Let's get dressed – Salad Dressings

By: Lisa Wright Burbach

I used to be intimidated by the idea of making my own salad dressing; it just seemed complicated. One day I just gave it a go and I’ve never looked back! I make all of our dressings now! Right now, during this time of Social Distancing and runs on the grocery story it’s handy to have a few good recipes in your back pocket too!

Homemade salad dressing are healthier and you are in control; no artificial ingredients, low or no sugar, just full rich flavor and they are just plain easy to make!

Health note: Keep in mind that most salad dressing are largely fat so the calories do add up. 1 gram of fat has 9 calories, over double of 1 gram of carbohydrates or protein! Enjoy, but moderation and learn to love the taste of all those yummy veggies!!

Here are a few of my “go-to” recipes:

Basic Vinaigrette – Hugh Acheson

Bit of a fan girl!!! But even if I wasn’t this is your base, your starting point! From here you can go crazy when it comes to vinaigrette once you master your base.

1. 3 Tbsp Red Wine Vineagar

2. 1 Clove Garlic, minced

3. 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard

4. Kosher salt (did you know it matters? kosher salt is flatter and melts differently, among other things)

5. 3/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Shake well and use. See the link above for yummy things you can add to it.

Ranch – Simple

1. 1/4 Cup Mayo

2. 1/2 tsp Dill

3. 1/4 tsp garlic

water to thin and a pinch of salt

Ranch Dressing – More involved, from my sweet friend Gail

1. 1/4 Cup mayo (can use lite)

2. 1/4 Cup sour cream (can use nonfat)

3. 1 tsp parsley

4. 1/2 tsp minced onion flakes (I usually use fresh onion)

5. 1/2 t salt

6. 1/8 tsp pepper

7. 1 Clove garlic, minced

8. 1/3 Cup grated parmesan cheese

9. 1/2 tsp paprika

10. Buttermilk to the consistency you like

Mix, cover & refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Dijon Dressing

1. 2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard

2. 2 Tbsp Honey

3. 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar

4. 3 Tbsp Mayo

5. Salt and Pepper

Mix and enjoy

1000 Island – Simple

1. 3 Tbsp Mayo

2. 1 Tbsp Ketchup

3. 1 Tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish

4. Salt and Pepper

5. 1 Tsp minced Shallot

6. Drop of Hot sauce

Mix and enjoy

For a more complex 1000 Island try this one from Kitchen Treaty

Ginger Dressing – from my friend Gail

1. 1/4 Cup Rice Wine Vinegar

2. 2 Tbsp Lite Soy sauce

3. 1 tsp Sesame oil

4. 1/8 tsp Red pepper flakes

5. 1 clove garlic, minced

Shake and serve

Here are some more for you to enjoy!

Curry Vinaigrette – Eric Ripert

Canal House Classic Vinaigrette

Smokey Orange Vinaigrette – Bobby Flay

Garlic Vinaigrette – Alices Waters

Creamy Mustard Vinaigrette – Thomas Keller

Momofuko Octo Vinegrette – David Chang

Caesar Dressing – do not be scared of the ingredients, you’ll be fine.

So let’s get dressed! The salad at least! Share your favorite dressing recipe with us.

#salad #homemade #scratchcooking #fromscratch #socialdistancing #saladdressing #diy