Sometimes a basic vinaigrette just won't do. Sometimes we need a velvety, white dressing drizzled on our greens. And yet ranch is often a little, how do we say this, salad-bar-at-the-steakhouse? Occasionally, yes, we love it. But this dressing, well, this is a more oo-la-la, less yee-haw, creamy dressing. And it's so, so easy.
The key to this dressing is a generous dollop of mayonnaise, which gives it the body and creaminess. But unlike ranch, which usually calls for buttermilk and a host of herbs and spices, we keep this simple: just a little dijon mustard and a nice, tangy champagne vinegar.
It's complex and lovely, perfect for dressing just greens, like our favorite bibb lettuce, and nothing else.
Two-Minute Creamy Salad Dressing
makes enough for two small salads
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
pinch salt
pinch sugar
few grinds fresh pepper
1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
Whisk together the mustard, mayonnaise, salt, sugar, and pepper until combined. Add the vinegar and whisk until smooth.
Related: No-Waste Salad Dressing with Mustard from Martha Stewart
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For those, like me, who cannot stand mayo, plain (full fat) yogurt is a good alternative.
The yogurt probably gives it a really nice tangy taste too! And is much healthier.
This looks so easy! I love that it's a small quantity, too. How often do you need 2 cups of salad dressing all at once?
Definitely replace the mayo with plain yogurt. It has a lovely twang very similar to ranch.
thanks adiaphane. i dispise mayo, too, and was just wondering what i could substitute!
Sounds great (both the mayo & yogurt versions.) I like that it doesn't make much and doesn't require many ingredients. I have all those things on hand except for the champagne vinegar.
I made this tonight, with the mayo. My god, was it good. I used about 1.5 T of champaign vinegar, but other than that I stayed the same. Mmmm.
Normally I loathe and despise mayo, but I do make a very nice dressing that is (roughly) equal parts light mayo, buttermilk and white balsamic vinegar - plus garlic/mustard/herbs/paprika/whatever according to taste. I tend to go maybe a little heavier on the vinegar, but that's just my taste. Put it all in a smallish jar with a lid, give it a shake, and there you are.
Fresh dill and tarragon are especially nice. Tasty on potato salad as well as greens. Also on a main dish salad that includes shrimp and/or salmon. Keeps in the fridge longer than you might think.
My favorite homemade dressing is similar, but a creamy balsamic. I've never gotten it to be as good as the restaurant inspiration, but it's tasty all the same.
I am also a mayo-hater, however I have found that this (http://www.followyourheart.com/products.php?id=39) Reduced-Fat Vegenaise is a GREAT substitute for mayo because it has similar qualities, is better for you, and the taste (in my opinion) is better.
YUMS! This is such a lovely basic dressing recipe.
I'm gonna try this with a few drops of honey instead of the sugar and Spanish sherry vinegar, because I don't have any Champagne vinegar in the pantry. I like mayo and plain yogurt, so maybe I'll combine them both. How bad could that be?
I make an almost no fat Greek version that's to die for. Sub low fat Greek yogurt for the mayo (thin out a bit with milk, as needed), use lemon juice and/or red wine vinegar as the acid and add some Greek Oregano. Omit sugar or use honey if desired.
oooo, i have everything except champagne vinegar....picking that up tomorrow! thanks for the easy recipe!
I gotta be a voice for mayo here!!! Unfortunately I love it but I do try to substitute Greek yogurt when I can. Love it too!