Simple Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant salad dressing combines tangy vinegar and zesty lemon with a touch of honey and fresh herbs to brighten up any salad. It’s easy to make and perfect for leafy greens or roasted vegetables, bringing fresh, balanced flavor to your meals.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp any vinegar or lemon juice (my favourite is cider vinegar)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or other neutral oil
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard or other non-spicy smooth mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 to 1 small garlic clove, pressed through crusher or smashed
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp honey
• Finely chopped fresh herbs
• 1/2 tsp dried herbs
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place all dressing ingredients and optional flavourings in a jar.
2. Step 2: Shake well until the mustard dissolves and ingredients combine fully.
3. Step 3: Use immediately to dress your salad or vegetables, tossing well just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure salad leaves are dry before dressing to help the dressing stick better.
• Add the dressing to hot steamed or roasted vegetables so it absorbs more deeply.
• Adjust garlic and herbs to taste for mild or bolder flavor.
• Try swapping cider vinegar for balsamic or red wine vinegar for varied taste profiles.

Storage

Store the dressing in the fridge for up to a few weeks, excluding fresh garlic and herbs which are best added fresh. Give the jar a good shake before each use as ingredients may separate over time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dressing spicy?

Yes, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will give it a pleasant kick.

How long will this dressing keep in the fridge?

Without fresh garlic and herbs, the dressing can keep well for several weeks refrigerated. Fresh ingredients are best added just before serving for the best flavor and safety.

Simple Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews

A simple, versatile homemade salad dressing combining tangy vinegar or lemon juice, smooth Dijon mustard, honey, and a mix of fresh and dried herbs. Perfect for dressing leafy salads or vegetables, this dressing is quick to prepare, fresh-tasting, and easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Enough dressing for 4 servings of salad
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: International
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 tbsp any vinegar or lemon juice (cider vinegar recommended)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or other neutral oil
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (or other smooth non-spicy mustard)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 – 1 small garlic clove, pressed or smashed
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp honey
• Finely chopped fresh herbs (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried herbs (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the vinegar or lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon zest, sugar, honey, fresh herbs, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Mix Well: Shake the jar vigorously until the mustard is fully dissolved and the dressing emulsifies into a smooth consistency.
3. Portion for Use: This amount makes enough dressing for a large leafy salad serving about 4 people or a garden salad with approximately 4 big handfuls of lettuce.
4. Storage Guidance: Excluding garlic and fresh herbs, the dressing will keep for weeks refrigerated. Remember to shake well before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.
5. Serving Suggestions: Use this dressing on any fresh salad, ensuring the leaves are dry so it adheres well. It’s also delicious drizzled over steamed, boiled, or roasted vegetables—apply while the veggies are still hot to maximize absorption. Toss gently before serving.

Notes

• Use any vinegar you prefer; cider vinegar provides a nice tang but lemon juice is a bright alternative.
• Adjust garlic amount according to your taste; pressing or crushing it releases more flavor.
• The sugar and honey balance acidity and add a subtle sweetness.
• Fresh herbs add brightness and freshness; dried herbs can be used if fresh are unavailable.
• Keep the dressing stored without garlic and fresh herbs for longer shelf life in the fridge.
• Dry salad greens before dressing to ensure it clings nicely instead of sliding off.

Keywords: salad dressing, homemade salad dressing, vinaigrette, easy salad dressing, healthy dressing, olive oil dressing