Easy Homemade Salad Dressings with a Side of Color
Homemade salad dressing is a one of the freshest and tastiest things you can make. It is a frequently used store bought condiment that can easily be made with little effort and money! Especially during summer when fresh herbs are plentiful! Trust me – the reward is amazing! Check out these Easy Homemade Salad Dressings with a Side of Color recipes to help brighten your summer table!
Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette with a Simple Kale Parmesan Salad
Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette and Kale Parmesan Salad
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp minced shallots
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Chopped Fresh Thyme
Kale Parmesean Salad
- 4-5 cups Fresh Kale Cleaned, stems removed
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, lemon juice, and zest with the shallot and Dijon mustard. In a thin, steady stream, whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt, pepper and herbs.
- Mix the dressing with the kale about 20 minutes before serving and massage the dressing into the kale. Let the dressing marinate the lettuce. Before serving add the Parmesan and more salt and pepper.
Balsamic Vinaigrette with a Summer Berry Salad
A Very Berry Delicious Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Grilled Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Strawberries, washed and cut in half
- 1 cup Blackberries
- 1 English Cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 7 cups Spring Mix
- 6 oz Blue Cheese
- 1 Large Handful Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1/3 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette
For the Dressing
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Italian Seaoning
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Toss all the ingredients together in a large bowl and toss with the vinaigrette right before serving. Divide among four plates. If serving later, wait to toss the dressing on.
Amazing Caesar Dressing and Freshly Picked Romaine
Amazing Caesar Dressing and Freshly Picked Romaine * Dressing from Bon Appetit
Ingredients
- 3 oil-packed anchovy fillets chopped
- 1 large garlic clove chopped
- ¾ teaspoon or more kosher salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan finely grated
Instructions
- Mound anchovies, garlic, and salt on a cutting board. Using the side of a chef’s knife, mash and chop until well combined, then continue to work mixture, holding knife blade at an angle, until a smooth paste forms. (Alternately, you can use a mortar and pestle or mini chopper to do this step.)
- Whisk egg yolk, lemon juice, and mustard in a medium bowl. Place a kitchen towel in a medium saucepan, then place bowl in pan. (This holds the bowl in place while you whisk with one hand and pour oil with the other.)
- Adding drop by drop to start and whisking constantly, drizzle a few drops of oil into yolk mixture. Continue, going slowly, until mixture looks slightly thickened and glossy. Continue to whisk, gradually adding oil in a slow, steady stream until all oil has been used and mixture looks like mayonnaise. Add a dash of water and whisk, adjusting with more water if needed, until dressing is the consistency of heavy cream. Add anchovy mixture and Parmesan and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, if needed.
- Simply toss the dressing with freshly picked romaine lettuce for ultimate flavor. And garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and homemade croutons.
Simple Vinaigrette with a Radish and Cucumber Salad
Simple Vinaigrette with a Radish and Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 8-10 Radishes Thinly sliced
- 1 English Cucumber Sliced Lengthwise then in slices
- 1/2 Red Onion Thinly Sliced
- Fresh Herbs for Serving
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Champagne Vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Itlian Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Freshly Chopped Chives
- 1/4 tsp Salt Pepper Each
Instructions
- Toss the dressing ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Add the cucumbers, radish, and onions, toss with the dressing and serve with fresh herbs.
Rosé Wine Vinaigrette with a Summer Salad
Summer Salad with Rosé Wine Vinaigrette
Ingredients
FOR THE DRESSING:
- 1/4 cup rosé wine not sparkling
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot diced
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper more to taste
FOR THE SALAD:
- 4 cups of arugula and spinach mixture or spring mix
- 5-6 small slices of watermelon
- 1 avocado (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups tomatoes cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (heirloom variety adds great color)
- 1/2 cup feta or goat cheese
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onio
Instructions
- In a small jar or a measuring cup add all of the dressing ingredients together.
- Divide the lettuce among 3-4 plates. Top with watermelon, avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and onion.
- Drizzle dressing over top of each salad and serve immediately.
Herby Fresh Homemade Ranch
Herby Fresh Homemade Ranch
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Buttermilk
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp freshly group black pepper
- 3 tbsp fresh chives
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, process the buttermilk, garlic, pepper, and herbs together until everything is minced and the mixture turns pale green. Add the mayonnaise and yogurt process just until smooth. If desired, thin with additional buttermilk to get the consistency you want. Taste and add salt if needed.
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