From Simple to Sophisticated: Salad Dressings for Every Occasion

Salad dressings can make or break a salad. They can add flavor, moisture, and even some nutrition to an otherwise boring dish. But what's the best dressing for your salad?

It honestly depends on what you're in the mood for and what ingredients you have on hand. However, there are a few basic dressings that can be tailored to fit any occasion.

For a simple dressing, mix olive oil and vinegar (or lemon juice) in a 1:1 ratio. This is a great all-purpose dressing that works well with most salads.

If you want something a little more flavorful, try adding herbs or spices to the mixture. For example, adding Herbes de Provence gives your dressing a nice French flavor, while adding chili powder will give it a bit of heat.

If you're looking for something creamy, try using tahini or yogurt as the base of your dressing. Tahini is made from sesame seeds, so it has a rich, nutty flavor. Yogurt is naturally tart and tangy, making it the perfect counterpart to sweet fruits and vegetables.

If you're feeling fancy, you can also make vinaigrettes using different oils and vinegars. Balsamic vinegar pairs well with fruity olive oils, while champagne vinegar goes well with nutty oils like hazelnut or peanut oil.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to dressings! So get creative and have fun with it. The next time you make a salad, try mixing up your usual routine with one of these delicious dressings.

The New Salad Dressing Sensation: Infused Oils

Move over, balsamic vinaigrette. infused oils are the new salad dressing sensation. Not only do they add flavor to your greens, but they also provide a host of health benefits.

There are a number of ways to infuse oils. One of the simplest is to heat oil and then add herbs or spices. Other methods include using a dehydrator or an oven. However you choose to do it, be sure to let the oil cool completely before using it as a dressing.

The possibilities for infused oils are endless. Here are just a few ideas:

*Herbal oils: Use your favorite herbs to create an oil that is perfect for salads or dipping bread. Try rosemary, thyme, or basil for a fresh, herbal flavor.

*Garlic oil: This oil is perfect for adding a bit of garlic flavor to your salads or dips. Be sure to use caution when consuming, as garlic can be strong!

*Spicy oils: Add a bit of heat to your next salad with a spicy oil made from peppers like jalapeno or cayenne.

*Tomato oil: This flavorful oil is perfect for summer salads and can also be used as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables.

Once you've created your infusion, simply drizzle it over your salad greens or dip your favorite vegetables into it. Enjoy!

Keep it Fresh: Homemade Salad Dressings

There's nothing like a good salad to keep you feeling healthy and satisfied. But what makes a salad great is the dressing. Store-bought dressings can be expensive and full of unhealthy additives. Making your own dressings is easy, affordable, and lets you customize the flavor to your liking.

Here are some of our favorite homemade salad dressing recipes:

Vinaigrette Dressings

• Basic Vinaigrette - This vinaigrette is simple, but packs a lot of flavor. It's perfect for salads with earthy flavors like kale or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 clove garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper until smooth. 2. Pour the vinaigrette over your salad and toss to coat. Enjoy!

• Tomato Basil Vinaigrette - This rustic vinaigrette is perfect for summer salads with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. The sweetness of the tomatoes balances out the tanginess of the vinegar perfectly.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatoes, basil, white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepperuntil smooth. 2. Pour the vinaigrette over your salad and toss to coat. Enjoy!

Let's Get Sexy: Salads that Turn Heads with their Dressings

With the warmer weather on its way, salads are becoming a mainstay in many diets. They're light, refreshing, and can be made to fit any dietary restriction. But what really makes a salad crave-able is the dressing.

Here are some salads that turn heads with their delicious dressings:

For the Vegan: The Tofu Cesar Salad from Doomie's in Los Angeles is heavenly. The creamy dressing pairs perfectly with crunchy romaine lettuce and garlicky croutons.

The Tofu Cesar Salad from Doomie's in Los Angeles is heavenly. The creamy dressing pairs perfectly with crunchy romaine lettuce and garlicky croutons. For the Carnivore: If you're looking for something hearty, look no further than the BBQ Bacon Salad from Smoke 'N' Barrel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It features crispy bacon, smoked BBQ chicken, and ranch dressing – talk about flavor!

If you're looking for something hearty, look no further than the BBQ Bacon Salad from Smoke 'N' Barrel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It features crispy bacon, smoked BBQ chicken, and ranch dressing – talk about flavor! For the Gluten-Free: French onion soup lovers will adore The Parisian salad from Noodle Soup in Midtown Manhattan. It comes with a miso-onion dressing that packs a flavorful punch.

French onion soup lovers will adore The Parisian salad from Noodle Soup in Midtown Manhattan. It comes with a miso-onion dressing that packs a flavorful punch. For the Mediterranean: Olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes are a perfect trio for Mediterranean flavors. Try The Greek salad from Souvlaki GR in Astoria Queens – it doesn't get more authentic than this!

Olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes are a perfect trio for Mediterranean flavors. Try The Greek salad from Souvlaki GR in Astoria Queens – it doesn't get more authentic than this! For the Flexitarian: If you want to mix things up, try the Roasted Veggie & Goat Cheese Salad from Dig Inn Seasonal Market in all of their locations around NYC (and Boston). With over 20 different vegetable options to choose from, you can create your perfect salad every time.

So next time you're planning on whipping up a salad for dinner (or lunch), don't forget to dress it up with one of these amazing dressings!

More Than a Condiment: Favorite Salad Dressings from Local Chefs

With temperatures heating up, it's the perfect time to enjoy a cool and refreshing salad. And what better way to dress up your salad than with a flavorful and unique dressing from a local chef?

Here are some of our favorite salad dressings from local chefs:

For a zesty dressing, try mixing olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and salt.

If you're in the mood for something sweet and tangy, try our recipe for raspberry vinaigrette made with raspberry jam, white wine vinegar and olive oil.

If you're looking for a creamy dressing, our recipe for avocado cilantro ranch is sure to please. It features avocado, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, garlic, onion powder and ranch dressing mix.

And finally, for a classic French vinaigrette sauce, mix red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

So next time you're looking to dress up your salad, don't just reach for the same old bottle of Ranch or Italian dressing. Try one of these delicious recipes from your local chef instead!