Making your own salad dressings, dip and spreads is one of my favorite things to educate on. This Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing is a crowd pleaser. You can whip it up in under 10 minutes and top it on your favorite seasonal salad. Bright. Bold. Savory. Delicious.
Benefits of Making Your Own Dressings
More Affordable - Premade salad dressings are typically more expensive per ounce than making homemade, small batch salad dressings.
Freshness - When food is fresher, it will taste better (duh).
Nutrient Density - Herbs and spices have mega nutrient benefits and extra virgin olive oil is packed full of heart healthy fats. Think of your spice rack as a mini pharmacy! Check out my blog post on the benefits of herbs & spices.
Control over Ingredients - No sneaky sugars, preservatives, excess sodium or artificial colors.
Customization - You can combine flavors (different spices, herbs, vinegars, etc.) that YOU love - creativity at its finest.
Supports the Environment - Making your own salad dressing will minimize packaging waste since you can store it in reusable containers. I love making my salad dressings in mason jars where you can give it a quick shake before serving.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits
Rich in monounsaturated healthy fats to support heart health and brain function
Anti-inflammatory
High in Vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from oxidative damage
Packed with phytonutrients
Can help balance blood sugar
Anti-microbial & supports a healthy microbiome
Supports glowing skin
Savory & delicious
Aim for cold pressed and local
Perfect base for your Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing
Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe (serves 12)
Inspired from Affordable Nutrition by Jessica Bauman
Ingredients
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/8 cup water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp mustard
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
Juice of ½ a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley, crushed raspberries, dried oregano
Preparation
Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar & water together
Add in garlic, mustard, basil, lemon juice, salt and pepper
Whisk together. Enjoy!
Health Benefits
Basil: Anti inflammatory herb that is high in Vitamins A, K & C. Supports digestive health and rich in iron to support energy levels.
Lemon: An excellent source of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and the phytochemical lemonine to support the immune system. Supports digestion, hydration and detoxification.
Garlic: This is an immune boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial member of the Allium family. Garlic is an excellent source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, selenium and manganese. The liver loves garlic!
References
Bauman, Jessica. (2019). Affordable Nutrition. Penngrove, CA: Bauman College
Murray MT, Pizzorno JE, Pizzorno L (2006). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York, NY: Atria Books.