Homemade salad dressings are cheaper, healthier and — let’s be honest — much tastier than shop-bought versions. Whether you like a vinaigrette style or prefer a creamier dressing, read on for our so-simple step-by-step guide to creating and customising your own dressings.

 

Vinaigrette dressing

viniagrette

Basic recipe: 1 part acid + 3 parts oil + flavour to taste

 

PICK ONE ACID

  • Vinegar (white wine, red wine, cider, balsamic)
  • Citrus (lemon or lime juice)

Dissolve a pinch of salt into one part of acid.

PICK ONE OIL

  • Rapeseed
  • Olive
  • Grapeseed
  • Bacon fat

Whisk in three parts of oil.

PICK A FLAVOUR (OR TWO!)
  • Herbs
  • Shallots
  • Mustard
  • Chilli
  • Honey
  • Garlic

Whisk in your chosen flavour(s), tasting as you go. Season with black pepper and more salt if desired.

 

Creamy dressing

creamy viniagrette

Basic recipe: 3 parts creamy ingredient + 1 part flavour + liquid to thin

 

PICK ONE CREAMY INGREDIENT (THREE PARTS)

  • Greek yoghurt
  • Crème fraîche
  • Sour cream
  • Mayo

PICK A FLAVOUR (OR TWO!)

  • Herbs
  • Garlic
  • Blue cheese
  • Spring onions
  • Honey
  • Mustard
  • Anchovies
  • Chilli sauce
  • Soy sauce

Whisk in your chosen flavour(s), tasting as you go.

PICK ONE LIQUID

  • Lemon or lime juice
  • Buttermilk
  • Water

Add enough liquid to thin until the dressing coats a leaf of lettuce. Season with black pepper and more salt if desired.