings together the deep taste of balsamic vinegar and the silky texture of extra-virgin olive oil.
These two ingredients are not too shabby on their own, as they are both staples found in the cupboards of serious cooks. But a funny thing happened to this duo when they combined with the next two ingredients: Dijon mustard and garlic.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a tiny bowl or a jar with a lid, mix the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup (if using).
2. Incorporate the minced garlic, salt, and pepper into the vinegar mixture.
3. While whisking steadily, add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, or if using a jar, secure the lid and shake it robustly. The goal is to combine the oil and vinegar into a single homogeneous mixture.
4. Sample the vinaigrette and modify the seasoning if necessary by incorporating additional amounts of salt, pepper, or honey to suit your palate.
5. Apply right away to your beloved salad, or keep it in the fridge for a week at most. But give it a good shake first.
2. Homemade Lemon Herb Dressing
At home, I delight in making vibrant and zesty dressings, and they always include a generous amount of fresh lemon juice and zest. These pair beautifully with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
I also include Dijon mustard and a touch of honey to balance the flavor profile and make the dressing a versatile go-to for drizzling on slaws, salads, or even roasted vegetables. Indeed, this particular dressing is infused with fresh herbs like oregano and basil.
Ingredients
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a moderately sized bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk together until the mixture is well combined and homogeneous.
2. While whisking the mixture to emulsify it, drizzle in the olive oil slowly and steadily.
3. Incorporate the dried oregano and basil, and beat until all the ingredients are fully combined.
4. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing to taste.
5. Sample the dish and modify the seasoning or sweetness to suit your taste.
6. Pour the dressing into a clean jar or bottle and keep it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for a week. Before each use, shake thoroughly.
3. Homemade Ranch Dressing
There’s nothing I enjoy more than preparing my own ranch dressing from scratch. It combines mayonnaise and sour cream with the delicious zip of buttermilk.
The addition of fresh herbs, such as dill and chives, supplies a crisp accent, while a mere whisper of garlic powder rounds out the flavor profile and allows this dressing to be just as comfortable drizzled over salad greens as it is served like a sauce with roasted vegetables or fish.
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice#
Instructions
1. Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and well integrated.
2. Add the freshly chopped dill, chives, and parsley and mix so that they are evenly spread throughout the mixture.
3. Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Combine the ingredients thoroughly.
4. Incorporate the lemon juice and blend everything together until it is well mixed.
5. If needed, tweak the dressing’s flavor by adjusting the seasoning and adding salt or pepper until it tastes the way you want.
6. Refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Homemade Caesar Dressing
The reason I adore preparing Caesar dressing from scratch is simple: there is nothing quite like its luscious, creamy texture;Â Caesar dressing is a fine dressing. The addition of lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and finely chopped anchovies creates not just a dressing but a flavor bomb.
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1–2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
Instructions
1. Whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl until they’re just right.
2. Incorporate the Parmesan cheese with the mixture by whisking until the cheese is fully integrated.
3. If you are using them, stir the anchovy fillets into the dressing to boost its flavor and depth.
4. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste in order to season the dressing.
5. If needed, modify the seasoning in the dressing to taste, and make it your own. Use lemon juice to up the ante in acidity if you want something a little more bright and tangy. Or, if using more Parmesan cheese serves you better, use that.
6. If you’re not using the dressing right away, put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve it, make sure to mix it well—its ingredients have a way of separating when left undisturbed.
5. Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing
I relish the preparation of a DIY honey mustard dressing, which combines the tangy bite of Dijon mustard with the sweet mellowness of honey. The perfect dressing combines a little bit of apple cider vinegar for a delightful tang and a good amount of olive oil that makes the dressing perfectly emulsified, equal parts oil and vinegar, with a smidgen of Dijon mustard to give it a little something extra.
It is an uncomplicated dish that can be added to salads or served as a side.
Ingredients
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Combine the Dijon mustard and honey in a small mixing bowl and mix until smooth.
2. Combine the apple cider vinegar with the mustard and honey mixture, and whip it into a cohesive blend.
3. Gradually add the olive oil while still whisking to form a smooth and uniform emulsion of oil and vinegar.
4. If necessary, adjust the seasoning of the dressing by adding salt and black pepper to taste.
5. To store the dressing, pour it into a jar or bottle, and shake it vigorously before pouring.
6. Homemade Italian Dressing
I adore crafting Italian dressing in my own kitchen, both because of its straightforwardness and because I can ensure its fresh flavor. I combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a touch of lemon juice to make the dressing’s base.
Infusing authentic Mediterranean flavors into my dish involves adding Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and dried herbs like oregano and basil. These flavorful additions create a Mediterranean masterpiece that I can’t get enough of.
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
1. In a bowl or jar of moderate size, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice.
2. Incorporate the honey and Dijon mustard into the mixture, and whisk or shake until they are well combined.
3. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and mix well.
4. Combine the ingredients and beat them together until the spices are evenly dispersed throughout the liquid.
5. Sample the dressing and modify the seasoning as needed. If you think it could benefit from more salt or honey, go right ahead.
6. Keep in a sealed container and refrigerated, and give it a good shake right before you pour it.Utilize within a week.
7. Homemade Greek Yogurt Dressing
When I require a fast, nutritious dressing for salads or as a dip, I invariably reach for this creamy Greek yogurt option. Its foundation of plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, and a touch of lemon juice or red wine vinegar provides an excellent canvas for mixing in a good portion of fresh dill (or parsley, if that’s your herb of choice) and Dijon mustard before serving.
The Greek yogurt gives the dressing a wonderful creaminess with an added protein boost, making it as satisfying as any creamy dressing would be.
Ingredients
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl of a reasonable size, mix together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice).
2. Stir in the minced garlic and Dijon mustard to the mixture until combined well.
3. Add the freshly chopped dill or parsley and mix thoroughly.
4. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Combine all components until they are completely smooth and thoroughly mixed.
6. It’s important to let the mixture sit and meld in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before you serve it.
8. Homemade Tahini Dressing
I take pleasure in making a tahini dressing that feels a million miles away from the store-bought stuff and that also feels wholly and utterly California. You simply blend tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup (or honey), salt, and a few other flavor boosters to get a creamier-than-usual sauce that holds up in so many scenarios.
And with the heat of summer, this sauce has become my favorite thing to make because it takes next to no time, and ingredients feel good in my hands.
Ingredients
1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons water, or more as needed
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. In a bowl of medium size, whisk together the tahini, the lemon juice, and the olive oil until they are smooth and fully blended.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic with the maple syrup (or honey), salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is homogenous.
3. One tablespoon at a time, add the water and incorporate it into the dressing until you’ve achieved your desired consistency. You might need to increase or decrease the amount of water you’re using depending on how thick or thin you like your dressing.
4. If the seasoning doesn’t suit you, you can amp it up with salt or lemon juice until the flavor profile is to your liking.
5. Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will be good for up to a week. Before using, mix thoroughly.
9. Homemade Raspberry Vinaigrette
Preparing my own raspberry vinaigrette is a favorite home kitchen activity. It melds either fresh or formerly frozen raspberries—those lovely, sweet-tart little gems—with apple cider vinegar and either honey or maple syrup to create a dressing that is sweet, tangy, and lovely in its simplicity.
The perfect salad dressing has richness and a touch of Dijon mustard and olive oil.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Mix the raspberries, honey or maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard in a blender or food processor.
2. Combine the ingredients until they form a smooth mixture.
3. Sample the dressing and then season it with salt and pepper to your preference.
4. Add a bit more olive oil or water if the dressing is too thick.
5. If you wish, you can use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the dressing to remove the seeds.
6. Keep the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to a week. Before using, shake vigorously.
10. Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
I enjoy preparing blue cheese dressing from scratch because it unites creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and sharp blue cheese into a rich, satisfying sauce. The subtlety of lemon juice and the depth of Worcestershire sauce make this dish sing.
But it’s the garlic powder and freshly ground pepper that give it a real kick. It is ideal for salads or as a sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2-4 tablespoons buttermilk (optional, for desired consistency)
Instructions
1. In a bowl of medium size, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir together until smooth.
2. Incorporate the crumbled blue cheese into the mixture, taking care to fold it in gently so that it retains some nice chunkiness.
3. Add the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, and mix until thoroughly combined.
4. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are the seasonings used. All the flavors are mixed well to achieve a uniform blend.
5. Add buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, to adjust the dressing consistency from too thick to just right.
6. To ensure the flavors of the dressing meld well, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour or more before serving.
11. Homemade Avocado Lime Dressing
I enjoy preparing a smooth and creamy lime avocado dressing in my own kitchen. I create a smooth and zesty dressing by mixing up ripe avocado with fresh lime juice and a small amount of garlic.
It adds a delightful and zesty taste to salads and dishes with the combination of olive oil and a hint of honey.
Ingredients
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
1. Put the avocado, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper into a blender or food processor.
2. Incorporate the cilantro leaves and mix until an even consistency is achieved.
3. Add water little by little and mix until you achieve the consistency of dressing that you want.
4. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a little more salt or lime juice to suit your preference.
5. Move the dressing to a container for serving, then refrigerate until you are ready to serve it. Before serving, give it a good shake.
12. Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing
This is a somewhat uncommon dressing, and I make it with unexpected ingredients that I really enjoy.
It has the richness of mayonnaise (if you haven’t tried homemade, you should), the tang of white wine vinegar, the sweetness of granulated sugar, and, of course, an ample amount of poppy seeds. I also include a hint of Dijon mustard that makes this dressing so well balanced that I could easily drizzle it over anything that needed to be dressed.
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, granulated sugar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth mixture.
2. Add the vegetable oil a little at a time, whisking all the while, to create a smooth and emulsified dressing.
3. Savor the dressing and tweak the taste as needed, adding more salt or sugar to achieve the desired flavor.
4. After achieving a thorough mixture, pour the dressing into a glass jar or bottle with a lid to store it conveniently.
5. Chill for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend before serving.
6. To incorporate any ingredients that may have separated, mix thoroughly before using.Savor the delightful flavor of your homemade poppy seed dressing drizzled over the salads you love most.
