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Ditch the Bottled Stuff! 17 DIY Salad Dressings You’ll Love

ByJenny deRemer Posted on Updated On

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Tired of the same old store-bought salad dressings? These 17 fresh and flavorful recipes are here to shake things up! Whether you like something tangy, creamy, or zesty, making your own salad dressing at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and big flavors, these homemade dressings will take your salads to the next level and have you wondering why you ever settled for the bottled stuff.

Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

A close-up of a jar of creamy blue cheese dressing. A spoonful of the thick dressing is being lifted from the jar, showing chunks of blue cheese mixed in. The background is blurred with hints of other containers.
Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this blue cheese dressing is the perfect addition to your salad dressing recipes collection. Its creamy texture, paired with the tangy bite of blue cheese, makes it a standout for salads that need a little something extra. It’s also fantastic as a dip for veggies or wings, making it versatile for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Lemon Basil Dressing

Yellow dressing with dried herbs in a jar.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for My Plant-Based Bowl

Freshness in a bottle! This lemon basil dressing is a breeze to make with only 4 ingredients. The vibrant combination of lemon and basil adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Drizzle it over salads and grain bowls, or use it as a marinade for chicken or fish.

Get the recipe: Lemon Basil Dressing

Italian Salsa Verde

A small white bowl filled with chimichurri sauce is shown with a spoon lifting some sauce out. In the background, there is a plate with sliced grilled meat topped with more chimichurri, and some fresh parsley is seen on the side.
Italian Salsa Verde. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Italian salsa verde is a must-try if you’re searching for fresh and herb-packed salad dressing recipes. Made with parsley, garlic, and capers, this dressing adds a punch of flavor to any simple salad or grilled veggies. It’s light, vibrant, and takes just minutes to whip up, perfect for those who want a homemade dressing that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Salsa Verde

Honey Balsamic Dressing

Brown dressing in a jar.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Ditch the store-bought dressing and whip up this honey balsamic vinaigrette in just 5 minutes! This easy recipe combines simple ingredients like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a hint of thyme for a flavorful and versatile dressing. Simply toss everything in a jar and shake – it’s that easy!

Get the recipe: Honey Balsamic Dressing

Green Goddess Dressing

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad containing lettuce, sliced cucumber, avocado slices, and grilled chicken pieces. The ingredients are topped with a creamy green dressing. A glass container with more dressing is seen on the wooden surface nearby.
Green Goddess Dressing. Photo credit: Will Cook for Smiles.

Green goddess dressing brings a burst of fresh herbs to your salad, making it a delicious option for any list of salad dressing recipes. With a creamy base and a blend of parsley, tarragon, and chives, it’s perfect for adding a flavorful boost to your greens. Plus, it’s easy to make at home, so you can enjoy it anytime without needing store-bought options.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Dressing

Spicy Peanut Sauce

A peanut butter sauce in a jar with a spoon of the sauce over the top of the jar.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for My Plant-Based Bowl

Flavor explosion alert! This spicy Sriracha peanut sauce is a bold blend of ingredients – it’s creamy, spicy, tangy, sweet, and salty, all rolled into one. Drizzle it over grain bowls, salads, and noodles, or use it as a delicious dip for veggies, spring rolls, or dumplings. Get ready to experience a flavor party in every bite!

Get the recipe: Spicy Peanut Sauce

Homemade Ranch Dressing

A fresh salad consisting of mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, and red bell pepper strips is served in a white bowl. It is topped with a creamy ranch dressing. A fork rests in the bowl, and a small pitcher of extra ranch dressing is placed beside it on a burlap mat.
Homemade Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Will Cook for Smiles.

When it comes to classic salad dressing recipes, ranch is always a favorite. This homemade version combines buttermilk, herbs, and garlic to create a fresh and flavorful dressing that’s better than anything from a bottle. It’s creamy, tangy, and great for everything from salads to dipping veggies and pizza crusts.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing

Maple Dijon Dressing

Orange dressing in a jar.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for My Plant-Based Bowl

This maple Dijon vinaigrette is the epitome of easy and delicious. It requires just 3 simple ingredients, including Canadian maple syrup, to create a perfectly balanced dressing in record time. Drizzle it over couscous salad, or any greens that need a touch of sweet and tangy magic.

Get the recipe: Maple Dijon Dressing

Oriental Salad Dressing

A close-up of a bowl of Asian-inspired salad, featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, next to a smaller bowl filled with a dark soy-based dressing topped with sesame seeds. Two metal spoons are seen beside the bowls.
Oriental Salad Dressing. Photo credit: Culinary Hill.

For those seeking a mix of sweet and savory in their salad dressing recipes, this oriental salad dressing is a perfect match. With flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness, it brings an Asian-inspired flair to any salad. It’s quick to make and adds an exciting twist to your usual greens.
Get the Recipe: Oriental Salad Dressing

Apple Dijon Dressing

Yellow salad dressing in a jar.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for My Plant-Based Bowl

Say goodbye to bland salads! This Apple Dijon Dressing with Canadian maple syrup and shallots is sweet and tangy. The combination of apple and Dijon mustard is perfectly balanced by the warm touch of maple syrup and a hint of sharpness from fresh shallots. Simply toss all 5 ingredients together in a jar, shake it up, and voila!

Get the recipe: Apple Dijon Dressing

Creamy Cilantro Dressing

Green dressing in a jar.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

This creamy dressing features bold cilantro and a luxuriously silky smooth texture, all with just a handful of ingredients. Greek yogurt and avocado create a delightful creaminess, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, zippy kick. This creamy cilantro dressing is perfect for topping tacos, drizzling over salads, or dipping your favorite crudités.

Get the recipe: Creamy Cilantro Dressing

Thai Peanut Dressing

A glass bowl filled with a creamy, brown sauce, possibly peanut sauce, with a spoon in it. To the left is a wooden bowl with red chili flakes, and to the right is a lime half on a light-colored surface.
Thai Peanut Dressing. Photo credit: Culinary Hill.

If you love nutty and bold flavors, this Thai peanut dressing is a fantastic addition to your collection of salad dressing recipes. With a blend of peanut butter, lime juice, and a hint of spice, this dressing is perfect for topping salads, noodle bowls, or even grilled meats. It’s rich, creamy, and comes together in no time, making it a must-try for quick weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Dressing

Avocado Ranch Dressing

A spoon filled with creamy avocado dressing is held above a glass jar of the same dressing. In the background, halved avocados and fresh herbs can be seen on a light-colored surface.
Avocado Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Noshing with the Nolands.

For those who want a creamy and flavorful addition to their salad dressing recipes, this avocado ranch dressing is a winner. The creamy avocado blends perfectly with the herbs and tangy buttermilk to create a fresh, vibrant dressing. It’s versatile enough for salads, sandwiches, or even as a dip for veggies and fries.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Ranch Dressing

Poppyseed Dressing

A glass bowl filled with a pinkish chia seed pudding is placed in the center. Surrounding it are fresh spinach leaves on the right, chopped strawberries on the left, and scattered granola at the top left, all on a light gray surface.
Poppyseed Dressing. Photo credit: Culinary Hill.

This homemade poppyseed dressing is a wonderful choice for your lineup of salad dressing recipes. Its sweet and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with fruity salads, making it ideal for summer meals. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples, so you can whip it up whenever your salad needs a little extra brightness.
Get the Recipe: Poppyseed Dressing

Cilantro Lime Dressing

A bowl of creamy cilantro dressing is placed on a white plate, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. A light-colored cloth is partially visible to the side, all set on a rustic, textured surface. The dressing appears smooth with green herb flecks.
Cilantro Lime Dressing. Photo credit: Culinary Hill.

For a fresh and zesty option in your salad dressing recipes, this cilantro lime dressing hits the spot. With the bold flavors of cilantro and lime, this creamy dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads or using as a dip. It’s also great for adding a southwestern kick to tacos or grilled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Dressing

Spicy Ranch Dressing

A jar filled with creamy ranch dressing, with a wooden spoon resting inside. The jar is placed on a wooden surface next to a red and white checkered cloth. The dressing appears speckled with herbs and seasonings.
Photo Credit: The Honour System.

If you’re craving a little heat in your salad dressing recipes, this spicy ranch dressing is just the thing. It blends the classic creaminess of ranch with a kick of cayenne and paprika, making it perfect for spicing up salads, wraps, or even as a dip for fries. Quick to whip up with simple ingredients, it’s an easy way to add bold flavor to your meals without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Ranch Dressing

Homemade Caesar Dressing

A bowl of creamy beige sauce sits on a light-colored surface. Next to it, there is a black and white checkered cloth and a wooden bowl filled with shredded cheese and a block of cheese.
Homemade Caesar Dressing. Photo credit: Culinary Hill.

This homemade Caesar dressing brings restaurant-quality flavor to your salad dressing recipes. Made with fresh garlic, anchovies, and Parmesan cheese, this dressing has that classic Caesar taste you love without needing a trip to the store. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for elevating your salad game at home.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Caesar Dressing

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