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These top homemade salad dressing recipes are easy to make and taste fresh and delicious! Pick from popular creamy dressings and vinaigrettes.
The best way to make salad taste fresh and delicious? Homemade salad dressing recipes! Salad dressing made at home has incredible rich flavor, and none of the preservatives or additives of purchased bottles. It’s easy to whip up in a flash: many recipes have just a few ingredients! We’re two cookbook authors and professional recipe developers who promise you: these dressing recipes will transform your greens—forever. Here are the most popular types of salad dressing, from creamy Caesar to zingy vinaigrettes.
Looking for healthy recipes? Try our Top Healthy Salad Dressings.
And now…the top salad dressing recipes to try!
Balsamic Vinaigrette
There’s something special about this balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing recipe. It’s creamy, tangy, a little bit sweet, and has that “something” that keeps you coming back. When you're not sure what to drizzle on a salad, make this! It's easy to whisk together and perfectly creamy.
Use on: Strawberry Salad, Goat Cheese Arugula Salad, or Perfect Spinach Salad
Caesar Dressing
Want to recreate the magic of that perfect restaurant Caesar? Try this homemade Caesar salad dressing! There’s something about the creamy, garlicky tang that’s pure perfection. You’ll never been tempted by the store-bought bottle again! For vegan, try Vegan Caesar Dressing.
Use on: Perfect Caesar Salad or Grilled Caesar Salad
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Everyone needs a good homemade ranch dressing recipe, and this is ours! The flavor is unbelievably creamy, using a combination of mayonnaise and yogurt for maximum fresh flavor. It's also a healthy spin! Add a few spices, and it comes together in a flash. For vegan, tryVegan Ranch Dressing.
Use on:Best Tossed Salad
Green Goddess Dressing
Here’s a homemade salad dressing that will amaze you with its fresh, zingy flavor:Green Goddess dressing! Sure, you can buy it at the store. But nothing beats the flavor of this creamy green drizzle made at home with fresh herbs and ingredients. This healthy salad dressing isdrop dead delicious.
Use on: Spring Mix Salad
Italian Dressing
This zippy Italian salad dressing is a family stand-by! The flavor is zesty and bright, full of garlic, white wine vinegar, and olive oil, balanced with just a hint of sweetness. Add Italian herbs and it makes any salad that much better!
Use on: Favorite Chopped Salad or Perfect Italian Salad
Easy Vinaigrette
Here’s a go-to salad dressingthat immediately takes any pile of greens to salad status: this easyvinaigrette! It takes 5 minutes, uses pantry ingredients, and is ultra versatile for any type of salad: both vegetable-based or fruity. One bite of this zingy, creamy flavor and you’ll be singing it’s praises!
Cilantro Lime Dressing
Here’s one of the tastiest green salad dressings out there: creamy cilantro dressing! You’re going to want to bathe in this one. It’s creamy, savory, fresh, and tangy all at once. You can drizzle it on salads, or on tacos or enchiladas. It's even great as a dip for fries! Also tryCilantro Lime Dressing.
Use on: Easy Mexican Salad
Dijon Mustard Dressing
This Dijon mustard dressing is a top go-to salad dressing because it's so easy and versatile! There’s no lemon juice squeezing or garlic mincing required: all you need is a few ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. There's something special about the flavor: it’s perfectly balanced, tangy and savory.
Use on: Brussels Sprout Salad, Carrot Salad or Asparagus Salad
Lemon Vinaigrette
Everyone needs a good lemon vinaigrette salad dressing recipe! This zingy vinaigrette is full of citrus flavor, and great for Mediterranean-inspired salads. It tastes like pure lemon and gives all salads a refreshing zing.
Use on: Nicoise Salad
Honey Mustard Dressing
This honey mustard salad dressing is another back-pocket salad dressing that's got incredible flavor! Whip up this deliciously tangy sweet vinaigrette and it comes together quickly with only 4 ingredients. Memorize it and make it on repeat.
Use on: Spinach Apple Salad, Arugula Beet Salad, or Sweet Potato Salad
Tahini Dressing
Making tahini salad dressing could not be simpler! This one works as a sauce for drizzling or a creamy salad dressing. Just whisk together tahini and fresh lemon juice, then add olive oil,salt, and a bit of maple syrup to balance the flavors.
Use on: Easy Grain Bowl or Mediterranean Couscous Bowls
Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing
Try thisParmesan Peppercorn dressing! It’s tangy and savory, essentially a simplified version ofCaesar dressingthat’s just as bold with less ingredients. You can whisk it up in 5 minutes: no blender, no zesting of lemons: nothing fussy at all! When we serve this to guests, they can’t help remarking, “What’s in this dressing?”
Poppy Seed Dressing
Ready for one of the best homemade salad dressing recipes around? Try thisPoppy Seed Dressing! There’s something about the way the acidity cuts through the sweet that makes this creamy dressingirresistible. It’s classic and a little nostalgic even, perfect for drizzling over just about any salad.Strawberry salad? Check. Pear salad? Check.Spinach salad? Check.
Citrus Salad Dressing
Need a tangy salad dressing recipe to liven up your greens? This zippy citrus salad dressing is where it’s at! It’s perfectly balanced with both fresh lemon and orange. It works in the winter during citrus season, and as a light healthy dressing for summer salads.
Use on: Fennel Orange Salad or Arugula Beet Salad
Blue Cheese Dressing
This creamy blue cheese salad dressing is a must try! The pungent earthy flavor of the cheese makes any salad better. It's fantastic with crisp greens and it takes only a few minutes to whisk together.
Use on: Classic Wedge Salad or
Orange Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Here’s a trick that will bring a citrus pop to all your salads: thisOrange Vinaigrette Salad Dressing! It’s got just the right zingy kick from the orange with a simple trick. It takes just 5 minutes to whip up with just a bowl and a whisk, and it takes your salads from everyday to extraordinary.
Use on: Butternut Squash Salad
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Here’s a salad dressing you’ll want to drizzle on just about everything:Chipotle Ranch Dressing! This spicy dressing is creamy with just the right heat on the finish. It takes only 5 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
Use on: Mexican Chopped Salad or Quick Burrito Bowl
Sesame Ginger Dressing
Want a great creamy salad dressing for salads and bowl meals? Introducing…thisSesame Ginger Dressing! This dressing is part sauce, part dressing: creamy and full-bodied, with a bright zing from rice vinegar and a spicy ginger finish. Take one bite and every part of your tongue lights up: it’s savory, salty, tart, and a little sweet all at once. It takes salads to new heights, and transforms the everyday bowl meal into something transcendental.
Use on: Simple Spring Mix Salad
Red Wine Vinaigrette
Need a simple salad dressing to add life to a pile of greens? Look no further than thisRed Wine Vinaigrette! The round, robust flavor of red wine vinegar is ideal for salad dressing, and this one delivers. It’s zingy and bright, with a strong acidity from the vinegar and a sweetness from honey.
Use on: Fennel Orange Salad or Italian Salad
Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
Looking for a standout salad dressing recipe with everyone’s favorite vinegar? Try thisApple Cider Vinegar Dressing! Made with Dijon mustard and olive oil, it has the perfect creamy texture that doesn’t split and clings to salad greens perfectly.
Use on: Pomegranate Salad or Goat Cheese Arugula Salad
Greek Salad Dressing
This Greek salad dressing recipe captures the simplicity of the flavors and approach to life in this sun-drenched country. It’s tangy, lemony and altogether the perfect versatile dressing for salads of all kinds.
Use on: Greek Salad
Thousand Island Dressing
Thousand Island dressing is a classic salad dressing recipe with a retro feel. Ever made it at home? This healthy spin cuts the mayo with a bit of plain yogurt. It's perfectly creamy and a delicious adder to crisp greens.
Use on: Classic Wedge Salad
Raspberry Vinaigrette
Fruity vinaigrette salad dressings are the perfect pair with a savory salad! This raspberry vinaigrette features fresh berries dressed up with a little balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and maple syrup. The result? The perfect blend of tart, savory, and sweet that will smother your salads to perfection.
Use on: Perfect Spinach Salad or Kale Salad
Maple Vinaigrette
Need a quick and versatile salad dressing? Look no further than this Maple Vinaigrette! The zingy, sweet tart flavor is ideal for drizzling over salads of all kinds. Even better, it takes just 5 minutes and 5 ingredients to whip up! We love the interplay between sweet maple syrup and tangy apple cider vinegar.
Use on: Apple Salad
Creamy Avocado Dressing
This creamy, dreamy green avocado salad dressing stars ripe green avocado, tangy lemon, and a secret ingredient: avocado oil! Avocado oil brings in an essence of pure avocado, at the same time being a fantastic oil to add to your pantry.
Use on: Tossed Salad
Strawberry Vinaigrette
This strawberry vinaigrette salad dressing is lightly sweet, tangy, and perfect for green salads! Made with apple cider vinegar and fresh berries, it takes only 5 minutes to whip up in a blender.
Use on: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Fresh Basil Vinaigrette
Got lots of basil? You don’t have to get stuck in a pesto rut. Try thisBasil Vinaigrette salad dressing! It’s got loads of fresh, tangy flavor: it actually tastes like pesto in dressing form. It’s ideal on salads, especially a summer tomato salad.
Use on: Tomato Basil Salad or Italian Salad
Shallot Vinaigrette
Let’s makeShallot Vinaigrette! This zippy salad dressing brings out the best in this delicate onion. While we often slice shallots for adding into green salads, they add fabulous flavor tosalad dressings. Pair minced shallot with white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, and prepare to be amazed!
Use on: Smoked Salmon Salad
Carrot Ginger Dressing
Here’s a fresh, zingy drizzle for salads and bowl meals alike:Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing! This vibrant sauce is packed with a punch of salty, savory, tangy, bright and sweet all at once. It incorporates Asian flavors like miso and rice vinegar, it’s got a twist: Mediterranean tahini brings in a creamy body to the dressing. Whip up a batch and you’ll love drizzling it on your meals all week long.
Use on: Simple Spring Mix Salad
Tomato Vinaigrette
Got a fresh, ripe tomato? Try this Tomato Vinaigrette! This easysalad dressing recipeis an easy way to use summer tomatoes to add big flavor to a salad. This recipe comes out dreamy, creamy, and zingy: and you only need 4 ingredients (plus salt).
Use on: Grilled shrimp salad
More homemade dressings
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? We’ve got a few more salad dressing ideas that are great for specific seasons and applications. Got pesto on hand, or pomegranate juice? Need a dressing for your taco salad? Here are a few go-to ideas:
- Pomegranate Vinaigrette
- Easy Lime Vinaigrette
- Creamy Balsamic Dressing
- Taco Salad Dressing
- Creamy Pesto Salad Dressing
- Homemade Salad Dressing
01
Pomegranate Vinaigrette
02
Easy Lime Vinaigrette
03
Creamy Pesto Salad Dressing
04
Creamy Salsa Dressing
30 Easy Salad Dressing Recipes
- Author: Sonja Overhiser
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1/2 to 1 cup 1x
Description
These top homemade salad dressing recipes are easy to make and taste fresh and delicious! Pick from favorites like Caesar, Italian, and balsamic: or see the list above for more ideas.
Ingredients
Scale
For the balsamic vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
For the Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoonswhite wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoonsDijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (about ¼ teaspoon)or½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspooneachdried oregano, dried thyme,and dried basil
- ¼ teaspoonkosher salt
- 6 tablespoonsolive oil
For the Caesar dressing
- 1 medium clove garlic
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (1/2 lemon)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional but recommended)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon each kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- For the balsamic vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and salt until fully combined. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, adding 1 tablespoon at a time and whisking until it incorporates, until an emulsion forms. Serve immediately. Makes ¾ cup. Store refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving (keeps at least 2 weeks).
- For the Italian dressing:In a medium bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic, oregano, thyme, basil, and kosher salt. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, adding 1 tablespoon at a time and whisking until it incorporates, until an emulsion forms. Serve immediately. Makes ½ cup. Store refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving (keeps at least 2 weeks).
- For the Caesar dressing: Mince or grate the garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese as finely as possible (it’s helpful to use a microplane or the fine holes on a grater). Juice the lemon. Whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl. Makes 1 cup. Store refrigerated (keeps at least 1 week).
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Whisked
- Cuisine: Salad dressing
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: Salad dressing recipes
More great salads
These salad dressing recipes are fantastic on salads of all kinds! We’ve got lots of salad inspiration for you to choose from. Here are some top salad recipes:
- Head to our favorites: 40 Best Salad Recipes or Green Salads
- Browse by season: Fall Salad Recipes, Winter Salad Recipes, or Summer Salads
- Go for all the easiest concepts with 15 Easy Salad Recipes
- Pick from plant-based options with 15 Best Vegan Salad Recipes
- Need a salad without dressing? Try this Easy Arugula Salad
Published on / Last updated on
Categorized In:
- Recipe Collections
- Recipes
Tagged with:
- Dressing
- Roundup
- Salad
- Vinaigrette
About the authors
Sonja & Alex
Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes for memorable kitchen moments! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.
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