Mornings in culinary school were spent making entrees that we then enjoyed together at lunch. The last thing to be made would be a salad, which varied with the seasons, showcasing the most perfect produce I had the privilege of getting my hands on that day. We'd rotate tasks, but I always jumped at the opportunity to make the dressing, which I switched up daily. All the flavor is in the dressing, right? Plus, for a spice and herb-lover like me, there is no better playground to explore than in crafting dressings.
Salad dressings don't have to be complicated to be good. Any dressing you make at home will be better-tasting and infinitely better for you than something you buy in a bottle. It takes a minute to make a dressing. Follow a 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio (3 parts oil, 1 part vinegar) for a basic vinaigrette, add flavorings that pair with the rest of your meal, and run with your imagination! Play with the basic vinaigrette by layering on different flavor profiles. Some suggestions:
Here are some basic recipes to get you started.
Servings: 8 to 12
Prep time: 5 minutes
Citrus dressing
Place all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined, or in a jar, and shake until well-mixed.
Honey lemon dressing (per 2 tablespoon serving):
Citrus dressing (per 2 tablespoon serving):