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As the weather warms up, salads become a go-to meal for many looking to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. While the mix of vegetables and toppings is essential, the dressing can genuinely make or break a salad. Here are some homemade salad dressing recipes that are perfect for summer. They’re easy to whip up and will elevate your salads from simple to spectacular.
Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
This light and zesty dressing is perfect for a summer salad. It pairs well with mixed greens, fresh herbs, and garden vegetables. Simply whisk together the juice of one lemon, a quarter cup of olive oil, one minced garlic clove, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a handful of finely chopped fresh herbs (like basil, parsley, or chives). Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing brings a bright and tangy flavor to any salad.
Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Recipe
Creamy Avocado Dressing
For a more prosperous, creamier option, try this avocado-based dressing. Blend one ripe avocado, a half cup of Greek yogurt, the juice of one lime, and a small handful of cilantro. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of cumin for a little spice. If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a bit of water or olive oil
Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic vinegar and honey combine to create a sweet and savory dressing that complements almost any salad. Mix together three tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, one tablespoon of honey, one-half cup of olive oil, and one small minced garlic clove. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This classic vinaigrette works beautifully with leafy greens, nuts, and fruits like strawberries or pears.
Honey Blasmic Vinaigrette Recipe
Ginger Sesame Dressing
Add an Asian twist to your salads with this ginger sesame dressing. In a bowl, combine a quarter cup of soy sauce, a quarter cup of rice vinegar, two tablespoons of sesame oil, one tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger, and one tablespoon of honey. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a bit of finely chopped green onion for extra flavor. This dressing is ideal for a slaw or a salad with crispy noodles and vegetables.
Ginger Sesame Dressing Recipe
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Nothing beats the excellent, creamy taste of homemade ranch dressing during the summer months. Whisk together a half cup of buttermilk, a quarter cup of mayonnaise, a quarter cup of sour cream, one teaspoon of dried dill, one teaspoon of dried parsley, a half teaspoon of garlic powder, and a half teaspoon of onion powder. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper. This dressing
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe
Blueberry Lemon Vinaigrette
For a fruity and unique twist, try this blueberry lemon vinaigrette. Blend a half cup of fresh blueberries, the juice of one lemon, a third cup of olive oil, a tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt. This vibrant dressing is particularly delightful on salads featuring spinach, goat cheese, and walnuts.
Blueberry Lemon Vinagrette Recipe
These summer salad dressing recipes not only add incredible flavor to your dishes but also allow you to control the ingredients, avoiding the preservatives and excessive sugars often found in store-bought dressings. Whether you prefer tangy, creamy, sweet, or savory, there’s a dressing here to satisfy your taste buds and enhance your next salad.