Basic Vinaigrette Recipe
One of the most asked questions I get from my clients is how to make your own salad dressing. The bottled dressings at the store typically contain unhealthy oils and preservatives, which many of us try to avoid. When people ask me what kind of salad dressing I buy, my answer is, “I make my own!”
It may take a little practice at first, but once you master a basic vinaigrette, you will find yourself making your own dressings on the fly and won’t even miss the store bought brands. The only exception I buy is Ranch dressing, but I don’t buy the most popular brand on the shelves. I will buy brands that don’t contain MSG or chemical ingredients. My favorite is the Ranch I buy at the local farmer’s market, which is made with fresh herbs. My kids like Ranch, but we use it sparingly. Oh, and I buy the hemp dressing from Luna’s Living Kitchen because it is clean and so delicious! Maybe one day I will figure out how to make a homemade hemp dressing and post it for you all!
Ingredients
- 2:1 ratio organic extra virgin olive oil to vinegar
- (for example, 2/3 cup oil and 1/3 cup vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard (this helps emulsify the dressing)
- 1 teaspoon honey (local preferred)
- 1 clove crushed garlic (optional)
- Fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, mint, rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar and shake until well blended.
- My favorite vinegar to use here is balsamic.
- For a Greek dressing, use red wine vinegar and add a teaspoon of dried oregano, or a tablespoon of fresh oregano.
- For a citrus dressing, use fresh lemon juice instead of vinegar, and only use 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
- For a Mexican flair, use avocado oil instead of EVOO and 1/4 cup lime juice instead of vinegar, and add a tablespoon of fresh cilantro.
- If you like a creamier salad dressing, add two tablespoons of mayonnaise, sour cream or plain greek yogurt.
- Anytime you have fresh herbs they make a nice addition to a homemade vinaigrette.
- So many options!!! Get creative, and type your favorite combination in the comments!
