Do you generally reach for the nearest bottle of salad dressing when it comes to your salads? Why not consider making your own? Not only will it save you some money, but you can also reclaim some of that fridge/pantry space that those bottles are currently occupying! And dressings are so easy to make too (almost as quick as shaking the bottle) that you really should give it a go. So Dress to Impress with these 8 Amazing Salad Dressings.
Easy Salad Dressings
Knowing that salad dressings are mostly about sweet and sour, means that making homemade salads dressings is really not that difficult. And you don’t need fancy equipment either – a mixing bowl and whisk will suffice in most cases. A food processor or blender is useful when making creamier or thicker dressings.
#1. Summer Salad Dressing with a Kick!
Spice up a simple chunky tomato, pepper, cucumber and onion salad with some punchy dressing, which works perfectly with the coolness of the tomatoes and cucumber.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of hot sauce e.g. Tabasco
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
- Pinch of brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Method:
- Place all ingredients except olive oil in a bowl and mix
- Slowly whisk in olive oil and combine well
- Pour dressing over salad and enjoy!
For some extra heat, you could add some chilli flakes.
#2. Apple and Bacon Salad with a Farmhouse Cheese Dressing
This refreshing salad combines lettuce with softened apple and salty bacon all dressed in a tasty warm cheesy dressing!
#3. Spinach and Orange Salad Dressing
If you’ve never combined juicy oranges with fresh baby spinach leaves, then you’re truly missing out.
This Spinach & Orange salad is one of my favourites, and the dressing is super easy to make too, using orange juice combined with honey and garlic. Yummy!
#4. Mango Salad Dressing
This Mango Dressing combines fresh mango, with basil leaves and scallions/spring onions, and works well with any green salad.
It is also be super tasty on chargrilled/roast chicken or fish.
#5. Shirazi Salad
For a refreshing summer salad, try this tasty Iranian Shirazi Salad which works well with any meat or fish dish or on it own.
Using cucumber, tomatoes and red onion, the dressing is simply made from olive oil, lemon and the Middle Eastern spice sumac. Add some pomegranate seeds for extra colour and bite.
#6. Classic Nicoise Salad Dressing
A Nicoise salad makes a perfect dinner idea in summer, using eggs, potatoes and tuna with olives, tomatoes and leaves. This recipe uses some finely chopped basil and mayonnaise added to the oil/vinegar mix for a tasty, rich dressing. This would work well with avocado or chicken also. And if you don’t like anchovies, just leave them out, or fry up some chopped bacon as an alternative.
Don’t Miss…
Are you looking for some quick and easy snacks the whole family will enjoy? Crackers are perfect for snack times in busy households or as lunchbox fillers – but what can you add on top? These ideas for easy, tasty toppings for crackers will satisfy hungry tums!
#7. Quick Japanese Carrot and Ginger Salad Dressing
We love the sound of this Japanese Carrot-Ginger Dressing which takes no more than 10 mins to make and will last in the fridge for up to a week. This would be great on any mixed salad.
#8. Homemade Harissa Dressing
Make your own homemade harissa dressing using roasted red peppers, to use on barbecued meats or fish, or to pop on top of a simple tomato, cucumber and green salad. The heat comes from the chillies so you can add more/less depending on your preference.
About the Author: jenniferb
