Simple Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This simple, versatile salad dressing brightens up any salad or vegetable dish with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s quick to make and can be customized with fresh or dried herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp 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 pepper
• 1/2 to 1 small garlic clove, pressed or smashed
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp honey
• Finely chopped fresh herbs (optional)
• 1/2 tsp dried herbs (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine all ingredients and optional herbs or spices in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Step 2: Shake the jar vigorously until the mustard dissolves and the dressing is well emulsified.
3. Step 3: Use immediately to dress a big leafy salad for four people, or toss with steamed, boiled, or roasted vegetables while still hot for the best flavor absorption.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure salad leaves are dry before dressing to help the dressing stick better.
• Adjust the garlic quantity to taste or omit if sensitive to raw garlic.
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan option.
• Try different vinegars like balsamic or red wine vinegar for varying flavor profiles.

Storage

Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to several weeks if you exclude garlic and fresh herbs, which may reduce shelf life. Always shake well before using as ingredients may separate. Add fresh herbs and garlic just before serving for best freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mustard?

Yes, you can use any smooth, non-spicy mustard like yellow mustard or mild stone-ground mustard. Avoid spicy mustards to keep the dressing balanced.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work well as a substitute—just use about half the amount of fresh herbs called for. You can also leave out herbs entirely and rely on the lemon zest and pepper flakes for flavor.

Simple Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 94 reviews

A simple and versatile salad dressing combining vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon zest, honey, and herbs. This dressing adds a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor to leafy salads or vegetables, perfect for everyday use and easy to customize with your favorite herbs.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Enough to dress a salad for 4 people
• Category: Salad Dressing
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: International
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dressing Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice (cider vinegar recommended)
• 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 – 1 small garlic clove, pressed or smashed
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp honey
• Finely chopped fresh herbs (amount to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried herbs (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Place all the dressing ingredients, including optional fresh and dried herbs and red pepper flakes, into a jar.
2. Shake Well: Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the mustard is fully dissolved and the dressing is well emulsified.
3. Dress Salad: Use the dressing to coat a large leafy salad for 4 people or a garden salad with approximately 4 big handfuls of lettuce by drizzling and tossing well just before serving.
4. Storage: Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to several weeks if garlic and fresh herbs are excluded. Shake well before each use to re-emulsify.
5. Use on Vegetables: You can also drizzle this dressing over steamed, boiled, or roasted vegetables while they are still hot to help absorb the flavors.

Notes

• Note 1: You can use any preferred vinegar or lemon juice, but cider vinegar offers a nice, mild tang.
• Note 2: Pressing or smashing the garlic clove releases more flavor into the dressing.
• Note 3: The combination of sugar and honey balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness.
• Make sure salad leaves are dry before dressing to help the dressing adhere better.

Keywords: salad dressing, vinaigrette, easy salad dressing, homemade dressing, olive oil dressing, honey mustard dressing