Salads are a great way to get your daily dose of veggies, but the dressing can make or break the dish. Store-bought dressings are convenient, but they can be high in sugar, sodium, and preservatives. The good news is that making homemade dressing is easy and allows you to control the ingredients. Here are five simple salad dressing recipes that will take your greens to the next level.
1. Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette
Combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until emulsified. Drizzle over mixed greens or a caprese salad.
2. Creamy Avocado Dressing
Blend 1 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Add water as needed to thin. Use as a dip, on tacos, or over a southwest salad.
3. Lemon Tahini Dressing
Whisk together 1/4 cup tahini, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 cup water, and salt and pepper to taste. Add more water as needed to thin. Delicious on a kale salad or roasted vegetables.
4. Orange Ginger Dressing
Combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/4 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Shake in a jar or blend in a food processor. Perfect on a summer salad with arugula and strawberries.
5. Maple Mustard Dressing
Whisk together 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle over a roasted beet salad or grilled chicken salad.
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