4 Homemade Salad Dressings
Four go-to dressings — lemon-tahini, balsamic vinaigrette, creamy herb, and miso-ginger — made in minutes from pantry staples.
Kim's note
Bottled dressings are mostly water, sugar, and stabilizers. Every one of these takes under three minutes and keeps in the fridge for a week. Once you start making your own, you won't go back.
Ingredients
- — Lemon-Tahini —
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water (to thin)
- Salt to taste
- — Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette —
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- — Creamy Herb —
- 1/2 cup plain plant-based yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or dill, finely chopped
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- — Miso-Ginger —
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water (to thin)
How to make it
- 1
Lemon-Tahini: Whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and garlic. Add water one tablespoon at a time until the dressing is pourable and smooth. Season with salt. Use on kale salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables.
- 2
Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette: Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon, and maple syrup. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Use on green salads, roasted beets, and tomatoes.
- 3
Creamy Herb: Stir together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of water if you want it thinner. Use on grain salads, slaws, and as a dip for crudités.
- 4
Miso-Ginger: Whisk together the miso, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and ginger until the miso is fully dissolved. Thin with water as needed. Use on shredded cabbage, cucumber salads, and noodle bowls.
- 5
Storage: Pour each dressing into a small jar with a lid. Refrigerate for up to 7 days. The vinaigrette may separate — just shake before using. The tahini and miso dressings will thicken in the fridge; stir in a little water to loosen.
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