Level Up Your Salad Game with 5 Restaurant-Worthy Dressings

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Salads are a great way to eat healthy and enjoy fresh flavors. But let’s face it, the dressing can make or break a salad.

You can easily make your own delicious and healthy salad dressings at home. These five recipes are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. In just 5 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dressing that will take your salads to the next level.

Balsamic Dijon Dressing

If you love balsamic vinegar, this dressing is for you. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for salads with fruit.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 crushed cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon agave or maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in a jar.
2. Whisk well to combine.

This dressing is great on mixed greens salads with fruits like mango or strawberry. The tartness of the vinegar and the sweetness of the fruit create a wonderful taste.

Read about Why Restaurant Salads Taste Better, According to Chefs

Green Goddess Dressing

Herb lovers, get ready for your new favorite dressing! This creamy and flavorful dressing is perfect for any salad.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup unsweetened soy yogurt
• 1/3 cup vegan mayo
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 1/4 cup fresh chives
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon capers
• 1/2 tablespoon miso paste
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in a blender or small food processor.
2. Blend until creamy and green.
3. Pour into a jar.

This dressing is magic on leafy greens, chopped veggies, or nourish bowls. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like mint.

Shallot Vinaigrette

This dressing is for those who love bold flavors. The shallots mellow out in the vinegar, creating a unique and delicious taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add the sliced shallot and vinegar to a jar. Let it sit to mellow the shallot flavor.
2. Add the remaining ingredients.
3. Mix well.

This dressing pairs well with lentil or grain-based salads, or salads with hearty greens.

Tahini Vinaigrette

If you love creamy dressings, this tahini vinaigrette is a must-try. It’s rich, nutty, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup golden tahini (made from toasted sesame seeds)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 clove of crushed garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in a jar.
2. Mix well. It will look runny at first, but keep stirring until it thickens.

This dressing is great with roasted veggie salads, nourish bowls, simple chopped salads, or grain-based salads.

Sesame Ginger Dressing

For Asian-inspired salads, this sesame ginger dressing is the perfect choice. It’s savory, tangy, and a little sweet.

Ingredients:

• Juice of 1 lime
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in a jar.
2. Shake well to combine.

This dressing is delicious with cabbage salads or noodle-based salad bowls.

Elevate Your Salads

These five homemade salad dressings are a game-changer. You can easily create restaurant-quality salads in your own kitchen. Each dressing offers a unique flavor profile, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Ready to make your salads amazing? Try these dressings and discover your new favorite salad combinations. Your taste buds will thank you!

Uncover further inspiration in our blog.