Homemade Dressings That Are Delicious And Healthy

These homemade dressings will add some variety to your wraps, salads, and dipping indulgences! They are made in a flash and the kids love them too. Win-win!

How are these homemade dressings healthy?

These recipes are made with unrefined and minimally processed oils. Most grocery store finds are full of hydrogenated oils that can wreak havoc on your health long term. That’s why I opt to make mine at home and save the prepackaged stuff for an occasional meal out or at families.

Is homemade dressings cheaper than store bought?

This may surprise you but no, it’s not cheaper.

But the quality end product is so worth it. Like mentioned above, store bought dressing is laden with cheap vegetable oils that often go rancid while sitting on the shelf (though you’d never know because they add so many flavor enhancers and preservatives). When you make homemade dressing, usually you’re using high quality fresh ingredients putting that herb garden to good use!

Honey Mustard

Ingredients:

Raw local honey

Yellow mustard

Homemade mayo (could sub avocado oil in a pinch)

Method:

• In a mason jar add equal parts honey, mustard, and mayo
• Stir to combine

Italian

Ingredients:

3/4 C Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1/4 C Vinegar (white wine, red wine, balsamic ect I use whatever I have on hand)

1/4 C Water

1/2 Tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme, rosmeray, sage)

1/4 Tsp Garlic powder

1/4 Tsp Onion powder

1 Tsp Organic cane sugar

Method:

Add all ingredients to a mason jar or dressing bottle. Shake well.

When stored in the fridge it may get solidify so allow it to sit on the counter 30 minutes or so before a meal. If you forget, run it under hot water for a minute or two.

I actually have a vintage dressing jar that is labeled with how much oil, vinegar and seasonings to add for your homemade dressing. It’s pretty nifty as I don’t have to think about the ingredient amounts. But for the sake of this post I measured and listed it all out for you.

Ranch

Ingredients:

1/2 C Homemade mayo

1/2 C Buttermilk

2 tsp fresh parsley (1 tsp dried)

1 tsp onion powder

1 clove garlic (1 tsp garlic powder)

2 tsp dill

1/2 tsp salt

Method:

Add all ingredients to a bowl or mason jar.

Mix until well combined

How long do these homemade dressings last in the fridge?

The italian dressing is good for up to two weeks while the honey mustard and ranch are good for up to one week. The reason for that is the use of homemade mayo. Homemade mayo uses farm fresh eggs making it a homemade product you want to use up quickly.

I don’t have buttermilk on hand, can I still make ranch?

Yes! You can make homemade ranch dressing without buttermilk. It’ll take about 5 minutes to make. To your 1/2 C milk, add 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice. Stir to combine and let stand 5 minutes. This will give your milk a tangy buttermilk taste and texture. This is how I do it most of the time because I lack forethought and planning skills.

What are some healthy store bought dressings?

If you’re in a pinch or on your way to a potluck with a salad and realized you forgot your dressing at home, don’t be dismayed! There are some great brands at the grocery store only they tend to be on the pricey side. That’s why I opt for yummy homemade dressing as the high quality store bought come with the bigger price tag than conventional cheap brands.

The two brands I would grab for their great ingredients are Tessamae as well as Primal Kitchen.