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Dressings DIY: delicious secrets for flavourful salads

A delicious salad can be a tasty and nutritious meal, but it is the dressing that often makes the difference between an ordinary salad and an extraordinary one. While supermarket shelves are filled with a plethora of ready-made dressings, making dressings yourself offers not only a world of flavour options, but also a chance to experiment with healthy and fresh ingredients. Let’s dive into the art of making your own dressings and explore some inspiring recipes.

Basic components of a dressing


  • Oil: olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, and nut oils are popular choices.
  • Acid: lemon juice, vinegar (such as balsamic, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar), and lime juice add acidity and brightness to the dressing.
  • Sweet: honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup are often used to balance the sharpness of the acid.
  • Flavours: garlic, mustard, onion, fresh herbs, spices, and salt and pepper add depth and complexity to the dressing’s flavour.

Balsamic vinaigrette


  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon-garlic dressing


  • 4 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Avocado ranch dressing


  • 1 ripe avocado
  • ¼ cup Greek yoghurt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Asian sesame dressing


  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

How to prepare the dressings


Preparing homemade dressings is easy and usually only requires a bowl and a whisk or blender. Simply combine the ingredients in the desired proportions and blend to a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste the dressing and, if necessary, adjust the quantities of ingredients to achieve the desired flavour balance. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge and shake before use.

Making your own dressings for your salads is not only fun and easy, but it also allows you to experiment with a wide range of flavours and ingredients. Whether you opt for a classic vinaigrette, a creamy avocado dressing, or a spicy Asian variation, making your own dressings adds a personal touch to your salads and lets you enjoy healthy and delicious meals. So what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and start experimenting!