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From classics like ranch, to amped-up sauces like pesto, there are so many homemade salad dressing recipes for you in this collection!
Always Better Than Store-bought!
Store-bought salad dressings are always a convenient way to go, but have you ever made homemade salad dressing recipes?? The flavor is SO much better, and they’re simple to put together! With these homemade dressings your salad never tasted so good!
- For salad dressing tips & tricks, scroll to the bottom of this post!
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Best salad dressing recipes
From Greek Dressing to creamy Homemade Ranch Dressing, there is a dressing for every salad!
Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
Delicious homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is made in minutes and is better than any store bought version!
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Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe
This simple creamy pesto dressing is delicious on any salad! Plus, it only requires 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make.
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Cafe Rio Dressing
This homemade Café Rio dressing is creamy, flavorful, and has a perfect hint of spice—just like the original!
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Taco Salad Dressing
Creamy taco salad dressing has the perfect amount of spice but can be adjusted to your liking. It's perfect for any Mexican dish!
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Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
Cilantro lime vinaigrette is light and refreshing. The lime adds a brightness and cilantro a flair of flavor!
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Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
Whip up a tasty caesar salad dressing recipe in minutes with just a few ingredients. It will become your new go-to for salads!
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Cilantro Lime Dressing
With fresh herbs and a hint of spice, cilantro lime dressing can be used to dress salads and Mexican dishes, or marinate meat and veggies!
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Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Quick and simple, this Strawberry Vinaigrette is delicious. It's sweet, tart, and goes wonderfully on top of a bed of greens.
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Greek Dressing Recipe
Flavorful homemade Greek dressing is perfect for salads and marinades! It comes together quickly with only a handful of ingredients.
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Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is one of the heartiest, most delicious salad recipes you'll try! With greens, fruits, nuts, and a tangy dressing, it's a real winner.
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Chipotle Ranch
This thick and creamy chipotle ranch has a splash of citrus and just the right amount of kick for all of your spicy dipping needs.
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FAQS
What Are the most common types of dressings?
- Vinaigrettes. Typically oil and vinegar (balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sherry vinegar, white wine vinegar), or lemon juice, is used as the base with herbs, spices, and fruits being added to season it. They tend to be a healthier choice because they don’t have the added sugar and fat from dairy.
- Creamy. Often made with a base of mayonnaise or dairy such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk, or sour cream.
- Cooked dressing. These are typically creamy and are gently heated with egg yolks used to thicken the dressing.
How to make dressings healthier?
- When making a cream-based dressing, try using low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk or heavy cream. Sweeten dressings up with a bit of honey instead of using added sugar.
How can I add more Flavor?
- Zest it. Many dressings call for citrus juice. Elevate the flavor by adding in the citrus zest as well. Use this How to Zest a Lemon post for tips.
- Oils. The better the quality of the oil, the better the dressing will be. I recommend using extra virgin olive oil.
- Herbs. Fresh herbs bring the best flavor, but dried herbs are easy and convenient. If using dried herbs, let the dressing rest for 5-10 minutes to soften the herbs and let the flavors mix.
- Increase or decrease the amounts to taste. Try parsley, dill, chives, garlic salt, ginger, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and onion salt.
Can I leave out the oil?
- Oil-free. Substitute the oil using cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water.
- In a small saucepan, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of water.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat. Mix until thickened. Cool.
- Use this mixture as an even 1:1 substitute for oil.
What else can I use Salad dressings for?
Dressings can be used to flavor many other dishes as well.
- They make a great marinade for steak and chicken.
- Brush over skewers headed for the grill.
- Flavor-cooked pasta.
- Toss with potato cubes and then roast.
- Dip for vegetables and appetizers like this Fried Zucchini.
- Condiment for burgers, wraps, and sandwiches.
- Spread over burritos or tacos.
For More Salad Recipes:
Southwest Salad
15 mins
Cobb Salad
15 mins
Chicken Caesar Salad
45 mins
Strawberry Spinach Salad
1 hr 15 mins
