Homemade Healthy Salad Dressings

Great options for dressings instead of using store bought versions with added sugars and preservatives.

You can store leftover dressings in a covered container in the refrigerator.  Some of the dressings may thicken when cold, so, place in room temperature for about 30 minutes and stir before serving.

Balsamic Vinaigrette 

(Makes 8 servings at 6 tsp. each)

(DO NOT use if you're participating in the NO SUGAR challenge)

• 6 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar 
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp raw honey or pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 6 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

* Combine and whisk vinegar, lemon juice, and honey in a medium bowl. Stir in the mustard then slowly add oil while whisking.  Be sure to mix well.

Creamy Herb Dressing (Makes 12 servings, about 6 tsp each)

• 1 medium avocado, cut into chunks
• 1 1/2 cups plain Greek Yogurt (nonfat)
• 4 Tbsp finely chopped herbs (ex: tarragon, parsley, mint, or cilantro)
• 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 dash ground white pepper
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

*Place avocado, yogurt herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.  Continue blending mixture and slow add oil until well blended. 

Lemon Tarragon Vinaigrette (Makes 6 servings, about 6 tsp each)

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
• 6 fresh tarragon sprigs, leaves removed and chopped, stem discarded
• 4 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

* Whisk lemon juice, shallot, tarragon, mustard, salt, and pepper in medium bowl.  Slowly add oil while whisking, mix well.

Dijon Vinaigrette (Makes 8 servings, about 6 tsp each)

• 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

* Whisk vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.  Slowly add the oil while whisking and mix well.

Asian Citrus Vinaigrette

 (Makes 6 servings, about 6 tsp each)

(DO NOT use if you're participating in the NO SUGAR challenge)

• 1/4 cup 100% orange juice
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp raw honey
• 1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled, finely grated
• 1/4 cup sesame oil

* Whisk orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and ginger in a medium bowl. Slow add the oil while whisking, mix well.