How to Make Homemade Salad Dressing: 6 Basic Salad Dressing Recipes
Save time and money with these easy homemade salad dressing recipes!
Everything is better when it's homemade -- especially salad dressing. Learn How to Make Homemade Salad Dressing with these 6 basic salad dressing recipes that every home cook should know. Homemade salad dressing is a simpler, more budget-friendly way of enjoying your vegetables without added preservatives.
Of course salad dressing is the easiest way to add a burst of flavor to your leafy greens, but it's also a great way to pile on the calories. When you make your dressings at home, you have complete control! You know exactly what's going into it. The following six recipes cover some basic dressings that everyone should keep in their refrigerator door. Balsamic vinaigrette and ranch dressing are by far the most popular dressings out there, but there are so many other great types of dressings you can (and should) try with your summer salads!
How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Balsamic vinaigrette is truly a salad dressing staple. It's not overly heavy or creamy, like ranch dressing, but it's certainly packs a punch when it comes to flavor. Watch the video below to learn how to make balsamic vinaigrette at home!
What You Need:
2 parts olive oil
1 part balsamic vinegar
1/2 shallot, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 squirt Dijon mustard
1 squirt honey
Pinch of salt
How to Make Ranch Dressing
There's really no better way to enjoy a bright, flavorful salad or a tray of fresh veggies than with a serving of ranch dressing. Yes -- it's easier to just buy it. But if you've ever tasted the difference between store bought ranch and the homemade kind, you know it's like comparing apples to oranges. It's totally worth it to make your ranch at home!
What You Need:
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped chives
2 tablespoons dill
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Add salt to taste and freshly ground pepper to taste. For a little extra flavor, you can also try adding just a dash of hot sauce!
How to Make Greek Dressing
Greek salad dressing is simple, flavorful, and a great way to bring just about any salad to life. Watch the video below to learn how to make this spectacular dressing! It's simple, savory, and the perfect pairing for some feta cheese or Mediterranean olives!
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What You Need:
2 parts olive oil
1 part red wine vinegar
1 squirt Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Oregano
Pinch of salt and pepper
How to Make Oil and Vinegar Dressing
Oil and vinegar dressing is like a blank slate of flavor, and it's a great way to familiarize yourself with the flavors and seasonings you have in your pantry. You can use any of the flavor options we've listed above, but really just about any herbs and spices will produce a great dressing. The ratio of oil and vinegar is typically best at 3 parts oil to one part vinegar. You can use any type of oil you have on hand, but keep in mind that some oils are stronger than others.
The Base:
3 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
The Flavor Options:
Minced onion
Dijon mustard
Garlic powder
Dried parsley
How to Make It:
When making this kind of dressing, whisk together vinegar and any additional seasonings first. Then slowly whisk in the olive oil. If you're making large batches, you can also shake the ingredients together in a small jar.
How to Make Vinaigrette Dressing
What You Need:
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup chopped fresh mint, divided
1 1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Make It:
1. Combine 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
3. Let the infusion steep for ten minutes and strain into a mixing bowl. There should be about 1/4 cup.
4. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 cup chopped mint, honey, and salt. Whisk together.
How to Make Thousand Island Dressing
Thousand Island dressing is as easy as it gets. All you have to do is combine the ingredients, and you're ready to go. If you want a dressing that's a little smoother and creamier, you can throw the ingredients in a blender, too! Thousand Island dressing is a common ingredient in many "secret sauces." Everything from McDonald's Mac Sauce to Steak 'n' Shakes Frisco Sauce, this dressing has that certain je ne sais quoi that makes it perfect for sandwiches as well as salads.
What You'll Need:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons minced stuffed green olives
What's your go-to salad dressing recipe?
Let us know in the comments!