4 Healthy Homemade Dressing Recipes

I truly think that having a delicious salad dressing is what can make or break your salad! No one likes to eat bland and boring food, and what you dress your salad with can make all the difference. Remember healthy does NOT have to equal boring ;) The best thing about some of these healthy salad dressings is that they can be used as dipping sauces as well!

Creamy Avocado Dressing

Total time: 5 mins
Serves: Makes 1 cup
Dietary preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
• 100g low-fat plain yoghurt
• 1-2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 65ml olive oil
• ¼ tsp chilli flakes
• ½ lime or lemon, juiced
• 80ml water
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until creamy. If the dressing is still a little thick for your liking, drizzle in a little water at a time until the dressing reaches the desired consistency.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy!

Extra dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Raspberry Vinaigrette

Total time: 5 mins
Serves: Makes 3/4 cup
Dietary preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free

Ingredients:

• 75g frozen raspberries, thawed
• 125ml olive oil
• ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Place the raspberries, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar and honey in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper, if desired. Enjoy!

Extra vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Whisk to re-mix the vinaigrette before using.

Lemon Chia Dressing    

Total time: 5 mins
Serves: Makes 3/4 cup
Dietary preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free

Ingredients:

• 65ml olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Place the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, honey and chia seeds in a small bowl and whisk until well combined. You could also use a jar with a lid and shake vigorously to combine.

2. Taste and add salt and pepper, if desired. Enjoy!

Extra dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Whisk to re-mix the dressing before using.

Thai Peanut Dressing    

Total time: 5 mins
Serves: Makes 3/4 cup
Dietary preferences: Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Gluten-free option

Ingredients:

• 65g (¼ cup) smooth peanut butter
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2 tsp salt-reduced tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2 cm piece ginger, peeled and chopped
• ¼ tsp chilli flakes
• 2 tbsp hot water
• Salt, to taste

Method:

1. Place the peanut butter, lime juice, vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, chilli and water in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. If you require a thinner dressing add a little more water.

2. Taste and add salt, if desired. Enjoy!

Extra dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Hope you enjoyed these!