How To Make A Simple Salad Dressing For Any Occasion

Salad dressing tastes great. It can add flavor, texture, and pizzazz to liven up any salad.  But homemade salad dressing is even better because it’s fresh, cost-effective, and can be made using a few ingredients. Making a simple salad dressing isn’t hard—just follow the steps below to build your own salad dressing using as little as four ingredients. 

Step 1: Pick Your Base: 

Plant-based oil, greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and sour cream can all be used as a base to DIY your salad dressing. If you prefer a light dressing, such as a vinaigrette, opt for a high-quality oil, such as olive or avocado. Take your pick of greek yogurt, mayonnaise, or sour cream for a creamier option. 

 

Step 2: Add an Acid: 

Vinegar, lemon or orange juice are necessary acids that cut the thickness of your base. Opt for red wine, apple cider, or balsamic vinegar if you use vinegar. Distilled vinegar may be a common household staple, but it is too sour for a salad dressing recipe. Orange juice is reserved for a sweeter or fruity dressing, but if you’re unsure which acid to choose, pick lemon juice. It can flatter any base and promises a light and tangy taste. 

 

Step 3: Stir in a Sweetener: 

Stirring in a sweetener is optional. But adding a little honey, maple syrup, or agave can balance the acidity. If your salad contains strawberries, raisins, or fresh or dried fruits, plan to skip this step. You want your salad to be sweet, but not too sweet. 

 

Step 4: Flavor Enhancers: 

Herbs, spices, salt, and pepper can accentuate the flavor profile of any dish. Adding these flavor enhancers to your salad dressing is easy, but add them slowly. Adding small increments at a time and tasting as you go will ensure you don’t ruin a perfectly good dressing.

Start with the following fresh or dried herbs and/or spices:

• Basil: sweet and savory flavor with hints of mint and pepper.
• Parsley: celery-like flavor.
• Paprika: sweeter and cooler than chili peppers.
• Chili Flakes: rich and spicy in flavor.
• Poppy Seed: slight nutty flavor. 

 

The Bottom Line:

Experimenting with making your own salad dressing will allow you to learn what combinations and ratios of ingredients you like best. After you figure this out, store your culinary creation in the refrigerator in a closed mason jar for up to two weeks. 

Have you made salad dressing before?  Share with us in the comments section your go-to DIY salad dressing.