You don't have to be a whiz in the kitchen to make your own Salad Dressings. Not to mention, they are healthier than store-bought because you can control the quality of ingredients and adapt them to suit your taste. Here are 12 of my Easy Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes. There is something here for everyone, for every type of salad, and every time of year. Whether you are looking for Greek, Thai, Blue Cheese, Tahini, or Ranch you will find it here! Many of these dressings are not only delicious on many types of salads but can also be used as a dip or marinade!
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How To Make Salad Dressings
In a bowl - Making a dressing in a bowl is simple. Place all the ingredients except the olive oil in a bowl. Whisk together then slowly start adding the oil whisking until emulsified. Emulsifying keeps the oil from separating from the rest of the ingredients and makes the dressing more "creamy". It will separate after sitting but you can simply whisk again to bring it together.
In a jar - One of my favourite ways to mix a dressing together is to put everything in a jar and give it a good shake! This technique won't work for every dressing but is the best one for oil and vinegar-based like vinaigrettes.
In a blender - If you are making a larger amount or have ingredients that need to be pureed, a blender is perfect! There are different types of blenders you can use such as a Hand Blender, a Personal Blender, or a Traditional Blender.
In a Food Processor - If you don't have a blender and need to make a smooth and creamy dressing a Food Processor does the trick! Processors that have small bowl inserts are ideal for making dressings.
How To Store Them
Homemade salad dressings are easy to store. My favourite way is in simple mason jars. Another trick is to save used salad dressing bottles that you can reuse for your own. These can be handy if they have a removable top that has a hole to squeeze through. Another option is to buy plastic squeeze bottles that you can find at the dollar store. Keep in mind the bottles with the holes won't work if your dressing isn't smooth or without chunks.
Olive oil dressings will solidify in the fridge. This is totally normal. All you need to do is either take it out of the fridge ahead of time to come to room temperature and then shake or stir, run the jar under hot tap water to melt the oil, or remove the metal lid (if using mason jars) and microwave for a few seconds at a time at a low setting until it has liquified.
How Long Do They Last?
Different types of dressings have different shelf lives. If it is a simple vinaigrette that doesn't have any fresh ingredients like garlic or shallots, it will keep for weeks. Most other dressings will last in the fridge, covered for 2 weeks. If using yogurt, sour cream, or other dairy products, check the expiry date on the product and mark that on your dressing.
12 Salad Dressing Recipes You Need
Want More Salad Recipes?
Check out my Salad Category for even more dressings and salads!
Anita G says
When is your cookbook coming out?
Andrea says
Shooting for November! 🥳
Mary Muir says
My sister is an avid salad lover and her bday is coming up. I’m going to make 7 of these and give them as a gift. I’ll be the hit if the party because of you Andrea. Thank you. Now the problem is which 7 they are look delicious
Andrea says
What a lovely idea! Let me know which ones you end up making!
Mary Muir says
They all sound delicious. Problem is which one to do first. Thanks Andrea
Fay Walton says
I love the home made dressings Andrea. I would love to see a creamy cilantro dressing recipe. Salad just steps up to the next level with cilantro and sometimes it just isn't available. Or it doesn't last long enough in the fridge when buying fresh bulk.
Andrea says
I will keep that in mind! I love cilantro too. If you take it out of its packaging or remove the elastic and wrap it in paper towel to store in an air-tight container or plastic bag, it will last a couple of weeks. I will check it every so often to remove any leaves starting to brown to prevent it from rotting. Hope that helps in the meantime!
Cathy Drum says
Andrea, thank you for all these recipes. I have loved every one you have shared. I began using them 3 sessions ago and will always use them! Thank you for your unselfish spirit
Cathy
Andrea says
Thanks so much Cathy! It's my absolute pleasure and I'm so happy you are enjoying the recipes!
Janice Gibson says
Thanks for these salad dressing recipes Andrea! I want to try them all! Your recipes have never failed me!
Andrea says
I'm so happy to hear that Janice! I hope you enjoy the salad dressings.
Susan says
Saving this one for sure!
Andrea says
Hope you enjoy them Susan!
marta says
Keepers, will add to my lineup. Thanks. Wonder if you have a recipe for smoke tomato aioli in your arsenal? Had it with home made chips in NOTL and it was to die for. Would love to make it. Hope all is well.
Andrea says
Hi Marta! I'm afraid I don't. I've never smoked tomatoes either but sounds delicious!
Valerie says
This is awesome Andrea, thank you so much for all these amazing dressings,I cannot wait to try them all!
Andrea says
I hope you enjoy them! Be sure to let me know!
Avis Quarrie says
Andrea
I made your honey mustard dressing Three Gina Livy programs ago and have made and used it everyday since. My husband and I love this dressing . We also bake chicken with this as a coating. Unbelievably delicious and so very easy to make. Thank- you so much!!
Andrea says
I just love hearing that! So happy you have been enjoying that recipe! Hope you find some others to try too!