Fresh and Quick Salad Dressings for Healthy Eating
Salad dressings are the key to turning a simple bowl of greens into a culinary masterpiece. However, store-bought dressings often contain unnecessary additives and preservatives. Why not try making your own?
You can whip up delicious, healthy salad dressings using fresh herbs in just a few minutes. These recipes are quick, easy, and sure to add flavour to your salads. Let's dive into these eight simple and healthy salad dressings you can make in less than 3 minutes.
Homemade Salad Dressings - Easy Recipies. Content:
Oregano and Basil Salad Dressing.
Tarragon and Chives Vinaigrette.
Parsley and Lemon Thyme Salad Dressing.
Tarragon and Chives Yoghurt Salad Dressing.
Basil and Mint Balsamic Salad Dressing.
Coriander and Lime Vinaigrette.
Rosemary and Garlic Salad Dressing.
Sage and Thyme Salad Dressing.
1. Top tips when preparing homemade herbal salad dressings.
Freshness is key Use fresh herbs at their peak for the most vibrant flavour. Give them a quick rinse, pat them dry, and chop them just before using.
Try different kinds of vinegar While olive oil is a classic, experiment with other oils like walnut or avocado for a nutty flavour. For the vinegar, explore options like red wine vinegar for a touch of earthiness or champagne vinegar for a lighter touch.
Sweet and savoury balance A touch of sweetness can help balance the vinegar's acidity. Try a squeeze of honey, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a pinch of brown sugar.
Velvety texture Are you craving a dressing? For a creamy texture, add Greek yoghurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado.
Spice it up (or down) Add a pinch of red chilli pepper flakes or a drop of sriracha for a kick of heat.
Experiment with emulsions Want a restaurant-worthy dressing? Emulsify your ingredients by drizzling the oil in slowly while whisking vigorously. This creates a smooth and stable dressing.
Leftover love Don't toss out leftover herbs. Freeze them in ice cube trays with a drizzle of olive oil for easy access later.
2. Easy Salad Dressing Recipes.
2.1. Oregano and Basil Dressing.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey in a bowl.
Stir in the chopped oregano and basil.
Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk until smooth and use on your favourite salad.
2.2. Tarragon and Chives Vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Stir in the chopped tarragon and chives.
Season with salt and pepper.
Mix well and drizzle over your salad.
2.3. Parsley and Lemon Thyme Dressing.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme, finely chopped
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and honey in a bowl.
Add the chopped parsley and lemon thyme.
Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk until smooth, and pour over your salad.
2.4. Tarragon and Chives Yoghurt Dressing.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Combine Greek yoghurt, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
Stir in the chopped tarragon and chives.
Season with salt and pepper.
Mix until creamy, and enjoy with a cucumber and radish salad.
2.5. Basil and Mint Balsamic Dressing.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh sweet basil, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh garden mint, finely chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey in a bowl.
Stir in the chopped basil and mint.
Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk until well combined and use on your favourite salad.
2.6. Coriander and Lime Vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh coriander, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix the lime juice, olive oil, and honey in a bowl.
Add the chopped coriander.
Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk until well combined and drizzle over a spicy chicken salad.
2.7. Rosemary and Garlic Dressing.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Add the chopped rosemary and minced garlic.
Season with salt and pepper.
Mix well and pour over a mixed green salad.
2.8. Sage and Thyme Salad Dressing.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Add the chopped sage and thyme.
Season with salt and pepper.
Mix well and drizzle over your salad.
3. Homemade Salad Dressings. Summary.
Creating healthy salad dressings at home is quick, easy, and immensely rewarding. Fresh herbs like tarragon, chives, parsley, and basil can transform your salads into flavourful, nutritious meals. These eight simple dressings take less than three minutes to make and will add a delightful burst of flavour to your salads.
Homemade salad dressings taste better and are also healthier, free from artificial additives and preservatives. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making each dressing uniquely yours. Experiment with different combinations and find the perfect balance that complements your salads best. Fresh herbs bring vibrant, natural flavours that elevate any dish.
Next time you prepare a salad, skip the store-bought options and try one of these quick, herb-infused dressings. They’re perfect for busy weekdays, impromptu dinners, or any time you want to enjoy a fresh and healthy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Herb Power from Pepperpot Herbs
At Pepperpot Herbs, we specialise in cultivating vibrant, aromatic herbs that will elevate your homemade salad dressings. From classic basil and thyme to unique finds like lemon balm, we have everything you need to unlock a world of flavour.
Visit our website to discover the fresh herbs and start whipping up your signature dressings in minutes.
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