Take your salads to the next level with this simple, homemade Salad Dressing. It's packed with flavor, blending olive oil, Dijon mustard, and your choice of lemon juice or vinegar, seasoned with classic herbs and spices. Ready in just 10 minutes, this dressing is perfect for any salad.
What You’ll Find On This Page
This dressing isn't just tasty—it's a game-changer for your meals, adding a gourmet touch with minimal effort. Make this for lunch or dinner and enjoy the fresh, homemade upgrade using simple ingredients from your kitchen.
Discover a World of Salad Recipes:
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For making this homemade Salad Dressing, you'll likely have the ingredients you need right in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil: The foundation of our dressing, offering a smooth, rich base with fruity and peppery notes.
- Dijon Mustard: Brings a subtle tang and a hint of spice, helping to emulsify and blend the dressing beautifully.
- Honey: Softens the acidity of the lemon with its natural sweetness, creating a perfect balance.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed to add a zesty, refreshing burst of citrus.
- Garlic: Infuses the dressing with bold, savory flavors and aromatic depth.
- Chili Flakes and Black Pepper: These spices add gentle heat and a lively peppery zing, elevating the flavors.
- Dried Herbs (Oregano, Basil, Parsley Leaves): Each herb adds its unique touch—oregano brings robustness, basil offers a sweet aroma, and parsley provides a burst of fresh greenery, together forming a complex, herbaceous blend.
How to Make Salad Dressing at Home?
Ready to transform your salads? Follow our step-by-step photos and video to easily whip up this flavorful homemade dressing. Here’s how to do it and take your meals to the next level!
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Salad Dressing
Elevate your salads with this light, homemade dressing. It blends the smoothness of olive oil with the tang of Dijon mustard and lemon juice, bringing a burst of flavor to any salad. Simple and effective, this dressing makes your everyday salads a great side for lunch or dinner.
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Ingredients
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- 1½ tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Honey, or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Garlic, grated or garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice, vinegar
- ¼ tsp Dried Oregano
- ¼ tsp Dried Basil
- ¼ tsp Dried Parsley
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Making Salad Dressing
- In a bowl, add all the ingredients listed in the ingredients section above.
- Use a whisk or a fork to blend the ingredients vigorously. This helps breaks down the oil and integrates it smoothly with the other elements, preventing the dressing from separating.
Using
- Drizzle this homemade Salad Dressing over your favorite salads to enhance their flavors. For more pairing ideas, be sure to check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
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Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are my tips to enhance the versatility and appeal of your homemade salad dressing:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since the dressing is simple, using high-quality olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and organic honey can significantly improve the taste.
- Balance the Flavors: This recipe gives a well-rounded flavor profile, but you can customize it to your taste. Start by adding small amounts of honey, lemon juice, and spices, tasting as you adjust. This approach helps you gradually achieve the perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and savory depth according to your preference.
- Garlic & Heat: Start with a small amount of minced or crushed garlic and a pinch of chili flakes, then adjust according to your preference. This approach lets you finely tune the garlic intensity and spice level to make sure the dressing suits both mild and bold palates.
- Thorough Whisking: Use a whisk or a fork to blend the ingredients vigorously. This helps breaks down the oil and integrates it smoothly with the other elements, preventing the dressing from separating.
- Temperature & Shaking Techniques: If your dressing has been refrigerated, allow it to reach room temperature before serving to ensure smooth pouring, as some oils may solidify when cold. If the dressing separates over time, give it a good shake or a quick whisk to reincorporate the ingredients for optimal flavor.
- Healthier Alternatives: For a lower calorie option, substitute part of the olive oil with water or use a vinegar with lower acidity like apple cider vinegar, which also adds health benefits.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 53IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
This versatile, all-purpose Salad Dressing pairs wonderfully with a variety of salads. Here are some salad combinations that really work with this dressing:
- Greek Salad: This dressing brings a tangy Mediterranean flavor to a mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, red onions, and greens.
- Cobb Salad: It's perfect for a hearty salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, bacon, eggs, and blue cheese, adding depth to the robust flavors.
- Caesar Salad: Enhance the classic romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan combination with this creamy, garlicky, and tangy dressing.
- Pasta Salad: Add a zesty twist to pasta tossed with veggies, olives, and cheese – great for picnics.
- Fruit Salad: Drizzle it over a refreshing mix of strawberries, melon, and citrus to bring out the sweet and tangy notes, making a delightful snack or dessert.
- Roasted Vegetable Salad: Drizzle it over roasted carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes for a rich flavor enhancement.
- Chickpea Salad: Toss chickpeas with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. The dressing adds a zesty flavor that enhances the chickpeas' earthiness.
- Quinoa Salad: Elevate a quinoa salad mixed with roasted vegetables, nuts, and dried cranberries. This dressing will add a tangy contrast to the sweet and earthy flavors.
- Asian Style Slaw: Use the dressing on a slaw made with cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian twist.
Storage Suggestions
To keep your Salad Dressing fresh and flavorful, follow these simple tips:
- Store & Refrigerate Immediately: To protect the dressing from air exposure and maintain its quality, seal it in an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. This helps keep it fresh and safe for up to two weeks.
- Opt for Longer-Lasting Ingredients: For an extended shelf life, use vinegar instead of lemon juice and garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. These substitutions help preserve the dressing longer without losing flavor.
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