Are you tired of the same old boring salad dressings? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 delicious and healthy salad dressing recipes that are sure to elevate your salad game. From tangy vinaigrettes to creamy ranches, these unique flavors will add a fresh twist to your favorite greens.
From classic combinations like lemon garlic and balsamic honey mustard, to international inspirations such as cilantro lime and tahini maple, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for something light and zesty or rich and creamy, our collection of salad dressings has the perfect recipe for you. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and discover a world of flavors that will make your taste buds dance!
Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette
Brighten up your salads with this tangy and aromatic vinaigrette made with fresh lemons, garlic, and herbs. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner accompaniment.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Store vinaigrette in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of whisking together the ingredients.
Avocado Lime Dressing
Add a creamy and tangy twist to your salads with this Avocado Lime Dressing recipe! This refreshing condiment is perfect for warm weather, as it’s light, zesty, and packed with nutritious fats.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel the avocados and place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to the blender.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
5. Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy, ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Avocado Lime Dressing on salads, sandwiches, or as a dip!
Tahini Maple Dressing
Elevate your salads with this creamy and sweet Tahini Maple Dressing, perfect for those who love a hint of nuttiness.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add Dijon mustard and salt; blend until well combined.
4. With the blender running, slowly pour in water until desired consistency is reached (thicker for a sauce, thinner for a drizzle).
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Blend time: 2-3 minutes
Balsamic Honey Mustard Dressing
This sweet and tangy dressing is a perfect combination of flavors, combining the richness of balsamic vinegar with the warmth of honey and the spiciness of mustard.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture until it’s smooth and emulsified.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Cilantro Lime Dressing
This recipe makes a bright and tangy dressing perfect for salads, grilled meats, or as a dip for your favorite snacks. With the combination of cilantro’s herbal flavor and lime’s citrus zing, this dressing is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in the olive oil.
4. Continue blending until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and tangy Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add the buttermilk (or regular milk with vinegar) and whisk until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of whisking.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Greek yogurt ranch dressing on salads, veggies, or as a dip!
Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
This refreshing dressing adds a tangy twist to your favorite salads, perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking until fully incorporated.
3. Add salt and black pepper; whisk to combine.
4. Taste and adjust dressing as needed.
Cooking Time: None
This Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing is ready to use immediately! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy!
Ginger Sesame Dressing
This refreshing dressing combines the warmth of ginger with the nutty flavor of sesame, perfect for salads, marinades, or as a dip. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this tasty condiment in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the sesame oil. Continue blending until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Basil Pesto Dressing
Add a burst of fresh flavor to your salads with this classic Italian basil pesto dressing. Perfect for pasta, vegetables, and more.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic. Process until coarsely chopped.
2. Add Parmesan cheese and process until well combined.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Process until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Orange Turmeric Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and flavorful Orange Turmeric Dressing, perfect for adding a pop of color and zest to any dish.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Continue blending until well combined.
3. Add ground turmeric and blend for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the dressing is bright yellow and vibrant.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and store.
Herbed Buttermilk Dressing
Elevate your salads with this creamy and refreshing dressing, featuring the brightness of fresh herbs and tanginess of buttermilk. Perfect for a light lunch or as a dip for veggies.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add chopped parsley and dill, stirring until well combined.
3. Stir in Dijon mustard.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– For an extra boost of flavor, let the dressing sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the herbs to meld with the buttermilk.
– Use this dressing as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish before cooking.
Roasted Red Pepper Dressing
Roasted Red Pepper Dressing Recipe
Elevate your salads or sandwiches with this vibrant and flavorful roasted red pepper dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red bell peppers, roasted (see notes)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
4. Transfer dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes:
– To roast red bell peppers, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until skin is blistered and charred. Remove from oven and let cool. Peel off skin, discarding it, and chop flesh into pieces.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Miso Ginger Dressing
A savory and aromatic dressing that combines the umami flavor of miso with the spiciness of ginger, perfect for elevating salads and marinades.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine miso paste, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the oil through the top.
4. Continue blending until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– 30 seconds to blend
– No cooking time required
Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this sweet and tangy pomegranate vinaigrette, perfect for fall and winter seasons. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover pomegranate juice or arils.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined.
2. Slowly pour in olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture until smooth and emulsified.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None
Sunflower Seed Dressing
Sunflower Seed Dressing Recipe
Summary:
Elevate your salads with a creamy and nutty Sunflower Seed Dressing, made with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine sunflower seeds and mayonnaise. Blend until smooth.
2. Add apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time:
None! This dressing is ready to use in just a few minutes.
Notes:
This creamy dressing is perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy!
Chimichurri Dressing
This tangy and herby dressing is a staple condiment in Argentinean cuisine, perfect for marinating meats, vegetables, or serving as a dip. With its bright green color and bold flavors, chimichurri adds a burst of excitement to any dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh oregano leaves
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Process until well combined.
2. Add the red wine vinegar and pulse until well mixed.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup
Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette
Add a sweet and tangy twist to your salads with this delicious Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette. Made with fresh raspberries, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of honey, this vinaigrette is perfect for springtime salads or as a dressing for grilled meats or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the raspberries until smooth.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, mustard, and salt until well combined.
3. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in the olive oil and whisked mixture.
4. Add the chopped walnuts and blend until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: None
Cucumber Dill Dressing
This refreshing dressing is perfect for hot summer days or as a tangy accompaniment to your favorite salads. With the cooling flavor of cucumber and the brightness of fresh dill, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and seeded
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the cucumber, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and dill. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Spicy Peanut Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and spicy peanut dressing that’s perfect for a variety of greens, noodles, or as a dip. This recipe combines the richness of peanuts with the warmth of chili peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, sriracha sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding the water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Carrot Ginger Dressing
This Carrot Ginger Dressing recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with the added benefits of carrot and ginger for an extra nutritional boost. Use it as a salad dressing or as a marinade for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the grated carrots, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the minced ginger and blend until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy recipe that’s ready in just a few minutes.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your salads with these 20 refreshing and healthy salad dressing recipes! From classic vinaigrettes like Lemon Garlic and Balsamic Honey Mustard, to international-inspired flavors like Avocado Lime and Tahini Maple, there’s something for everyone. Also featured are creamy dressings like Greek Yogurt Ranch and Herbed Buttermilk, as well as bold and spicy options like Spicy Peanut and Cilantro Lime. Whether you’re in the mood for something tangy, sweet, or savory, these recipes will add a burst of flavor to your salads and keep you coming back for more!
