Delicious Homemade Salad Dressings

Submitted by Elizabeth on July 13, 2010

Most people do not prepare homemade salad dressings because there are a wide variety of bottled salad dressings available in stores today. However, these products contain high amounts of unhealthy fats, sodium, and added preservatives. Also it becomes necessary to stock up on several of these bottles if a change in flavor is required. Delicious homemade salad dressings can be made quite easily once you understand the basics. This way you can also control the amount you prepare of each dressing.

There is no specific equipment required for this and most of the ingredients may already be available in your kitchen.

The primary ingredients required in all homemade salad dressing recipes are acid, fats, and seasoning. Fat can be anything from egg, to cream, or oil.

Lighter dressings make use of oil, while heavier ones use cream or soft cheese. Salad vegetables and greens contain fat soluble vitamins which are absorbed by the body only when a fat is present. Acid can range from lime or orange. This adds a tangy flavor to the recipe and also brings out the flavor of the other ingredients.

Seasoning includes salt, garlic, pepper, and many different types of herbs. The ingredients may be blended in a jar or a food storage plastic bag. The container needs to have a secure lid so that the dressing may be mixed well without spillage.

The best thing about homemade salad dressings is that you can use the ingredients of your choice and combine them in whichever way you want. Another advantage of making healthy salad dressings is that you can use fresh ingredients. Given below are some easy to prepare homemade salad dressings. These can be made a couple of days ahead. Add the dressing to a salad just a few minutes before serving.

Lemon vinaigrette can be made using the juice of a lemon and quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil, with salt and pepper for seasoning. Shake the ingredients well and add to salads or side dishes. Avocado vinaigrette can be made in the same way by using one small avocado. Use a fork to mash the avocado first and then add olive oil, lime juice, salt, pepper and a couple of tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Another delicious and healthy salad dressing is pomegranate vinaigrette. Combine three tablespoons of pomegranate juice, a tablespoon of mustard, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and some red wine vinegar. Shake this mixture well and add it to the salad of your choice.