5 Favorite - Salad dressings

We eat seasonal salads through out the year.  A good salad dressing brings out the flavor of the ingredients.  Here are my 5 favorites.  It doesn't take much time to whip these up and the flavors are amazing.  I stopped buying salad dressing at the store awhile ago.  Nothing wrong with some store bought brands, but please check the labels because many brands say "Contains bioengineered ingredients." 

Wafu (Japanese) Dressing

1 tsp. sesame seeds

2 Tbs. neutral oil-I use avocado oil

2 Tbs. tamari or soy sauce

2 Tbs. rice or white vinegar

2 tsp. grated onion

1 tsp. grated garlic

1 tsp. grated ginger

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp. sesame oil (optional)

Combine ingredients in a lidded jar and shake to mix.  Store in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

This is delicious on salads, fresh or grilled veggies.

Tahini-Lemon Dressing

1/2 Cup sesame tahini

3-5 Tbs. lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1 clove garlic, grated

1 Tbs. olive oil

Pinch of salt

black pepper to taste

cayenne powder to taste

turmeric to taste

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process.  Add small amount of water to reach desire consistency.  Store in a well sealed jar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

This dressing is wonderful on salads made with hearty greens like kale and cabbage.  I have used it as a dressing for coleslaw and it was tasty.  Also is good on cauliflower and summer salads. 

Honey Mustard Dressing

1/4 Cup mayo

1 Tbs. yellow or Dijon mustard, I've made it with both and I prefer the yellow mustard

1 Tbs. honey

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

Combine ingredients in a well sealed jar and shake to mix.  Store in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

This is good on salads, grilled veggies, and as a dipping sauce for things like chicken strips or grilled cauliflower.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

1/2 Cup sour cream

1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk, depending on your desired consistency.  I like a medium consistency.

2 Tbs. mayo

1 Tbs. minced fresh parsley

1 Tbs. minced fresh cilantro or dill or the combination of the two

1 Tbs. minced fresh chives

1 large clove of garlic, minced

1 to 2 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

Fresh ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process.  Will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator.  

Ranch dressing is good on just about everything.  I even dip pizza in it from time to time.  

Creamy Italian Dressing

1/4 Cup mayo

2 Tbs. sour cream

2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 clove of garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. fresh or dried oregano

Fresh ground pepper to taste

1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbs. grated parmesan cheese

Whisk all of the ingredients together and store in a well sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.  

Like Ranch, I love Creamy Italian on so many things.  Besides, salads, it makes a delicious sandwich or burger sauce.