10 Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes That Make You Feel Like a Chef

Tired of store-bought dressings loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors? Homemade salad dressings are not only fresher and healthier but also easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus crafting your own dressings elevates your salads from boring to gourmet—making you feel like a professional chef!

Below we’ve compiled 10 foolproof homemade salad dressing recipes that will transform your salads veggies and even grilled meats.

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Why Make Your Own Salad Dressing?

Before diving into the recipes let’s talk benefits:

✅ Healthier – No hidden sugars artificial additives or unhealthy fats.
✅ Customizable – Adjust flavors to your liking (more garlic? Less salt? No problem!).
✅ Cost-effective – A bottle of store-bought dressing can cost $4–$6 while homemade versions are cheaper and yield more.
✅ Impressive – Guests will be amazed by your culinary skills!

Pro Tip: Most homemade dressings last 1–2 weeks in the fridge. Store them in airtight jars or bottles for best freshness.

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1. Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette

Perfect for: Green salads Caprese roasted veggies

Ingredients:

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 garlic clove minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• In a small bowl whisk together balsamic vinegar Dijon mustard honey garlic salt and pepper.
• Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Pro Tip: For a smoother texture blend all ingredients in a food processor for 10 seconds.

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2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dressing

Perfect for: Caesar salads pasta salads dipping sauce

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Whisk together mayonnaise Parmesan buttermilk garlic lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of anchovy paste for an authentic Caesar dressing twist!

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3. Zesty Lemon Tahini Dressing

Perfect for: Mediterranean salads grain bowls falafel

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup tahini
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2–3 tbsp water (to thin)

Instructions:

• Whisk tahini lemon juice olive oil garlic maple syrup cumin and salt.
• Gradually add water until desired consistency is reached.

Pro Tip: Great as a drizzle over roasted sweet potatoes or grilled chicken!

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4. Honey Mustard Dressing

Perfect for: Salads chicken tenders wraps

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Whisk together mustard honey and vinegar.
• Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking.
• Season with garlic powder salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: For a spicier kick add ½ tsp of smoked paprika!

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5. Asian Sesame Ginger Dressing

Perfect for: Asian slaws noodle salads Buddha bowls

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

• Whisk all ingredients except sesame seeds.
• Stir in sesame seeds before serving.

Pro Tip: Add a dash of sriracha for extra heat!

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6. Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing

Perfect for: Taco salads burrito bowls drizzling over grilled fish

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ cup cilantro
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2–3 tbsp water (to thin)

Instructions:

• Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
• Adjust water for desired thickness.

Pro Tip: Use within 2 days for best freshness—avocado can brown over time.

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7. Italian Herb Vinaigrette

Perfect for: Antipasto salads marinades bruschetta

Ingredients:

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 garlic clove minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Whisk all ingredients together.
• Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist!

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8. Raspberry Vinaigrette

Perfect for: Spinach salads goat cheese salads grilled chicken

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh raspberries
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Blend raspberries vinegar honey and mustard until smooth.
• Strain to remove seeds (optional).
• Whisk in olive oil and season.

Pro Tip: Use frozen raspberries if fresh aren’t available!

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9. Cilantro Lime Dressing

Perfect for: Mexican salads grilled shrimp quinoa bowls

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cilantro
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tbsp honey
• ¼ tsp cumin
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Blend all ingredients until smooth.
• Adjust seasoning as needed.

Pro Tip: Add a jalapeño for a spicy kick!

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10. Blue Cheese Dressing

Perfect for: Wedge salads buffalo wings dipping veggies

Ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients leaving some blue cheese chunks.
• Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Pro Tip: For extra creaminess add a splash of buttermilk!

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Final Thoughts

Making homemade salad dressings is easy healthy and rewarding. With these 10 recipes you’ll never go back to store-bought versions.

Pro Tip: Label your dressing jars with dates to keep track of freshness!