Our 18 Easiest Salad Dressing Recipes

Kelli Foster

updated Aug 31, 2022

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a spoon holding up a spoonful of honey mustard dressing with a salad in the background — Credit: Kelli Foster
Honey Mustard Dressing

There was a time when I never would have considered making salad dressing at home. Eventually, though, I decided to give it a try by making a basic vinaigrette, and the whole thing was simply astonishing to me. Not only was it so much simpler and faster than I expected, with a short list of ingredients, but it also tasted better than anything I ever bought in a bottle.

The beauty of making your own salad dressing is that you can adjust some of the ingredients to make it taste just the way you like (an extra splash of vinegar and a little bit of warm water for me, please!), and can make just what you need for a single salad, or a big batch to last for the week.

These 18 salad dressing recipes are ones I turn to again and again because they partner with almost any salad and they’re easy enough to shake up on a weeknight. Bookmark this list and you won’t need to buy bottled dressing again.

1 / 18

Tahini Dressing

This dressing comes together quickly and can be used in so many endlessly delicious ways.

2 / 18

Honey Mustard Dressing

This honey mustard dressing is sweet and spicy and perfectly tangy, with just enough zip to keep it interesting. Plus, there's a good chance you have all the ingredients in your pantry already.

3 / 18

Lemon Vinaigrette

This zesty classic has a sweet twist.

4 / 18

Creamy Italian Dressing

Here is a dressing that combines the irresistible creaminess of Caesar (without the anchovies) with the zing and herbaceousness of Italian dressing.

5 / 18

Cilantro-Lime Dressing

If you want a do-it-all dressing that can also be put to work as a sauce, spread, and dip, you’ve got to try this creamy cilantro-lime dressing.

6 / 18

Avocado Dressing

A creamy, tangy vegan avocado dressing you can use as a dip or drizzle over salads.

7 / 18

The New All-Purpose Vinaigrette

This untraditional formula for a better, more flavorful vinaigrette will be an instant new favorite. Make a double batch and keep it in the fridge all week to dress any and all salads.

8 / 18

Lemon Vinaigrette

This light, bright dressing is my favorite reminder of just how simple homemade dressing can be. It comes together with just olive oil, lemon juice and zest, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.

9 / 18

Two-Minute Creamy Salad Dressing

If you love ranch, this fast and fancy dressing will be right up your alley. It starts with an unlikely pantry ingredient — mayo — which gives it lots of body and creaminess.

10 / 18

Basic Vinaigrette

Here's your template for making a simple tangy vinaigrette without any type of oil or vinegar you have in the pantry.

11 / 18

Easy Miso-Citrus Dressing

Want an easy dressing that's even faster and more foolproof than a vinaigrette? All it takes is some miso paste and any kind of citrus you have on hand.

12 / 18

The Easiest Caesar Dressing

If the idea of making Caesar dressing at home feels intimidating or like it's a lot of work, this recipe will absolutely show you otherwise. I promise. It comes together in five minutes with just five ingredients. And there are no raw eggs involved.

13 / 18

Ginger Carrot Dressing

You can make this zippy carrot ginger dressing from start to finish in the blender or food processor — minimal chopping required. In addition to being a great match for salads, give it a try as a marinade for grilled chicken or serve it on cold noodles.

14 / 18

Raspberry Vinaigrette

If you have a thing for fruit vinaigrettes, this five-ingredient raspberry version will be right up your alley. Take your pick between fresh or frozen berries.

15 / 18

3-Ingredient Green Tahini Dressing

I use this sauce as a dressing for salads and grain bowls more than any other. It comes together with whatever fresh herbs you have on hand (they're all fair game), tahini, and lemon. And if you prefer it on thinner side, just add an extra splash of lemon juice or water.

16 / 18

Classic Greek Vinaigrette

Classic Greek vinaigrette is more than just a red wine vinaigrette with a little oregano for color. Nope, this classic gets its sass from the one-two punch of red wine vinegar and lemons. It's optional, but I definitely recommend adding a couple spoonfuls of yogurt for creaminess.

17 / 18

Christine’s House Dressing

This versatile vinaigrette, inspired by Caesar dressing, is packed with anchovy, garlic, and lemon.

18 / 18

Green Goddess Dressing

This herby creamy green goddess dressing can be used to dress lettuce or as a dip for veggie. We go classic, including anchovies and Greek yogurt.

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