Sometimes I realize how silly it is, all the things I could easily make but still buy, all the time. Salad dressings are definitely one of those. Now that I made them I’m wondering why I’ve been buying them for so long – time to stop! Homemade wins:)
It’s always nice to start with basics so I started with two of my favorites – Balsamic Vinegar and Italian.
Balsamic Vinegar Dressing // Adapted from Emeril Lagasse
Whisk together 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp of dark brown sugar, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of fresh ground black pepper, and 3/4 cup of good quality olive oil. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator and shake well before use.
Italian Dressing // Adapted from Sunny Side Up
Whisk together 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp of oregano, 1/4 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of dried basil, 2 tsp of sugar, 1/8 tsp of red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least an hour and shake well before use.
Anyone else been whipping up their own dressings? I’d love to learn to make some other ones!
We only ever make our own dressing anymore, and I can’t stand the way most store bought dressings taste. Really, it’s the texture that gets to me, so many of them are way too thick and gooey. Ick.Our secret trick of the trade is to add about a teaspoon of mustard to the dressings, it doesn’t add a ton of flavor but it helps emulsify it and keep it from separating which is nice when you don’t want mostly oil on your salad 🙂
Your recipes look great, I’ll have to try one of them soon.
I’ve always wanted to try making my own dressings, so I’m excited to try your recipes out! How long do they usually last in the refrigerator?