I know that in most of North America, winter weather is raging right now. However, for those of us in North Florida, this past week has been a reminder of the sweltering heat of summer. I really needed something light and refreshing for supper tonight. Making a simple vinaigrette is so quick, easy, and inexpensive that I stopped buying salad dressing from the store years ago and started making this salad dressing recipe, instead. Today, I’m going to show you 2 simple dressings you can make in minutes, that can save you loads of money over time!
Love salads but want something new to change it up a bit? Check out Eva Bee’s Baked Feta and Strawberry Salad with Chicken.
Raspberry Vinaigrette
- 1 1/2 tbsp. Raspberry Jelly (jam, preserves)
- 1/4 tsp. Thyme
- 1 oz. Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Brown Mustard
- 1/4 tsp. Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Honey
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 1/2 oz Vegetable Oil
Creamy Herb Dressing
- 3 tbsp. Sour Cream
- 2 tbsp. Mayonnaise
- 1 oz. Milk
- 1/2 tsp. Tarragon
- 1 tsp Dill
- 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp. Kosher Salt
Vinaigrettes
Vinaigrettes are one of the easiest things to make. It’s a basic ratio of vinegar, oil, and whatever flavors you like.
You can substitute Balsamic vinegar for the Red Wine Vinegar, add some garlic, and you have an amazing Balsamic Vinaigrette.
The Mustard is used as an emulsifier. It helps the oil molecules, and vinegar molecules play nice together.
I think once you have the basics down, you’ll be making all sorts of homemade dressings!
The Drizzle Is Key
Start by mixing all the ingredients together, with the exception of the oil, in a small bowl.
Next, you want to slowly drizzle the oil into the mixture while rapidly stirring with a small whisk. Place a damp towel under the bowl before you do this to prevent the bowl from spinning as you whisk.
Once all the oil is in… BANG! You’re done!
How easy was that?
This salad dressing recipe makes enough for 2-3 good-sized salads and costs roughly 18 cents!
Creamy Herb Dressing
Again, this is super easy.
Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and you’re done!
This one should also dress 2-3 salads for about 25 cents.
However, making this one in advance is a good idea, as it can take some time for the herb flavors to leach into the dressing.
So mix this one up and let it hang out in the fridge for a good hour or so before serving.
Experiment with different flavors and fine-tune this easy salad dressing to something you can call your own.
Maybe skip the herbs, and add sriracha and garlic. Perhaps even some blue cheese crumbles. It’s genuinely whatever you like!
Salad Time
I don’t think you need me to explain how to make a salad, but if you do, simply get some veggies, chop ’em up and mix ’em together or buy a pre-made bag of salad mix!
I made a quick salad with my favorite veggies, some avocado, and leftover grilled chicken that I tossed with some mixed greens.
I plated mine up all fancy. I can’t help myself. My years working as a chef in fine dining make it almost impossible for me not to – and it looks nice!
Now, simply serve with easy salad dressing and enjoy!
Two Great Salad Dressing Recipes
Raspberry Vinaigrette
Equipment
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp Raspberry Jelly, Jam, or Preserves
- 1 ounce Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Thyme
- 1/4 tsp Brown Mustard
- 1/4 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Honey
- 2 1/2 ounce Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the Vegetable Oil
- slowly drizzle the Vegetable Oil while whisking rapidly
Creamy Herb Dressing
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Sour Cream
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 ounce Milk
- 1/2 tsp Tarragon
- 1 tsp Dill Weed
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl
- Best when Made ahead of time. Store in refrigerator for at least an hour before serving
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More Ideas!
Check out our Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Pitas or our Cold Carrot Salad in the Instant Pot.
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Chef Eric, Thank you so much for the great recipes. The prices now days are crazy and being able to make dressings and other things from scratch is so much better. I appreciate the great ideas!