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12 essential salad dressings

August 7, 2019 by Lovoni +

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Making a salad dressing is one of the easiest skills you can have in your culinary repertoire. With many dressings the ingredients are dumped into a jar & shaken until emulsified. To create one of these dressings takes about five minutes start to finish. For some dressings I might use a small blender but that’s little more taxing than the jar method & really, the blender is doing all your work. Whatever salad you’re hankering for, there’s a dressing here that’ll complement: blended, creamy, fruity & vinaigrettes. Take your pic but here are what I deem the 12 essential salad dressings:

12 essential salad dressings - blended

Let’s start with blended dressings, named such because they use a small blender or an immersion blended to process all the ingredients into a silky-smooth dressing. It’s important to note with blended salad dressings to not use extra virgin olive oil, or, if you do, stir it in after the other ingredients are blended. Olive oil becomes bitter with mechanical processing such as a blender or food processor.

12 essential salad dressings - blended

BLENDED DRESSINGS

  • ginger sesame dressing
  • 1/3 cup peanut oil (or canola oil)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
  • pinch of salt & pepper
  • Place all ingredients in a blender & blend until smooth. Cover & set aside in the fridge until ready to use. Or use an immersion blender. Makes about 2/3 cup.
  • caesar dressing
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup canola oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 3 anchovies, drained, optional
  • 1 fat garlic clove
  • pinch of freshly ground pepper
  • In small food processor, process all dressing ingredients until smooth. Cover & set aside in the fridge until ready to use. Or use an immersion blender. Makes about 1 cup.
  • creamy chipotle
  • 1/2 cup plain Yogurt
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • pinch of salt & pepper
  • pinch of sugar
  • In small food processor, process all dressing ingredients until smooth. Cover & set aside in the fridge until read to use. Or use an immersion blender. Makes about 2/3 cup.
12 essential salad dressings - creamy

Creamy dressings don’t require a blender, perhaps a whisk & a bowl. Or as is the case with the blue cheese dressing – a saucepan. Creamy dressings can also do double-duty as veggie dips.

CREAMY DRESSINGS

  • sriracha coleslaw
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 2 teasoons sriracha
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • pinch salt & pepper
  • Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Makes  about 2/3 cup.
  • blue cheese dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 5 oz crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • pinch salt & pepper
  • Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium heat until the cheese is melted & dressing is smooth. Makes 3/4 cup.
  • herb yogurt
  • 2/3 cup plain full-fat yogurt
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons snipped chives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • pinch of salt & pepper
  • Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Makes  about 3/4 cup.
12 essential salad dressings - fruity

Fruity dressings – as the name implies, has one or two fruits as a flavor base. Berries, pomegranate, citrus, stone fruit, pineapple, mango, even dried fruit can be used as flavoring. Change these up as you see fit: mango & basil would be a lovely combination but so would mango & mint. Orange Tahini could become pomegranate yogurt. Peanut Lime dressing could morph into almond apricot. You’re only limited by your imagination but as these are what I consider essential salad dressings as in – they will accompany any & all salads, this is a good place to start if you’re more a bottled dressing user – no judgement here.

FRUITY

  • raspberry basil
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine or raspberry vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons raspberry jam
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped basil leaves
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • pinch of salt & pepper
  • Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Makes about 1/2 cup.
  • orange tahini
  • 1/4 cup tahini paste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • pinch of salt & pepper
  • Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Makes about 2/3 cup.
  • peanut lime
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Makes about 2/3 cup.
12 essential salad dressings - vinaigrettes

Vinaigrettes are the most common dressings. Called such because they’re essentially an oil & vinegar base with flavorings added (or not). A vinaigrette can be as simple as balsamic vinegar & extra virgin olive oil drizzled over some baby greens. These vinaigrettes – balsamic, Greek & honey mustard are fairly bog standard but a good place to start.

VINAIGRETTES

  • balsamic
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (red pepper flakes)
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • pinch salt & pepper
  • Put all ingredients in a screw-top jar & shake vigorously to combine. Makes about 1/2 cup.
  • greek
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • pinch salt & pepper
  • Put all ingredients in a screw-top jar & shake vigorously to combine. Makes about 2/3 cup.
  • honey mustard
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  •  2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons snipped chives
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • pinch salt & pepper
  • Put all ingredients in a screw-top jar & shake vigorously to combine. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Bottled dressings are handy, but read the labels. The majority contain a lofty list of ingredients to keep the dressing from separating, or to help thicken it, or preserve it, enhance the dressing’s flavor…you don’t need any of that crap. The few minutes it takes to make a dressing is worth it. It’s the easiest thing to do & once you’ve mastered the 12 essential salad dressings then it’s unlimited the flavors you can combine. Save the the store-bought stuff for camping & inflight plane meals, make your own dressing. Cheers for now, Lovoni xo

Take a look at our salads – we have pages of delicious salads including Simmer Side Salad makeovers 1 & 2.

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Filed Under: Condiments & Dressings, Fast & Fresh, featured, Salads Tagged With: creamy dressing caesar dressing, homemade salad dressing, salad dressing, vinaigrette

hello there...

I'm Lovoni - an Aussie living abroad for the last 21 years. Working in food media, I'm a cookbook author; food stylist; cookery teacher & I had a TV food show when I lived in Canada. As a certified nutritionist I believe in nourishment not punishment & love pastry, good wine & afternoon teas. Full of wanderlust, I'm always on the lookout for my next adventure...

Read more...

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And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

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#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
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#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
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#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

.
.
.
.
#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
.
.
.
.
.
#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
.
.
.
.
.
.
#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

.
.
.
.
#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
.
.
.
.
.
#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
.
.
.
.
.
.
#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever

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