Ditch Store-Bought: Make These Salad Dressings Instead

Tired of boring, store-bought salad dressing? Making your own at home is easier than you think! These recipes are chef-tested and taste better than anything you can buy. Plus, they’re fresher and healthier.

Upgrade Your Salad Game

Here are six classic salad dressings you can easily make:

Mustard Balsamic Vinaigrette

This dressing is simple, classic, and works with many salads.

Ingredients:

• 60g balsamic vinegar
• 20g honey
• 20g grainy mustard
• 20g finely minced shallots (rinsed)
• 2 cloves garlic (smashed)
• 10-12 cranks of black pepper
• 210g extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix vinegar, honey, mustard, shallots, garlic, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Slowly add olive oil while mixing to create a smooth blend.

Pair with: Arugula or spring mix.

Italian House Dressing

This dressing tastes like a restaurant favorite!

Ingredients:

• 25g champagne vinegar
• 45g white distilled vinegar
• 15g sugar
• 5g salt
• 25g grainy mustard
• 1 garlic clove
• 10g bell pepper
• Pinch of oregano, basil, chili flake, and black pepper
• 20g red onion
• 250g neutral oil (like avocado oil)

Instructions:

1. Combine vinegars, sugar, salt, mustard, garlic, bell pepper, oregano, basil, chili flake, and red onion in a tall container.
2. Use an immersion blender to mix until the onion, pepper, and mustard are fully broken down.
3. With the blender running, slowly add the oil to create a smooth blend.

Pair with: Little gem or Romaine lettuce. Try it with chopped salami, pepperoncini, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Caesar Dressing

A creamy classic that even makes eating salad feel like a treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 garlic clove (slivered)
• 50g lemon juice
• 10g water
• 45g grated Parmesan
• 1 can (2oz/50g) anchovies, drained and rinsed
• 275g neutral oil (like avocado oil)

Instructions:

1. Combine egg yolk, garlic, lemon juice, water, Parmesan, and anchovies in a tall container.
2. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
3. Slowly add oil while blending to create a smooth blend.

Pair with: Little gem, romaine, or raw kale. Top with fried breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Poppy Seed Dressing

A sweet and tangy dressing that’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 25g champagne vinegar
• 55g white distilled vinegar
• 40g grainy mustard
• 15g mayonnaise
• 40g sugar
• 3g salt
• 1g black pepper
• 235g neutral oil (like avocado or canola oil)
• 15g poppy seeds

Instructions:

1. Combine vinegars, mustard, mayo, sugar, salt, and pepper in a tall container. Blend until smooth.
2. Slowly add oil while blending to create a smooth blend.
3. Stir in poppy seeds.

Pair with: Bitter greens. Try it with frisee, blue cheese, shaved apples, toasted walnuts, and shaved fennel.

Asian Peanut Ginger Dressing

A fun and flavorful dressing with a kick!

Ingredients:

• 20g grated ginger
• 5g grated garlic
• 90g rice vinegar
• 90g soy sauce
• 30g sriracha
• 50g sugar
• 45g sesame oil
• 110g creamy unsweetened peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Combine ginger, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha, sugar, sesame oil, and peanut butter in a tall container.
2. Blend until smooth.

Pair with: Shredded Napa cabbage, red cabbage, romaine, shaved carrots, chopped peanuts, and cilantro.

Ranch Dressing

A fresh take on a classic!

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg yolk
• 20g chopped and rinsed shallots
• 1 garlic clove (slivered)
• 15g lemon juice
• 5g salt
• 60g buttermilk
• 60g sour cream
• 240g neutral oil (like avocado or canola oil)

Instructions:

1. Combine egg yolk, shallots, garlic, lemon juice, salt, buttermilk, and sour cream in a tall container. Blend until smooth.
2. Slowly add oil while blending to create a smooth blend.

Pair with: Little gem or romaine. Top with fried breadcrumbs, pickled red onions, and fresh herbs.

Tips for Homemade Dressings

• Emulsion: An emulsion is when tiny droplets of one liquid (like oil) are mixed into another (like vinegar). This is what makes dressings smooth and creamy.
• Storage: Vinaigrettes will last about 2 weeks in the fridge. Creamy dressings will last closer to 7-10 days.
• Flavor: Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your taste. Add more honey for sweetness, or more mustard for a tangy flavor.

Ready to Make Your Own?

Making your own salad dressing is easy and delicious. Try these recipes and enjoy a fresh, flavorful salad tonight!

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