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