Graceful Simplicity

I rarely buy store-bought salad dressing for four simple reasons: 1. homemade is cheaper. 2. it’s easy. 3. it tastes better. 4. it’s healthier because you control the quality of the ingredients. So I thought I’d share with you my four favorite Go-To Salad Dressings using natural, fresh ingredients.

All quantities are approximate, feel free to play around until it suits your tastes. Store all dressings a screw-top glass jar and keep them in the refrigerator. Shake well before serving.

Basic Lemon Herb Dressing

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs or ¼ tsp dried herbs

1 clove of garlic, chopped

1/8 tsp salt

1 tsp Dijon mustard

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Pepper to taste

Frenchmen’s Dressing (Named for my French friend who introduced me to this dressing. It is also delicious on cooked beets and green beans.)

 1/4 cup each olive oil

1/8 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp finely diced onion

Honey-Mustard Dressing (Also great for burgers and chicken.)

¼ cup Dijon mustard

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup honey

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 – 2 cloves garlic, minced

Yogurt, Basil, and Ginger Dressing (My friend’s creation. Tastes better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to develop.)

3 tbsp fresh basil, minced
1/2 lemon, juiced1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
 
Whisk well. Then add:

3 tbsp plain yogurt (whisk in quickly, 1 tbsp at a time)
3/4 tsp Dijon mustard
dash Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp sugar or honey

Happy salad eating!