As spring continues to bloom and farmers markets start springing up around town, I find myself craving salads. I eat them as side dishes and main courses, and occasionally as midnight snacks. I love to load my salads full of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and nuts. But the best part of salads, as we all know, is the dressing. Making your own salad dressing is easier than you think and homemade dressings taste better than anything you'll find in a bottle. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a blender or emulsion blender. These are my five favorite salad dressings—and surprise—they are sweet! Perfect for your spring salad feasting.
Strawberry Vinaigrette
1/2 cup diced strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
dash of salt
dash of pepper
Directions
Blend all ingredients and serve or chill until serving. Perfect for spinach salads with fresh strawberries and bacon.
Orange and Sweet Onion Dressing
1/2 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons finely diced onion
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
dash of salt
dash of pepper
Directions
Blend all ingredients and serve or chill until serving. Perfect for steak or chicken salads with garlic croutons.
Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon poppyseeds
Directions
Blend lemon juice, sugar, mustard, salt and oil. Once blended, stir in poppyseeds until evenly mixed. Perfect for salads with fruit and pork or chicken.
Cilantro Lime Dressing
1/3 cup lime juice
1 teaspoon diced jalapeno
1/3 cup honey
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons mayonaise
Directions
Blend all ingredients and serve or chill until serving. Perfect for mexican salads and dishes.
Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
1/3 cup blueberries
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
dash of salt
dash of pepper
Directions
Blend all ingredients and serve or chill until serving. Perfect with salads with fruit, chicken, or steak.