10 Homemade Dressings That Beat Anything from the Store
Homemade salad dressings are so much easier than you think and are a great way to liven up your meals. Homemade dressings taste better and have no weird ingredients or preservatives. And with a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up dressings that taste fresher and better than the bottled ones. Whether it’s creamy, tangy, or sweet, whatever you are in the mood for, these 10 homemade dressings will take your salads, veggies, and even grilled meats to a whole new level of deliciousness.
1. Classic Vinaigrette
Classical, versatile, and flavorful vinaigrette dressing is that easy. It’s so simple, and made with nothing more than olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a mild touch of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness – it just carries in the right amount of tangy goodness to complement everything on the plate. Add herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil for another layer of flavor. Great on mixed greens and roasted vegetables, as well as a marinade for chicken. A vinaigrette dressing might be it, as it is easy to branch off into many different other dressings.
2. Creamy Caesar Dressing
A fatty, tasty, creamy choice that will fit a classic Caesar satisfying adequacy. This version of Caesar dressing – made with mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and anchovy paste -delivers the punchy umami flavor that many pre-packaged versions miss. To make it even healthier, replace the mayo with Greek yogurt (even more protein-packed and creamy). A mild touch of lemon juice or Dijon mustard creates a very refreshing and zesty salad dressing. This Caesar dressing is so much better than anything you will find in a bottle–creamy, tangy, and delightful.
3. Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic, enjoyable, tangy, and sweet dressing that can be poured over salads, roasted veggies, or grilled meats. It’s got exactly the right amount of acid and sweetness, with balsamic vinegar instead of a more astringent acidic agent like lemon juice or white wine vinegar, as well as olive oil, Dijon mustard, and just a hint of honey. Change up the taste of this all-purpose dressing with different herbs like rosemary or thyme. Balsamic vinaigrette from scratch tastes fresher and zingier than any bottle you can find, making it the perfect homemade salad dressing.
4. Honey Mustard Dressing
The honey mustard dressing is a combination of sweet and tangy to serve on green salads, roasted vegetables, or used as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders and fries. This dressing uses Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of olive oil for the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. If you like it sweeter, you can add extra honey to taste. Our honey mustard dressing is so much better than those store-bought ones, and it really packs a punch of flavor in any meal.
5. Avocado Lime Dressing
Make it a creamier, cooling option. A delicious dressing that is full of healthy fats and zesty with a hint of citrus, great for tacos, salads, or grilled chicken. It contains ripe avocado, lime juice, garlic, and just a little olive oil for its really good heart health fats. You can add a little cilantro for flavor and freshness, making it a great addition to Mexican food or anything that needs a cool, tangy offset. The vids and avocado lime dressing will be a fresher, healthier option than what you will buy in the store!!
6. Tahini Dressing
This creamy, nutty dressing adds a lovely richness and earthiness to anything it encounters. Smooth and velvety, this dressing is made by using tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil -all whisked together over low heat with a little water to thin it out: Tahini lemon is tangy and has that umami taste that makes roasted veg, grains (quinoa), and Mediterranean foods pop. You can change the flavor by using spices like cumin or paprika for a little more spice. The Homemade Tahini Dressing is far healthier and yummier than all the store-bought ones.
7. Blue Cheese Dressing
If you are in love with strong flavors, you have to try Blue Cheese! A thick, rich, tangy blue cheese dressing with creamy mayonnaise, sour cream, and crumbled blue cheese. A whisper of garlic, along with some lemon juice and a little vinegar, all in the dressing, will cut through the richness of cheese. Blue cheese dressing is a great option for salads, as well as a veggie dip or hot wing drizzle. Homemade blue cheese dressings are fresh, creamy, and made with a lot of flavor that blue cheese enthusiasts need.
8. Green Goddess Dressing
This green goddess dressing is so creamy and herbaceous, it’s just what you need to bring life back into your salad routine. A luscious, tangy sauce that mixes in Greek yogurt plus avocado + fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and tarragon to create the super velvety taste. The lemon juice also helps with the anchovies, creating a real depth of flavor in this dressing. Besides being a perfect dressing for salads, green goddess is a versatile dip for raw vegetables and a killer sauce for grilled fish.
9. Ranch Dressing
The creamy, herby flavor is fresh and cool. A classic! dressing, creamy buttermilk with sour cream and mayonnaise bring this tangy herb seasoned mix together to make everyone happy. Goes beautifully with salads, dipping fresh vegetables, or any sauce for pizza or chicken wings. Ranch made at home lets you decide what ingredients to use, resulting in a tastier, cleaner version of the old standard. Simple ingredients make this homemade ranch dressing your new best friend. You can enjoy this dressing with your favorite food.
10. Sesame Ginger Dressing
A zesty sesame ginger dressing is also a delicious choice for Asian-inspired salads or to use when marinating grilled meats. The sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar combine wonderfully to create a dressing that is savory in flavor with a hint of tangy and slightly sweet. Try it with salads that contain cabbage, carrots, and edamame, or add to stir-fries or noodle bowls. This fresh, bright, and flavor-pungent homemade Sesame Ginger Dressing is sure to add some sass to your meals.
