Amp up your salads with our collection of 43 healthy and incredibly delicious salad dressing recipes. Each of these recipes combines healthy ingredients with bursting flavor, making every salad a delightful adventure in healthy eating. From classic dressings like vinaigrettes to innovative combinations of herbs and spices, these salad dressings will make you look forward to every bite of your salads.
Vinaigrette Basics and Variations
Vinaigrette is a classic salad dressing that's light, refreshing and easy to make. The basic recipe involves mixing three parts oil (like olive oil) with one part vinegar (like red or white wine vinegar). Add in a bit of Dijon mustard, some salt and pepper, and you've got yourself a classic vinaigrette. You can vary this recipe by using different kinds of vinegar (like apple cider or balsamic), different oils (like walnut or avocado), and adding in herbs and spices for extra flavor. Some of our favorite vinaigrette recipes include a tangy lemon vinaigrette, a robust balsamic vinaigrette, and a spicy chili-infused vinaigrette.
Creamy Dressings and Variations
While heavier than vinaigrettes, creamy dressings offer a rich and satisfying taste to salads. They are usually based on mayonnaise, yogurt, or sour cream, and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs, spices, and flavorings. Some popular creamy dressing recipes are a herby buttermilk dressing, a rich blue cheese dressing, and a spicy chipotle mayo dressing. You can also play around with the proportions and ingredients to create your own unique creamy dressing. For a healthier alternative, full-fat yogurt or low-fat mayo can be used as a base.
Citrus-based Dressings
Citrus-based dressings bring a light and refreshing flavor to salads. They can be made with any type of citrus juice, such as orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit, combined with olive oil and seasonings. Popular recipes include a zesty lime and cilantro dressing, a sweet orange and honey dressing, and a tangy grapefruit and ginger dressing. For an extra flavor kick, zest from citrus fruit can also be added.
Asian-inspired Dressings
Asian-inspired dressings combine the flavors of Asian cuisine with the health benefits of salads. They often include components like soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and rice vinegar. Some of our top picks for Asian-inspired dressing recipes include a spicy peanut dressing, a tangy ginger and sesame dressing, and a sweet and sour miso dressing. These dressings are perfect for salads with Asian elements like edamame, avocado, and shredded cabbage.
Fruit-based Dressings
Fruit-based dressings, made by pureeing fresh or frozen fruits, can add an interesting twist to your salads. Combined with a little vinegar and seasoning, these dressings can range from sweet to tart, making them an extremely versatile addition to your salad dressing repertoire. Try a fruity raspberry vinaigrette, a sweet and tangy mango dressing, or a savory strawberry and basil dressing.
Herb Infused Dressings
Herb infused dressings offer a blend of refreshing and deep flavors that will take your salads to the next level. They're not only delicious but also highly nutritious, as many herbs have health benefits. Examples include a mint-infused green goddess dressing, basil-infused pesto vinaigrette, and a chive and mustard dressing. When making these dressings, it's best to use fresh herbs for the most potent flavor.
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