Easy homemade salad dressing recipes

When people hear that I make my own mayonnaise and my own salad dressings, they look at me like I am crazy for slaving in the kitchen all day to make them.  Truth is, they are very easy and so much better for you than store bought.  Here are a few of my favorites that I took from Autumn Calabrese in her 21 Day Fix eating plan.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

6 Tbsp. balsalmic vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. raw honey (or pure maple syrup)

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Combine vinegar, lemon juice, and honey in a medium bowl; whisk to blend.

Dijon Vinaigrette

3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 tsp. sea salt or Himalayan salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

6 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Combine vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper in a medium bowl; whisk to blend. Slowly add oil while whisking; mix well.

Note: The above two dressings are not only great on salads, but also as marinades for chicken and/or beef and for sauteing veggies. 

Creamy Herb Dressing

1 medium avocado, cut into chunks

1 1/2 cups nonfat Greek yogurt

4 Tbsp. finely chopped herbs (like tarragon, parsley, mint or cilantro)

3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp. sea salt or Himalayan salt

1 dash ground white pepper

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Place avocado, yogurt, herbs, lemon juice, salt and pepper into blender; cover.  Blend until smooth.

Continue blending avocado mixture, slowly adding oil until well blended.  Store in refrigerator tightly covered until ready for use.  

Note:  This dressing is not only great for salads, but also for dipping veggies, too!

Homemade Mayonnaise

Here is the video I watched to learn how to make my own mayo!  It worked the first time and is super easy!  When I looked up how long the mayo lasts, it said it is safe for one week past the date on the eggs you used to make it as a rule of thumb.  This is great for tuna/chicken salads or as a base for making dips for veggies.

So you see, making your own dressings does not mean you become a slave to your kitchen!  It only takes a few minutes and is so worth the time!  Bon Appetit!