Easy Salad Dressing Recipes Homemade

You can make your own recipes of salad dressing easily. Bypass the bottles of preservatives and artificial flavors available in the store. Rather, make new and delicious dressings at home using things you already have in your kitchen.

Home-cooked dressings are less expensive and more appetizing and allow you to manipulate all the ingredients. You can either make them healthy or decadent. And, the majority of recipes require less than five minutes to make.

Savor creamy ranch, tangy vinaigrette or zesty Italian flavors, and you can count on this guide. We will demonstrate you 15+ simplistic recipes through which your salads will shine.

The Reason It Is More Economical to Make Your Own Salad Dressings

Save Money Every Month

Ready-made dressings may cost between $3 to $5 a bottle. It costs under one dollar per batch to make your own. A family of three having salad 3 times weekly can save more than $200 annually.

Control What Goes In

The majority of commercial dressings contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and preservatives. With homemade recipes of salad dressing, you select each ingredient. Prefer organic oils, fresh herbs and natural sweeteners.

Fresh Taste Every Time

Home prepared dressings are brighter and more flavorful than the bottled dressings. Lemon, herbs, and spices are fresh and they cannot be compared with dressings produced in a bottle.

Perfect for Special Diets

Homemade gives you the option of creating keto, vegan, gluten-free, or low-sodium dressings. You can modify recipes to any dietary requirement or choice.

Ingredients That Are Needed in Homemade Dressings

Oils That Make Great Bases

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Great when it comes to Mediterranean-style dressings
• Avocado Oil: Has a neutral flavor, which fits creamy dressings
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil gives a nutty taste to the Asian-inspired dishes
• Vegetable Oil: Low cost basic dressing oil

Acids That Add Tang

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Clean, bright taste
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Light, a little sweet
• Balsamic Vinegar: Complex, thick taste
• Rice Vinegar: Mild, suited to Asian taste

Flavor Boosters

• Dijon Mustard: This helps in emulsifying and imparting richness
• Garlic: Fresh or powder are both good
• Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, dill, or oregano
• Spices: Salt, pepper, paprika, cumin

Traditional Vinaigrette Recipes

Basic Balsamic Vinaigrette

This is a basic recipe that can be used on any salad and takes only 2 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Blend vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper in a jar
2. Pour olive oil in and shake 30 seconds
3. Taste and season to taste
4. Keep refrigerated not more than one week

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Best when used in summer with fresh vegetables and greens in salads.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, parsley or oregano)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper
2. Add oil slowly with continuous whisking
3. Stir in fresh herbs
4. Allow to sit 10 minutes prior to serving

Creamy Homemade Dressing Favorites

Classic Ranch Dressing

This one is much more delicious than any ranch available in the store and it has no artificial additives.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Put mayonnaise and sour cream together and blend
2. Add buttermilk until you get desired consistency
3. Add seasoning, chives and garlic
4. Chill 30 minutes prior to serving

Creamy Caesar Dressing

Rich and garlicky, this dressing makes any salad a restaurant meal.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk mayonnaise and lemon juice
2. Add garlic, Worcestershire, salt and pepper
3. Fold in Parmesan cheese
4. Thin with water if too thick

International Salad Dressing Recipes

Asian Sesame Ginger Dressing

This dressing is perfect on mixed green salads and cabbage slaws.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Put everything in a jar
2. Shake until honey is dissolved
3. Allow flavors to combine
4. Shake again before using

Greek Lemon Oregano Dressing

Take your palate to the Mediterranean with this sunny, herby dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper
2. Add olive oil and oregano
3. Whisk until well combined
4. Perfect on Greek salads containing feta cheese

Healthy and Special Diet Options

Avocado Lime Dressing

Dairy-free and creamy, this dressing is ideal for vegan and keto diets.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth
2. Add more water to thin if needed
3. Best color and flavor within 2 days

Tahini Lemon Dressing

Full of Middle Eastern flavors, and rich in healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Whisk tahini until smooth
2. Add water and lemon juice slowly
3. Stir in oil, garlic, and salt
4. Delicious on grain and roasted vegetable salads

Fruity and Sweet Dressing Ideas

Honey Mustard Dressing

Sweet and tangy come together in this crowd-winning dish.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Whisk mustard, honey and vinegar
2. Add oil slowly while whisking
3. Season with salt
4. Great on spinach salads with nuts and fruit

Strawberry Vinaigrette

This is a dressing that can be used on spring and summer salads.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh hulled strawberries
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Puree the strawberries
2. Add vinegar and honey
3. Blend slowly while adding oil
4. Strain if you wish a smooth texture

Storage and Shelf Life Tips

Proper Storage Methods

Homemade salad dressing recipes can be stored properly when kept correctly. Clean glass jars or airtight containers are to be used. Store dressings in the fridge.

How Long Do They Last?

• Oil-based dressings: 1-2 weeks
• Creamy dressings: 3-5 days
• Fresh herb dressings: 5-7 days
• Fruit-based dressings: 2-3 days

Signs It’s Time to Toss

Discard dressings that smell off, have mold or are completely separated. Oil-based dressings naturally separate, so shake them. However, when they refuse to recombine, it is time to make another batch.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

My Dressing Won’t Emulsify

Add mustard or egg yolk as an emulsifier. These components help oil and vinegar to remain in a mixture. Start with small portions and shake well.

It Tastes Too Acidic

Balance the acid with a pinch of sugar, honey, or maple syrup. More oil may be added to dilute the vinegar or lemon juice too.

The Flavor Is Too Bland

Add salt first, then add acid or spices. Herbs are always good to add flavor. Give dressings 15-30 minutes to develop taste.

It’s Too Thick or Too Thin

For thick dressings, add water, milk or extra oil. For thin dressings, add more mayonnaise, yogurt or let some liquid evaporate by leaving the lid off.

How to Save Money on Homemade Dressing

Buy Ingredients in Bulk

Buy oils, vinegars and spices in larger quantities. They have a long shelf life and when purchased in large quantities cost less per ounce.

Use What You Have

Most homemade salad dressing recipes can use substitute ingredients. No Dijon mustard? Use yellow mustard. Out of balsamic? Use red wine vinegar with a little honey.

Make Double Batches

Most of the recipes can be doubled. Additional dressing will promote greater consumption of salads and will save preparation time during busy weeks.

Grow Your Own Herbs

Fresh herbs can be expensive at the store. A small herb garden serves as a source of dressing ingredients all season long. For more healthy recipe ideas and tips on growing your own ingredients, check out our comprehensive guides at FitFuel Blog.

Creative Ideas for Using Homemade Dressings

Beyond Salad Greens

Use these dressings as chicken marinades, drizzles over roasted vegetables or dips for fresh vegetables. Ranch makes a good veggie dip. Vinaigrettes serve very well as marinades.

Grain Bowl Toppers

Splash homemade dressings onto quinoa, rice bowls or pasta salads. They provide flavor and moisture to grain meals.

Sandwich Spreads

Creamy dressings work as sandwich spreads. Use avocado lime dressing on turkey sandwiches or Caesar dressing on chicken sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make salad dressing without oil?

Yes! Oil-free dressings can be made using Greek yogurt, avocado or tahini as a base. Add spices, herbs and citrus juice. These alternatives are lower in calories but still creamy and satisfying.

How can I make my dressing less oily?

Use the ratio of oil to acid at 3:1, and adjust to taste. Some people prefer a 2:1 ratio for lighter dressings. You can also replace some of the oil with water or broth.

Can I freeze homemade salad dressing?

Oil-based dressings cannot be frozen since they become separated. Dairy-based creamy dressings will curdle when frozen. They are better prepared fresh on demand rather than frozen.

Which is the best oil to use in making dressings?

Extra virgin olive oil works best for most dressings. For neutral flavor, use avocado oil or light olive oil. Use oils with intense flavor only when the recipe calls for it.

How can I make my dressing more flavorful?

Allow dressings to rest at least 15 minutes prior to serving. This enables flavors to mix and develop. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, and feel free to taste and adjust seasonings.

Can I make dressings in advance?

Homemade salad dressing recipes are better when left to sit a few hours or overnight. The flavors are given time to blend. It’s preferable to make them a day or two in advance.

According to the Mayo Clinic, making your own salad dressings allows you to control sodium content and avoid unnecessary additives found in commercial varieties.

Start Making Better Salads Today

Making your own salad dressing recipes transforms ordinary salads into exciting meals. Restaurant quality dressings can be created using simple ingredients and techniques in your own kitchen.

Begin with one or two of your favorite recipes. Once you have the basics down, you can experiment with flavors and ingredients. You will find yourself wondering why you ever bought bottled dressings.

Your salads will taste fresher, your wallet will be thankful and you will know exactly what is in each drop. Homemade dressing is the key to having salads that you actually crave. From classics to creamy favorites, and international options to healthy alternatives.

You should have a variety of different styles so that you never get tired of the same one. These recipes and tips will help you make delicious, health-conscious dressings that will make every salad special.