Leafy greens. Check. Colorful vegetables. Check. A crunchy topping. Check. Salad dressing. Keep reading.
Americans spend billions of dollars each year on salad dressing. Most of us have everything we need to make a healthy and delicious salad dressing from scratch right in our pantries. Homemade salad dressings are both more flavorful and healthier than the store-bought salad dressings.
As a child and grandchild of avid gardeners, I remember how delicious fresh summer salads were with simple salad dressings. A plate of salad greens, tomato, other in-season vegetables from the garden plus a little oil and vinegar and a light sprinkling of salt was all I needed to have the perfect salad. As I have gotten older, I have grown to love this simple combination of ingredients to make the perfect salad. But, sometimes I want a little more.
The USDA recommends that Americans consume at least three cups of vegetables per day. Incorporating fresh vegetables into meals can seem like a difficult task if you’re not used to eating them. However, salads are an excellent way to consume all your daily vegetable requirements in just one sitting. Plus, by using healthy fats in the form of oils like olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil you not only give your salads a fantastic flavor, but you also are protecting your heart, brain, and nerves. Win-Win!
The secret to a salad that the whole family will love is a good salad dressing recipe. Pairing a salad with a delicious homemade salad dressing makes it savory and unique. Choose a salad dressing that complements your meals theme. Below are four salad dressing recipes that can be used for daily lunches, family dinners, or for your next holiday dinner salads.
Creamy Garlic Dressing
- 1 cup homemade mayonnaise (RECIPE)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 16 cloves garlic, crushed
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Italian Vinaigrette
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp dried basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp dried oregano, chopped
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tbsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp parsley
In a large jar, combine all dry ingredients. Add apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Whisk to combine. Stir in oil and shake the jar well to mix.
Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp homemade mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 6 tbsp grated parmesan
- 2 tsp ground pepper
In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Cumin Vinaigrette
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2/3 cup lemon juice
- 3 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What is your favorite way to dress up a salad? Feel free to leave a comment below.
