Make-It-Your-Way Salad Dressing

Start with a simple vinaigrette base (oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and mustard), and then add whatever seasonings you like to match the flavors of your meal!

ACTIVE TIME: 15 MINUTES | TOTAL TIME: 15 MINUTES | MAKES 1 CUP

Equipment

make-it-your-way salad dressing

Measuring cup
Jar with tight-fitting lid or small bowl
Measuring spoons
Fork or whisk
Jar or lidded container

Ingredients

2⁄3 cup olive oil
1⁄3 cup vinegar (any kind is fine) or fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon mustard (any kind you like)
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Put all the ingredients in the jar, screw the lid on tightly and shake, shake, shake. Or, put all the ingredients in the bowl and whisk, whisk, whisk. Stop when the dressing looks creamy, which means it’s emulsified.

  2. Taste the dressing on a small piece of lettuce. Does it need more of anything? If so, add it and taste again.

  3. Pour into the container, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

Get Creative

To add a little global flavor to your dressing, add some seasoning.

Make It:

French: add 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon

Greek: use fresh lemon juice (not vinegar) and add 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Italian: add 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Indian: add 1/2 teaspoon curry powder

Latin American: use fresh lime juice instead of lemon juice (not vinegar) and add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Asian: use rice vinegar, substitute soy sauce for the salt, and add 1/2 teaspoon each sesame oil, minced garlic (or garlic powder), and freshly grated ginger

Middle Eastern: add 1/2 teaspoon each ground cumin, ground coriander, and minced garlic (or garlic powder)