Gearing up towards the Salad a Day Challenge next week, I’ve had a few requests on how I make certain dressings on my facebook page. So here’s a post all about dressings, how to make a few, and the basics!

Gonna make that salad tasty!

First and foremost,the basics. A vinaigrette is generally comprised of 3 things. Oil, Acid and flavouring.

Dressing is usually a 2:1 ratio of oil to vinegar. But you can always adjust depending on what you’re looking for.

You want to make sure you’ve stocked your pantry with an assortment of vinegars and oil. Depending on how much variety you want, of course.

Some good choices are:

• Balsamic Vinegar
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Red Wine Vinegar
• Rice Wine Vinegar

But you can also use other types of “acid” instead, like lemon juice!

There are many varieties of oil you can choose from as well, that can greatly enhance the flavour of your dressings. But to keep it simple, I stick with a really good olive oil, and a canola oil.

Don’t forget the pantry! A few good things to have around are:

• Dried spices and herbs
• Honey/sugar
• jam/sauces (you can turn anything into a dressing, really!)
• Fresh herbs
• Garlic/Ginger/Red onion

Equipment:
You don’t really need anything other than a bowl, but I find making dressings in a glass bottle or a mason jar can really help make your life easier. It saves on cleaning and you need to do is give it a shake and you’re ready to go! Any excess can be stored in the same container!

See! Fancy.

There are many recipes available online, and with practice you can dream up many different tasty combinations, but here are a few from me:

In a Pinch Panic Dressing (this is when you’re trying to make an excuse about dressing and are in a tight squeeze):

Squeeze of lemon, light drizzle of olive oil, and salt and pepper.

Wait, What? You’re crazy you say? This is a very, VERY simple dressing but it adds flavour and brightness, and is light on calories.

Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp each dried oregano/basil
• salt and pepper

Apple Dressing/Creamy Apple Dressing:

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup canola oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp grainy mustard
• salt and pepper

In order to make a creamy version, substitute the canola oil for plain yogurt. You may have to adjust the vinegar/honey to taste if your yogurt is very sour or has a thick/thin consistency.

Raspberry Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp raspberry jam
• 1 tsp dried basil
• salt and pepper

Chili Lime Dressing:

• juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 tsp sambal (chili garlic sauce)
• 1 tsp honey
• salt and pepper

Asian Sesame Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• salt and pepper

From here you can experiment and expand. Use your imagination and be creative!