11 Easy and Delicious Salad Dressings You Can Make at Home

While there are many salad dressings you can buy at the store, some are chock full of sodium and other chemicals that may not be the healthiest. Instead, whipping up your own homemade salad dressing using ingredients you've already got in your kitchen or pantry is a cost-efficient and easy way to cater to different taste profiles and preferences. 

Whether you're into creamy classics or tangy vinaigrettes, you can adjust ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, or plain yogurt to fit your palate and the theme of your meal. Here are 11 DIY easy and delicious homemade salad dressings that you can make at home. 

In a jar, shake up 3/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar, one or two tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. This tangy dressing is perfect for any green salad or as a sauce for pastas. Adjust the acidity by adding more or less vinegar, and consider adding a touch of honey if you prefer more sweetness. 

Recipe: Food Network

Combine 1/2 cup of unflavored Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of olive oil, minced garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. This thick and creamy dressing works great on hearty salads with ingredients such as chicken or avocado. If too thick, thin it out with a bit of milk or water. 

Recipe: Well Seasoned Studio

This one is a favorite in my household. Mix 1/4 cup each of Dijon mustard and honey, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 cup of olive oil. This sweet and zesty dressing is a great choice for kids and picky eaters, particularly on salads with grilled chicken. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey. 

Recipe: Love and Lemons

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Shake together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, some garlic and shallot, and salt and pepper to taste. This dressing shines on salads with tomatoes, mozzarella, or steak to add a refreshing touch without being overly heavy. To give it even more flavor, add a tablespoon of honey to balance out the acidity. 

Recipe: All Recipes

Related: 50 Easy Salads to Make the Most of Summer Produce

Whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. This zingy dressing is perfect for Asian-inspired salads or to use as a marinade for meats. To add some heat, include a splash of Sriracha or sprinkle some crushed pepper flakes. 

Feeling the pinch from the Sriracha shortage? Consider these delicious alternatives. 

Recipe: Sweet Peas and Saffron

Related: Recipes Using Salad Dressings That Have Nothing to Do With Salad

Combine 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, a tablespoon of parmesan or Romano cheese, 1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano, garlic powder, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. This herby dressing is great on mixed green salads or pasta dishes. For a sweeter version, add a touch of honey or agave. 

Recipe: Taste of Home

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Mix 1/2 cup of tahini, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper, and thin with water as needed. This creamy dressing works well with Mediterranean salads and grain bowls to add a refreshing and citrusy flavor. To add more depth, include a teaspoon of ground cumin and garnish with chickpeas and cilantro. 

Recipe: Food 52

Related: I Tried Costco's New Gyro Kit. Trust Me, Your Go-To Greek Restaurant Is Better

Blend unflavored Greek yogurt, buttermilk, Dijon mustard and lemon juice, chopped fresh chives or parsley, some minced garlic and onion, and salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is a healthier spin on classic ranch and is ideal for dipping veggies or drizzling over salads. If you prefer it thinner, add a bit more buttermilk.

Recipe: Wholefully

Related: I Tasted Trader Joe's New Buttermilk Ranch Dressing — Here's How It Compares to Hidden Valley Ranch

Though I'm part of the "ew, that's moldy cheese" group of people, I know so many friends and family that adore blue cheese. For this recipe, combine crumbled blue cheese with sour cream and mayonnaise, add buttermilk, some lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is delicious on salads with crisp apples or pears. If you prefer it thinner, add more buttermilk or water. 

Recipe: Inspired Taste

Related: I Tasted 9 'Healthy' Salad Dressings and These Are the Best

Blend together one large avocado, lime juice, olive or avocado oil, minced garlic or shallot, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and salt and pepper. This creamy and tangy dressing is perfect for Southwest-inspired salads with bacon, grilled chicken, and hard boiled eggs. Add a sliced jalapeño or some crushed red peppers for a spicy kick.

Recipe: The Spruce Eats

Related: Creative and Delicious Recipes for Avocados, According to Redditors

Whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, 1/4 cup of red wine or balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. This sweet and tangy dressing is delicious on leafy salads with root vegetables or bacon. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup or sprinkle some crushed red pepper for heat if you prefer it spicy. 

Recipe: Foolproof Living