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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!

A collage of homemade salad dressing recipes.

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!

Best salad dressing recipes

From Greek Dressing to creamy Homemade Ranch Dressing, there is a dressing for every salad!

1 Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

Dressing Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 61 votes
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2 Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe

Dressing Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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3 Cafe Rio Dressing Recipe

Dressing Cafe Rio Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.88 from 50 votes
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4 Taco Salad Dressing

Dressing, Salad Taco Salad Dressing
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.95 from 34 votes
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5 Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

Salad Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
Total Time: 8 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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6 Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Dressing, Salad Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 18 votes
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7 Cilantro Lime Dressing

Appetizer, Salad Cilantro Lime Dressing
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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8 Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Salad Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 45 votes
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9 Greek Dressing Recipe

Dressing, Salad Greek Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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10 Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken Berry Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Salad Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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11 Chipotle Ranch

Dressing Chipotle Ranch
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 13 votes
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FAQS

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 

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:

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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