Courier Cookbook Salad Dressings

With warmer weather and lots of fresh vegetables available, salads are sounding very appealing. Whether as a main course or a side dish to your upcoming BBQ, the dressing makes the salad. Try some of these to brighten up your salads and get away from the bottled and powdered alternatives. You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry and spice drawer.

RED WINE VINAIGRETTE

This dressing is good on anything but try it with a salad filled with kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers to make a great Greek salad.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 small garlic clove, minced

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

2 tsp. parsley

1 tsp. oregano

Directions:

Whisk together or shake in a jar.

BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Freshly made balsamic beats the store-bought alternative. It is always a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. honey or maple syrup

1 garlic clove, grated

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

½ tsp. sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

Whisk ingredients together or shake in a jar.

RANCH DRESSING

Adapted from delish.com

We all love our ranch but you will really love a homemade ranch with fresh ingredients. Dress your greens or dip your wings and veggies.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

2 Tbsp. freshly chopped dill

2 Tbsp. freshly chopped chives

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. onion powder

Pinch cayenne pepper

Directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Ingredients:

¼-½ cup olive oil

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

½ tsp. grated garlic

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

pepper

¼ tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. parsley (regular and/or Italian)

Any herbs you have available

Directions:

Whisk together everything except the herbs. Then stir in the herbs. Store in a tight jar.

CHIPOTLE DRESSING

A heartier tasting dressing which pairs well with steak.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 Tbsp. buttermilk

1 Tbsp. minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together well. Refrigerate and then serve.

CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD DRESSING

The sweet and salty taste of soy sauce and honey is a delicious dressing for any dressing and also works as a terrific marinade for any meat.

Ingredients:

¼ cup soy sauce

½ cup olive or vegetable oil

3 Tbsp. honey

¼ cup ketchup

½ tsp. ground ginger (or use fresh)

½ tsp. ground mustard

Directions:

Put ingredients in a jar and shake.

GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

Adapted from loveandlemons.com

An old school favorite.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt

1 cup fresh parsley

1 cup mixed soft leafy herbs, dill, mint, tarragon and/or cilantro

2 tablespoons chopped chives

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus ½ teaspoon zest

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons capers

1 garlic clove

salt

pepper

mashed avocado (optional)

Directions:

Pulse in a food processor.