Salad Dressing

N/A Condiment/Sauce

Salad Dressing Condiment/Sauce

At a Glance

  • Category Condiment/Sauce

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond salads, a good dressing can double as a marinade for meats, a sauce for roasted vegetables, or even a flavorful dip, adding instant zest to meals."

Definition

A sauce used to flavor salads, typically a mixture of oil, vinegar or citrus juice, and various herbs, spices, and other flavorings, available in many varieties.

Base Components Typically oil, acid (vinegar/citrus), seasoning.
Global Popularity Over $3 billion market in the US annually.
Types Vinaigrette, creamy, emulsified.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Salad Dressing are:

Varies (Tangy Sweet Savory Creamy Herbaceous Spicy)

Chef’s Secret

To make a quick, fresh vinaigrette, remember the 3:1 ratio: three parts oil to one part acid (vinegar or lemon juice), then add Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to emulsify and season.

Best Substitutes

Olive Oil & Vinegar

basic vinaigrette
Ratio 1:1

Greek Yogurt

for creamy dressings, add seasoning
Ratio 1:1

Lemon Juice & Herbs

for light dressing
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Read labels for sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Opt for dressings with natural ingredients and healthy oils.

Recipes Using Salad Dressing

Pork Eggs Lunch Eggs Dairy

Belly Buster Muffin Sandwich

Start your day with the ultimate flavor explosion! This Belly Buster Muffin Sandwich is a breakfast (or lunch!) champion, combining savory ham, fluffy eggs, and fresh veggies on a toasted English muffin. Don't let the simple ingredients fool you – this recipe is bursting with satisfying flavor and will leave you completely hooked. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!

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Course 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Baked Baby Brie In A Puff Pastry With Chutney And Baby Spinach

This elegant appetizer is easier to make than you think! Imagine warm, gooey brie baked in crispy puff pastry, served atop a bed of fresh spinach with a tangy chutney. The perfect combination of textures and flavors will impress your guests. This recipe, inspired by a local restaurant, is simple yet sophisticated, perfect for a romantic dinner or holiday gathering. Get ready to watch the cheese ooze! Serve with sesame crackers for the ultimate indulgence.

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Appetizers Eggs Dairy Finger Food Appetizers

Adopted Deviled Eggs

These aren't your grandma's deviled eggs! Our 'Adopted Deviled Eggs' recipe elevates this classic appetizer to a whole new level of deliciousness. Perfectly creamy yolks, tangy mustard, and a hint of spice are dressed up with a gourmet twist. These portable party snacks are so good, they'll be adopted into your family's favorite recipes in no time! Easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

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Preparation Course 15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

10 Minute Low Fat Potato Salad

Craving creamy potato salad without the guilt or the long wait? This 10-minute recipe delivers! Made from scratch with a vibrant, low-fat yogurt-based dressing, tangy mustard, and briny olives, this recipe is a game-changer. Easily doubled for larger gatherings (add 5 minutes to the cook time). Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or a quick lunch!

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Preparation Dinner Party Holiday Event Salad Dressings

This Old House Dressing

Discover the secret to This Old House Dressing, a flavorful recipe sourced from a Foam Lake, Saskatchewan community cookbook! This creamy dressing, perfected over time, gets even better after a day of resting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Inspired by a local fundraising initiative, 'Breast of Friend,' this recipe is surprisingly simple yet incredibly rewarding. Elevate your favorite lettuce salad—the perfect complement to this unique dressing. We recommend adding 3/4 cup of Nutter's crunchy salad mix (a delightful blend of toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, and sesame seeds) for extra texture and nutty flavor. Prepare to be amazed!

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Easy Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less High Protein

Italian Inn Cheese Spread

Recreate the magic of Tulsa's beloved Italian Inn! This legendary cheese spread, a secret recipe served for over 40 years before every entree, is finally revealed. Famous for its creamy texture and irresistible flavor, this Wisconsin cheese-based spread was the star of their renowned antipasto, perfectly paired with warm breadsticks. Get ready to transport your taste buds back to Tulsa's culinary heyday with this easy-to-make recipe – perfect for parties or a cozy night in!

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Heirloom Historical Low Saturated Fat Holiday Event Low Cholesterol

3 Fruit Salad

This 3-Fruit Salad recipe has been a holiday favorite in our family for three generations! It's incredibly easy, delicious, and perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen. The faster you chop, the faster you enjoy this refreshing blend of oranges, apples, bananas, and walnuts, tossed in a creamy dressing. Enjoy it during the holidays or any time of year – it's especially delightful on a hot summer day!

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Preparation Salads Preparation Course

Apple Cranberry Cinnamon Boursin Cheese Salad

A festive and flavorful winter salad! This recipe features a homemade Boursin cheese that's surprisingly easy to make (prepare it the day before!). Sweet apples, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy homemade Boursin combine for a delightful flavor explosion. Perfect for a holiday gathering or a light yet satisfying dinner.

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Preparation Easy Course Salads

Apple Cabbage Salad

A refreshing and healthy Apple Cabbage Salad recipe! This vibrant salad is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or potluck contribution. It's surprisingly easy to make and features a tangy, homemade dressing that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors!

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Asian 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Course

Asian Steamed Pork Meatballs Sesame Noodles Salad

Craving delicious Chinese takeout but hate the wait? This vibrant 3-course Asian meal is ready in under an hour! Enjoy juicy steamed pork meatballs (perfect as an appetizer or main course) served alongside refreshing chilled sesame noodles and a crunchy Asian salad bursting with napa cabbage, mandarin oranges, cucumber, red onion, and water chestnuts. A simple, flavorful dipping sauce unites all the elements. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and features a clever time-saving technique: while the meatballs steam, you'll whip up the salad and noodles! Get ready for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying Asian feast.

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Low In Something Side Dishes Salads 60 Minutes Or Less

Amazing Potato Salad

This unbelievably creamy and flavorful potato salad is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to be a hit at your next BBQ or potluck! A family favorite recipe with a twist, this easy-to-make recipe features perfectly cooked potatoes tossed in a tangy, delicious dressing. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Barbecue Indonesian Dinner Party 30 Minutes Or Less

Bbq Mango Avocado Skewers

Sweet, savory, and smoky BBQ Mango Avocado Skewers! This vibrant appetizer or side dish is perfect for your next summer barbecue. Grilled to perfection, juicy mango and creamy avocado are tossed in a tangy peanut-honey-soy glaze. A crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with chicken kebabs or grilled fish. Easy to make and even easier to devour!

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Time To Make Preparation Occasion Equipment

Asparagus Mandarin Orange Salad

Brighten your spring and summer with this vibrant Asparagus Mandarin Orange Salad! This refreshing recipe, originally submitted to the Stockton Asparagus Festival by a local TV station, is bursting with fresh flavors. The perfectly blanched asparagus spears are complemented by juicy mandarin oranges and sweet grapes, all tossed in your favorite dressing and topped with crunchy roasted almonds. A quick and easy meal prep or side dish that's sure to impress!

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Dietary Low In Something Course Picnic

Basic Potato Salad

This classic potato salad recipe, passed down through generations, is creamy, dreamy, and unbelievably delicious! Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight meal. Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience.

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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less High In Something Equipment

Bacon Cheddar Spread

Indulge in this irresistible Bacon Cheddar Spread! Creamy cheddar cheese meets crispy bacon in this easy-to-make appetizer, perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables for a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more!

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Low Sodium For 1 Or 2 Low Cholesterol Low Fat

Bacon Lettuce Salad

Craveable Bacon Lettuce Salad! This easy recipe from the MDC kitchen brings together crispy bacon, fresh greens, and a creamy parmesan dressing for a satisfying and delicious salad that's ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together.

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60 Minutes Or Less Side Dishes Healthy Cuisine

Amish Potato Salad

Taste the tradition! This authentic Amish potato salad recipe, passed down through generations and sold at a local farmers market, is unbelievably creamy and sweet. Unlike ordinary potato salads, this one boasts a unique sweetness that will leave you craving more. The secret? A slow, absorbing dressing! Follow our instructions carefully, especially step 3, to achieve the perfect balance of creamy sweetness. You control the dressing, adding a little at a time to reach your ideal consistency. Make it today and savor the taste of Amish country!

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