Dinner Diva: Quit stressing over dressing

You all know by now that I’m a big fan of salads. If you read any amount of my articles and if you cook from my books, you also know that I am not a big fan of commercial salad dressings.

So what’s a Dinner Diva to do?

Well, you can hardly eat a pile of green leaves on its own. I’m all for healthy eating and getting in those veggies, but we all have our limits!

It is so quick and easy to whip up a fresh, delicious vinaigrette that’s not loaded with sodium, fat, and calories, that I recommend everyone “shake” things up in the kitchen on a regular basis!

What do you need to make your own vinaigrette?

Every vinaigrette has two things in common; vinegar and oil! It can be as simple as Extra Virgin Olive Oil and some high-quality balsamic vinegar. I usually always like to whisk in some mustard in my vinaigrette, too.

When you’re new to the process of making your own vinaigrette, you’ll want to measure your ingredients but after you find the combination you like most, you’ll be able to make it in your sleep. The method is the same for each recipe – whisk all ingredients together and add in oil at the end. I like mixing dressings in a mason jar because you can shake everything together and you can store the works in the fridge without ruining another dish. Easy peasy!

It is important to note that the key to a good vinaigrette is quality ingredients. Don’t scrimp here, folks. Buy the good stuff if you’re eating it drizzled over salad. And make sure it’s EVOO.

Here are a few of my favorite vinaigrettes to give you a few ideas to start with:

Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic pressed
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Whisk all ingredients together and add in oil at the end.

Notes

I like mixing dressings in a mason jar because you can shake everything together and you can store the works in the fridge without ruining another dish. Easy peasy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Basic Vinaigrette

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Fresh ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • Whisk all ingredients together and add in oil at the end.

Notes

I like mixing dressings in a mason jar because you can shake everything together and you can store the works in the fridge without ruining another dish. Easy peasy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Raspberry vinaigrette

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Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 2/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons raspberries
  • 2-3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced

Instructions
 

  • Whisk all ingredients together and add in oil at the end.

Notes

I like mixing dressings in a mason jar because you can shake everything together and you can store the works in the fridge without ruining another dish. Easy peasy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

When you’re making a delicious salad to be topped with one of these great dressings, consider making the salad a real event by adding nuts and berries or fresh fruit on top, too. Cranberries, apple slices, almonds, and goat cheese is a delicious combination with any of these vinaigrettes.

If you prefer a creamy dressing to a vinaigrette, mix plain yogurt with some Dijon mustard and chives.

Another great healthy salad dressing is mashed avocado mixed with crushed garlic, lemon juice, and salt & pepper.

Do you make your own salad dressings? Tell us here!

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