Do you buy salad dressing or make your own? I used to always whip up fresh salad dressings, but it fell by the wayside a few years ago. Recently, I’ve rediscovered the joy of creating homemade dressings, and it’s been a delicious journey. Whenever I prepare a special salad from a specific recipe, I almost always fall in love with the dressing. Even Lloyd, my Chef de Partie, is a big fan of a good homemade dressing. Let’s explore a few favorites.
Vinaigrettes: The Basics
Most vinaigrettes follow a simple formula: oil, some kind of acid like vinegar or lemon juice, and herbs. The magic lies in the add-ins. For example:
- Dijon mustard adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Fresh herbs bring a bright, fresh taste, while dry herbs can be a convenient alternative.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to customize your vinaigrette to suit your taste.
Recipes to Inspire You
Julia Child’s Vinaigrette
Julia Child’s Sauce Vinaigrette is a classic that’s stood the test of time. Simple, flavorful, and versatile, it’s a great starting point for any salad.
Erin Clarke’s Arugula Salad
I’m a big fan of arugula salads, and this recipe from Erin Clarke at Well Plated does not disappoint. The lemon dressing is bright, zesty, and perfect for complementing the peppery arugula.
Pear Salad with Maple Dressing
This Pear Salad’s dressing blew me away! I had never used maple syrup in a salad dressing before, but wow—it’s incredible. I’ve tried this recipe with both feta and gorgonzola, and they’re equally delicious.
Tip: Pair this pear salad with Modern Honey’s Skillet Chicken Pot Pie. I’ve served this combo to guests, and it’s always a hit. The dressing is so good that people ask for the recipe—always a good sign!
Cookie and Kate’s Vinaigrette with Variations
Cookie and Kate offers a fantastic vinaigrette recipe with several variations. Her recipe works beautifully with balsamic, red wine, and white wine vinegar. She even includes a delightful Greek-Italian variation for a Mediterranean twist.
Recipe Tin Eats French Vinaigrette
Nagi’s recipe for French Vinaigrette looks like the perfect dressing to make in bulk. This dressing will last up to two weeks in the fridge and has a nice balance of acid, oil, and tang. Using chopped shallots makes me feel pretty darn gourmet! I’ll let you know on social media how it turns out.
The Joy of Homemade
Whether you’re trying a new recipe or sticking with a classic vinaigrette, homemade salad dressings elevate your dishes to a whole new level. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable. So, grab your whisk and start experimenting!
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I love the idea of making your own healthy foods. This list of healthy homemade salad dressings is so helpful. I love your page and can;t wait to see what othe secret kitchen tips and recipes you will share here!
Hi Olivea, Thank you for taking a few minutes to drop in here! I look forward to sharing more fun ideas with you!