Salads are a delicious and fun way to eat more veggies - and enjoy them! With so much versatility of bases, toppings, and dressings, salads empower you to be creative as you cook.
A staple for practically every salad is the dressing. It’s the topping that brings all the flavors together in one harmonious bite. But before you reach for the store-bought bottles, did you know that you can make your own dressings–perhaps even a better salad dressing- right at home?
Not only are homemade salad dressings healthier, but also–we’d argue–more flavorful. With ingredients like flavor-infused olive oil and balsamic vinegars, you can whip up a homemade healthy salad dressing that’s even better than what you can get at a store.
What are Salad Dressings Made Of?
You’ve got the base of ingredients like romaine, kale, quinoa, or spinach. You’ve piled on veggies like cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, shredded carrots, and green onion.
Now, it’s time to bring all the ingredients together with the dressing.
With a store-bought dressing, you may not be 100% certain on the exact ingredients that you pour over your salad creation. Chances are, there are added ingredients that are difficult to pronounce in order to keep the dressing shelf-stable.
But when you make your own salad dressing, you get to control exactly what goes in it. Homemade salad dressings contain simple yet flavorful ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs when making a vinaigrette. Creamier dressings may also include mayonnaise or greek yogurt. Add in an extra dash of flavor with things like Dijon mustard or lemon juice.
When you make a salad dressing at home, you’re in charge of the flavors. And, you can be confident that the ingredients you put in it are healthy and free of additives.
How You Can Make Your Own Dressings
Creating your own salad dressing at home can be a fun and creative activity. Customize your ingredients to exactly what you like–and leave out what you don’t.
A vinaigrette is one of the easiest and most versatile dressings. That olive oil and vinegar dressing combines just a few ingredients that can unite all the ingredients in your salad.
For a vinaigrette, start with a ratio of three parts oil to one part vinegar. However, you can adjust that ratio to fit your preferences. For example, if you prefer a smoother, thicker dressing, use more oil. If you prefer a more acidic dressing that pops with flavor, adjust to use more balsamic.
In addition to olive oil and balsamic vinegar, you can also sprinkle in some fresh or dried herbs, elevating the flavor of your entire salad.
Emulsifying
A key step in making a simple salad dressing–whether a vinaigrette or honey mustard–is emulsifying. An emulsion is when you mix two things together that don’t normally combine. Oil and vinegar don’t naturally mix, so whisking or shaking the two ingredients is required to make a harmonious dressing. Keep in mind that if you make a vinaigrette prior to using it, be sure to give it a shake before pouring on your salad ingredients.
Need an even easier way to make a salad dressing? Leave the measuring spoons in the drawer and use Fustini’s Dressing Jar. This jar lists ingredients for six versatile and delicious dressings right on the jar. Just pour the ingredients, shake it up, and your salad is good to go.
Since homemade dressings are most often made without extra preservatives, know that homemade dressings won’t last as long as its store-bought counterparts. Yet with so much flavor, you may not even have leftovers of your flavor-packed mixture.
Top Salad Dressings You Need to Try
Are you ready to start whisking up your own salad dressing? With simple ingredients and easy preparation, your homemade dressing is just a few whisks away.
Honey Mustard Dressing
Perfect for a hearty salad or a dip for chicken, this honey mustard dressing includes just a few simple ingredients but pack in a ton of flavor:
- ⅔ cup honey
- ½ cup wholegrain mustard
- ¼ cup Fustini’s Garlic olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fustini’s Apple Cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Fustini’s Sesame Seed oil
Whisk all ingredients until smooth.
Classic Ranch
While a ranch dressing may require a few more ingredients, you’ll be sure to taste the delicious difference between your homemade version and a store-bought alternative.
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Fustini’s Garlic Olive Oil
- ½ onion, grated, rinsed and squeezed
- 2 tablespoons chives, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fustini’s 12 Year White Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Fustini’s Sicilian Lemon Balsamic Vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Mix all ingredients together until well blended.
Whisk Up Your Own Salad Dressings
Making your own homemade healthy salad dressings can be an easy and entertaining addition to your meal preparation. By including the ingredients you want, and leaving out those you don’t, you’ve got the control of creating a flavor-packed, wholesome dressing that everyone will be sure to love.
Discover more dressing recipes by visiting our website!