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Three Essential Homemade Salad Dressings

Three small glass jars containing different homemade salad dressing recipes, lined up in sunlight.

Make three versatile, fresh salad dressings at home: a Classic Vinaigrette, a Creamy Ranch style, and a tangy Maple Dijon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced (for Vinaigrette)
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt (for Creamy)
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (for Maple Dijon)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (for Vinaigrette)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Dill (for Creamy)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (for Creamy)
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (for Maple Dijon)

Instructions

  1. For the Classic Vinaigrette: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  2. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar as needed.
  3. For the Creamy Ranch: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, dried dill, and onion powder. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
  4. For the Maple Dijon: In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
  5. Store all dressings in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute any mild vinegar (like white wine vinegar) for red wine vinegar in the vinaigrette.
  • For a thinner creamy dressing, add buttermilk instead of water.
  • These dressings keep well for up to one week in the refrigerator.

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