Salad Dressings

Within this page you’ll find a variety of different salad dressing options and recipes. I personally use balsamic vinegar as my salad dressing; however, you can easily create a vinaigrette using a 3:1 ratio of extra-virgin olive oil (unrefined and cold pressed) and balsamic vinegar. For example, 3 tablespoons of olive oil plus 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

From there, you can create a variety of different vinaigrette recipes using the ingredients of your choice (e.g., fresh and dried herbs and spices, fresh citrus juice, pureed fresh fruit (think berries) and vegetables (think avocado), etc.). To sweeten your salad dressings, opt for a natural sweetener like maple syrup or wild honey.

They key to using balsamic vinegar as a salad dressing is purchasing a quality product. High-quality balsamic vinegar has a thick, wonderful taste and complex aroma with light acidity. When shopping for edible oils, choose a product that is extra-virgin, cold-pressed, and unrefined. Unfortunately, most edible fats and oils are ultra-processed and refined. Not to mention, treated with harsh chemicals and a concentrated source of energy.

As always, towards the bottom of this page you will find a photo gallery containing additional recipes and inspiration. Some of the recipes are perfect for newbies, while others are perfect for foodie pros.

Blackberry Vinaigrette

Servings: 6 – 8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh blackberries, rinsed and chilled
• 6 tablespoons (90 mL) extra virgin olive oil, unrefined and cold-pressed
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) Italian balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) pure maple syrup

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to blender
• Blend until creamy (or approximately 30 to 60 seconds)
• Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour prior to serving (optional)
• Store in a closed container in the refrigerator
• Use within 2 – 3 days

Raspberry Vinaigrette

Servings: 6 – 8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries, rinsed and chilled
• 6 tablespoons (90 mL) extra virgin olive oil, unrefined and cold-pressed
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) Italian balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) pure maple syrup

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to blender
• Blend until creamy (or approximately 30 to 60 seconds)
• Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour prior to serving (optional)
• Store in a closed container in the refrigerator
• Use within 2 – 3 days

Creamy Avocado Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of filtered water
• 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
• Dash of salt

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to blender
• Blend until creamy (or approximately 30 to 60 seconds)
• Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour prior to serving (optional)
• Store in a closed container in the refrigerator
• Use within 2 – 3 days

Simple Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup pure water
• 1/2 sprig of basil
• 1/2 sprig of dill
• 1 T lemon juice
• Dash of salt

Directions:

• Blend cashews to flour consistency
• Add half of the water and blend
• Add fresh herbs and seasonings and blend
• Add remaining water and blend
• Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour prior to serving (optional)
• Store in a closed container in the refrigerator
• Use within 2 – 3 days

Raw Ranch

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/4 cup filtered water
• 1/4 cup non-dairy milk, unsweetened
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped finely
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped finely
• 1 teaspoon of fresh dill, chopped finely
• 1/2 teaspoon raw apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (or per taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh ground pepper

Directions:

• Blend cashews to flour consistency
• Blend in water and non-dairy milk
• Add fresh herbs and seasonings and blend
• Add salt and blend well
• Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour prior to serving (optional)
• Store in a closed container in the refrigerator
• Use within 2 – 3 days

Alternatives to Salad Dressing

• Balsamic vinegar
• Fresh citrus juice
• Avocado
• Guacamole dip
• Fresh salsa
• Hummus
• Pesto
• Pico de gallo
• Bean dip
• Refried beans
• Pureed fruits and/or vegetables

Posters and Charts

Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. This means you are free to use my work for personal use (e.g., save the file to your computer or share via social media) as long as you do not modify the image or use the image for commercial purposes ($).