15 Simple and Healthy Salad Dressings You Can Make at Home

Making your own salad dressing at home is a great way to keep things fresh, healthy, and super tasty. Store-bought dressings are often loaded with extra sugars, unhealthy oils, and preservatives, but when you whip up your own, you’re in control of everything that goes into it. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy! Whether you want something light and tangy or creamy and rich, there’s a dressing here that will elevate any salad.

Lemon Vinaigrette

This light and tangy dressing combines 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Mix in a small bowl, add salt and pepper to taste, and whisk until well combined. For a hint of sweetness, add 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup. Adjust the ratio of oil to lemon juice to balance the acidity. This dressing pairs well with green leafy salads and grilled vegetables. It stores well in the fridge for up to a week.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar with 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Whisk in a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon honey to add a subtle sweetness. The balsamic vinegar offers a rich, tangy flavor that complements Mediterranean-style salads. This dressing works well with fresh greens, nuts, and cheeses. Whisk thoroughly to emulsify, and adjust the seasoning as needed. Store in the fridge and shake before each use.

Greek Yogurt Ranch

For a creamy, healthy twist on ranch, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and fresh dill or parsley. Add a dash of salt and pepper, then whisk until smooth. Thin the dressing with a tablespoon of water or milk if necessary. This dressing is a great alternative to traditional ranch, offering a boost of protein and probiotics. It complements chopped salads or can be used as a dip for veggies.

Honey Mustard

Whisk together 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. The result is a tangy, sweet dressing perfect for spinach salads or drizzled over grilled chicken. Adjust the honey to your desired sweetness. It’s easy to make and stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Stir or shake before each use.

Tahini Dressing

Mix 1/4 cup tahini with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 teaspoons maple syrup. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The tahini gives this dressing a creamy, nutty flavor, making it ideal for grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or salads with hearty greens. It can also double as a dip for pita or falafel. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Cilantro Lime

Blend together 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1 garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. The result is a fresh, citrusy dressing that pairs well with taco salads or Mexican-style dishes. Adjust the lime and cilantro based on your preference for tanginess and herb intensity. This dressing is light and refreshing, making it ideal for summer salads. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Whisk 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard with 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. This dressing balances sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for salads with nuts, fruits, or roasted vegetables. It’s a versatile dressing that adds depth to simple greens. Store in an airtight container and shake well before using. It lasts up to a week in the fridge.

Avocado Dressing

Mash 1 ripe avocado and mix it with 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro for a zesty, creamy dressing. This avocado dressing is rich in healthy fats and pairs perfectly with taco salads or as a topping for grilled meats. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables. Keep it refrigerated and use within 2 days to avoid browning.

Apple Cider Vinegar Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk thoroughly. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick and has health benefits like aiding digestion. This vinaigrette works well with kale or mixed green salads. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by altering the honey and vinegar ratio. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Pesto Dressing

Blend 1/4 cup basil pesto with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is rich in flavor, thanks to the fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil in the pesto. It’s ideal for tomato and mozzarella salads or drizzled over grilled vegetables. The lemon juice brightens the dressing, making it a versatile option. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days and shake before each use.

Ginger Sesame Dressing

Combine 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and 1 teaspoon honey. Whisk together until smooth and emulsified. This dressing has a savory, umami flavor with a touch of sweetness from the honey. It’s perfect for Asian-style salads with cabbage, carrots, and greens or as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu. The sesame oil adds a rich, nutty undertone that complements the ginger. Store in the fridge and use within 5 days.

Garlic Herb Vinaigrette

Whisk together 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. This simple yet flavorful dressing is versatile and works well with almost any salad, particularly Mediterranean-style ones. The garlic adds a nice punch, while the oregano brings a herbaceous flavor that balances the acidity of the vinegar. Adjust the garlic to your preference for a stronger or milder flavor. Shake well before each use and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Creamy Caesar Dressing

In a bowl, whisk 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, and 1 minced garlic clove. Gradually add 2 tablespoons olive oil while whisking until smooth. This healthier take on Caesar dressing is creamy and tangy with a rich flavor from the Parmesan and garlic. Use it on a classic Caesar salad or drizzle over roasted vegetables. It’s much lighter than traditional Caesar dressing and can be stored for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Spicy Cilantro Lime

Blend 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1 garlic clove, and 1 small jalapeño for heat. Season with salt and pepper. This spicy dressing is perfect for taco salads or as a marinade for grilled shrimp or chicken. The jalapeño adds a bit of heat, while the cilantro and lime create a fresh and zesty flavor. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days and shake well before using.

Basil Lemon Vinaigrette

Blend 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This vibrant, herbaceous dressing is perfect for summer salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella. The fresh basil and lemon juice provide a burst of flavor, while the olive oil balances the acidity. It’s a great dressing for light, fresh salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days and shake before using.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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