When it comes to salads, the old adage of “less is more” definitely applies. Sure, you can throw in a bunch of different ingredients to create a tasty bowl of greens, however, the dressing you choose to top it off with can make or break your salad. Store-bought dressings usually contain a handful of less-than-healthy ingredients and additives that can drastically negate the health benefits of the salad.
Making your own dressing, however, is a great way to control exactly what goes into it. Not only that, but with a few simple ingredients and a quick whisk of a bowl, you can vastly improve your salad’s flavor.
The Benefits of Homemade Salad Dressings
More Flavor – Homemade salad dressings are often much more flavorful than store-bought dressings. With the right herbs, spices and seasonings, you can really kick up the flavor of your salad.
Cost Savings – Making your own salad dressing is one of the most cost-effective ways to dress a salad. You can make a delicious dressing with pantry staples like olive oil and lemon juice.
Healthy – Store-bought salad dressings can be loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives. Making your own salad dressing allows you to control exactly what goes into into it.
Simple – Making your own dressing is much easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dressing in minutes.
The Best Homemade Salad Dressings
Now that you’re convinced of the benefits of homemade salad dressings, let’s take a look at some of the best options you can make. Here’s a breakdown of some of the simplest, most delicious dressings you can make right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Citrus Vinaigrette
This delicious and zesty vinaigrette is perfect for any type of salad. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients and is tart, light, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
-1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1/2 teaspoon honey
-Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil and honey in a small jar.
- Shake to combine.
- Season with the salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve over your favorite salad.
Ranch Dressing
This creamy dressing is a staple in many households. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can make truly delicious ranch dressing that’s healthier and tastier than store-bought versions.
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
-1/2 cup buttermilk
-2 tablespoons freshly chopped herbs (dill, parsley, chives, etc.)
-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the yogurt, buttermilk, herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Whisk until combined.
- Season with the salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve over your favorite salad.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
This classic Italian vinaigrette is a great way to dress up a simple salad. It’s a simple, no-fuss dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients:
-1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
-1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-1 teaspoon dijon mustard
-1 teaspoon honey
-Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl.
- Whisk until combined.
- Season with the salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve over your favorite salad.
Easy Caesar Dressing
Who doesn’t love a Caesar salad? With this simple Caesar dressing, you can recreate the classic in your own kitchen. It’s creamy, tangy and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup Mayo
-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-2 anchovy fillets, finely minced
-1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
-1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine the mayo, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy fillets, Worcestershire sauce and pepper in a small bowl.
- Mix until combined.
- Serve over your favorite salad.
Simple Yogurt Dill Dressing
This light and creamy yogurt dill dressing is perfect for lighter salads. It’s easy to make and totally delicious.
Ingredients:
-1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
-1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
-2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
-2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
-1 teaspoon honey
-Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the yogurt, dill, lemon juice, white wine vinegar and honey in a small bowl.
- Whisk until combined.
- Season with the salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve over your favorite salad.
Ginger Soy Dressing
This Asian-inspired dressing is full of flavor. It’s a great way to add a little something extra to your salads.
Ingredients:
-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
-1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
-2 tablespoons soy sauce
-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
-1 tablespoon honey
-1 teaspoon sesame oil
-Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the oil, ginger, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Whisk until combined.
- Season with the salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve over your favorite salad.
Tahini Lemon Dressing
Tahini is an incredibly versatile ingredient and can make a great base for salad dressings. This tahini lemon dressing is creamy, tangy and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
-3 tablespoons tahini
-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
-2 tablespoons water
-1 clove garlic, minced
-Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the tahini, lemon juice, water and garlic in a small bowl.
- Whisk until combined.
- Season with the salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve over your favorite salad.
Maple Mustard Dressing
This sweet and tangy dressing is perfect for topping off a salad. It’s easy to make and adds a unique flavor that pairs well with lots of different vegetables.
Ingredients:
-3 tablespoons olive oil
-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
-1 tablespoon maple syrup
-1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
-Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the olive oil, mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
- Whisk until combined.
- Season with the salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve over your favorite salad.
As you can see, making your own salad dressings is a cinch! With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create truly delicious, healthy and flavorful dressings that are sure to be the star of your salads. So, the next time you’re looking to dress up your greens, try one of these delicious homemade dressings!
