How to Make Salad Dressing

You’re in control with homemade dressings – from taste and texture to the very ingredients you use. Get ready to discover the art of making the perfect salad dressing.

Why Make Homemade Salad Dressings?

While our salads primarily showcase fresh greens and vibrant veggies, it’s the dressing that subtly shines and ties everything together. If you’ve been reaching for that store-bought bottle out of convenience, we get it. 

But trust us, once you dip your toes into the world of homemade salad dressings, there’s no turning back.

You get to experiment with flavours until you hit your “aha!” moment and gain control over what’s drizzling onto your dish. No more unpronounceable ingredients or wondering about preservatives. 

Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about whisking together your concoction, tasting it, and thinking, “Yep, I made that!”

Here are some undeniable reasons why homemade salad dressings are the way to go.

Freshness is unbeatable: When crafting your dressing from scratch, there’s a vibrancy and zest that just can’t be bottled. Fresh ingredients sing, bringing out the natural flavours of your salad components.

Taking charge of ingredients: Ever glanced at a dressing label and raised an eyebrow at those lengthy ingredient lists? Making your own means full transparency. No hidden sugars, no additives you can’t pronounce—just pure flavour.

Unleash your inner chef: Homemade dressings are your canvas, letting you play with ingredients and ratios until you strike gold. There’s an undeniable thrill in discovering a combination that makes your tastebuds dance.

Economical and Eco-friendly: Often, making dressings at home can be kinder to your wallet. Plus, many salad dressing recipes can be made and stored in a reusable mason jar. Think of the bottles you’re saving from ending up in the landfill!

In the realm of salads, dressings might often be overlooked. However, with the right focus, they can elevate the entire dish. If you’re curious about putting together a salad to complement these dressings, check out our guide on How to Make a Salad.

The Components of Salad Dressings

When constructing the ideal salad dressing, understanding the key components can be the difference between an average drizzle and a memorable culinary experience. Here’s a breakdown of the individual components that form the best salad dressings:

Oil (fat) – the silky base: This is usually the primary ingredient in many dressings. Common choices include olive oil, avocado oil, walnut oil, sesame oil, and grapeseed oil. 

The type of oil can significantly influence the flavour and consistency of the dressing. We always recommend good quality varieties as this component forms the base of most salad dressings.

Acids – the tangy counterpart: This component adds brightness and tanginess to the dressing and is pivotal in balancing the dressing’s profile.

Common acidic ingredients include different types of vinegar (like balsamic, apple cider, and red wine vinegar) and citrus juices (like lemon, lime, or orange juice).

Sweetener – the balancer: While not always used, a sweet component can help balance out the tanginess of the acid. Common sweeteners include honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, and granulated sugar.

Emulsifiers –  the binding agents: These help stabilise the dressing, ensuring the oil and vinegar (or other acidic ingredients) don’t separate. Common emulsifiers include mustard, egg yolks, and mayonnaise.

Seasonings – the flavour enhancers: Think of these as the finishing touch. This includes salt, pepper, and other spices or herbs to enhance the flavour.

Garlic, onion powder, oregano, basil, and tarragon are just a few examples of seasonings that might be used. We love infusing some character into our dressings!

Aromatics and flavour enhancers – depth and complexity: Minced garlic, shallots or a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce can elevate a dressing from good to gourmet. These additions deepen the flavour.

Creamy elements – for a lush touch: To make a creamy dressing, add ingredients such as yoghurt, mayonnaise, buttermilk, or sour cream to achieve a rich texture and taste.

Thickening agents – perfecting the consistency: Some dressings may use ingredients to adjust the consistency. This can include ingredients like tahini, pureed fruits or vegetables, or even gelatin in some cases.

Extras – the personal signature: Be it a sprinkle of grated parmesan, a handful of toasted nuts, or bursts of berries, these are what make a dressing uniquely yours.

Each dressing can be a simple mix of just a few of these components or a more intricate blend of several. The ratio and combination of these components give each dressing its unique flavour and character. 

So, the next time you whisk up a salad dressing, remember each component’s role and the magic they collectively bring to the table.

Types of Dressings

Vinaigrettes: A vinaigrette is an emulsion of oil and acid, typically vinegar or citrus juice. Here’s how to make it: 

• Basic Formula: 3 parts oil to 1 part acid.
• Variations: Add herbs for flavour, switch between oils for a twist, or introduce a touch of sweetness with honey or agave.
• Pairing Tips: Best with leafy greens, crunchy veggies, and salads with fruits. Its light nature doesn’t overpower the ingredients. 
• Popular variations include a balsamic vinaigrette, a Dijon mustard vinaigrette, and an oregano vinaigrette.

Creamy Dressings: These dressings offer a fuller, more luxurious flavour profile.

• Base Ingredients: Yoghurt for tang, mayo for smoothness, or buttermilk for a rustic touch.
• Mixing Tip: Start with a base, then layer with herbs, spices, or even fruit purees for added depth.
• Pairing Tips: Works well with robust greens like kale, salads with grains like this barley and freekeh salad, or ones that have heavier ingredients like chicken or pasta.
• Popular creamy salad dressing recipes include creamy garlic dressing, green goddess dressing, and sriracha aioli.

Global Dressing Favourites: Broaden your salad horizons with inspirations from around the world:

• Asian spicy peanut dressing: Nutty and aromatic, great for salads with grilled meats.
• Italian dressing: A zesty blend of herbs, vinegar, and olive oil, is celebrated worldwide for its robust flavours and versatility in salads and marinades.
• French Roquefort: Cheese-based, tangy, perfect for salads with nuts and apples.
• Middle Eastern Tahini Dressings: Something like a tahini maple syrup dressing is earthy, versatile and pairs well with salads having grains or roasted veggies.

Mix and Match Flavours: Creating a new dressing is pretty easy. Start with a base (oil or creamy), add an acid, and then experiment with flavours. Even a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and some apple cider vinegar can transform a typical mayo coleslaw dressing into something exceptional!

Tip: Always taste as you mix, adjusting for balance. Keep notes of what works!

Remember, the right dressing not only adds flavour but also complements the textures and ingredients of your salad. With these basics on how to make salad dressings, you can make every salad a standout dish.

Now, create your own or try one from our extensive list of salad dressing recipes!

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