A white bowl filled with creamy Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing, garnished with sesame seeds and a sprig of fresh parsley on top. The bowl is placed on a light gray plate, with a few falafel balls arranged around the bowl on the plate. The dressing has a smooth, thick texture and a light brown color.

Say Goodbye to Store-Bought with These 12 DIY Salad Dressings

Author: Nandor Barta Nandor BartaEdited by: Hailey Rose McLaughlin

Salad dressings can turn ordinary vegetables into flavorful meals. From classic vinaigrettes to creamy concoctions, dressings are must-have ingredients to make simple salads more enjoyable. Not only do they add flavor, but they may also provide additional nutrients and healthy fats.

Creating your own salad dressings at home can be rewarding. With the right ingredients and a bit of experimentation, you can tailor dressings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Most homemade dressings are easy to prepare and use fresh, wholesome ingredients, free from preservatives and additives.

Here are 12 delicious salad dressings you can make at home that pair perfectly with dishes from Mexico to the Mediterranean.

Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing

A close-up view of a bowl filled with creamy Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing. The dressing has a light green hue, garnished with a fresh parsley leaf on top. The bowl is placed on a rustic wooden surface, with sprigs of dill and scattered sesame seeds around it, enhancing the presentation of the dressing.
Image Credit: My Pure Plants.

Lemon herb tahini dressing is a breeze to make. It requires just nine fresh, raw ingredients and no cooking. Simply toss everything into your blender, and you will have a refreshing and earthy sauce in five minutes.

The resulting nutty, tangy, and vibrant green dressing will make you forget about store-bought alternatives. It pairs well with various Middle Eastern grain bowls, salads, and grilled or roasted veggies. It is incredibly delicious when drizzled on top of falafel and served as a pita sandwich.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Tahini

Avocado Lime Salad Dressing

A top-down view of a blender filled with creamy Avocado Lime Salad Dressing. The dressing has a vibrant green color, indicating the freshness of the avocado and lime. The blender blades are visible in the center, surrounded by the smooth, thick mixture. The blender is placed on a wooden surface, highlighting the bright, natural color of the dressing.
Image Credit: Feels Like Home.

This cilantro avocado lime dressing is the epitome of healthy, homemade goodness. It can be made in just five minutes using six pantry staple ingredients. It is a stunning addition to Mexican salads, tostadas, wraps, and tacos. Its simplicity makes it suitable for various dietary needs, including gluten-free, keto, and paleo.

You will never go back to store-bought dressings after trying this recipe. The freshness of homemade ingredients shines through. Plus, the ability to adjust flavors to your liking and the satisfaction as well as having an additive-free dressing should win you over right now.

Get the Recipe: Avocado Lime Dressing

Homemade Italian Dressing

A clear glass jar filled with homemade Italian dressing. The dressing has separated into layers, with the oil on top and the vinegar and seasonings at the bottom. The jar is placed on a rustic wooden plate with a piece of burlap underneath. In the background, there is a bunch of fresh parsley, adding a touch of green to the scene. The overall setting is simple and rustic, emphasizing the homemade quality of the dressing.
Image Credit: Lavender and Macarons.

Are you looking to make Italian dressing in bulk or tired of store-bought options loaded with preservatives and added sugars? The good news is that this recipe requires only a handful of pantry staples and five minutes of your time. The result is a homemade Italian dressing that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors, surpassing any store-bought alternative.

It can be a classic choice for fresh green salads or a delicious marinade for grilled chicken and vegetables. Drizzle it over pasta salads with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and mozzarella, or add it as a flavorful kick to Italian subs and sandwiches.

Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Blue Cheese Dressing

A close-up view of a jar filled with creamy blue cheese dressing. The dressing is thick and smooth, with visible chunks of blue cheese throughout. A spoon is dipped into the jar, showcasing the rich texture and consistency of the dressing. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on the jar and spoonful of dressing, suggesting a fresh and appetizing look perfect for salads or as a dip.
Image Credit: Xoxo Bella.

This homemade blue cheese dressing recipe is a game-changer. It offers a creamy delight loaded with chunky blue cheese. The rich flavor and intensity of blue cheese and the absence of preservatives make it far superior to pre-made alternatives. In less than 10 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dressing at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Since it is so easy to make, it can be a great last-minute addition to classic wedge salads, vegetable platters, or buffalo wings. You can also use this dressing to enhance grilled steaks and burgers or serve it as a tasty dip for fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers.

Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Dressing

Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

A close-up view of a bowl filled with creamy Maple Dijon Tahini dressing. The dressing has a smooth and thick consistency with a rich, light brown color. The bowl is placed on a grayish-blue plate, adding a subtle contrast to the dressing's warm hue. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the bowl and its contents, making it the focal point of the image.
Image Credit: My Pure Plants.

Creamy maple dijon tahini dressing is a breeze to make. You need only six ingredients, and no cooking is required. In just five minutes, you will have a nutty, slightly tart, and sweet dressing that complements a variety of dishes. Dijon mustard and maple syrup lighten the sesame seed taste, creating a harmonious, sweet, tart, and savory flavor.

Using tahini instead of olive oil gives you an undeniably richer taste that surpasses classic mass-produced alternatives. Drizzle it over grain bowls and salads with hearty greens like kale. Add it on top of roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or salmon.

Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

Southwest Salad Dressing

A vibrant bowl of Southwest salad filled with a mix of fresh vegetables including lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, corn, red onions, and avocado. The colorful salad is presented in a clear glass bowl with a spoon. The bowl is placed on a light blue wooden table, next to a striped cloth in shades of blue and purple. Slices of crusty bread are arranged beside the bowl, adding a rustic touch to the setting. In the background, a red bell pepper and a wooden cutting board are visible, contributing to the fresh and wholesome appeal of the scene.
Image Credit: Corrie Cooks.

This Southwest salad dressing is an excellent recipe for making the switch to healthier options. Ready in just five minutes, it's rich enough to elevate green, pasta, and quinoa salads while serving as a delicious marinade for tacos, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.

After trying this homemade version, you will never go back to store-bought dressings. It uses Greek yogurt instead of fat-heavy mayo, lime juice, cilantro, and spices such as cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for a distinctive kick and a touch of honey for a hint of sweetness.

Get the Recipe: Southwest Salad Dressing

Vegan Caesar Dressing

A creamy Vegan Caesar dressing presented in a white bowl, garnished with whole capers and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. The bowl is placed on a light turquoise wooden surface. Next to the bowl, there are slices of pita bread topped with sesame seeds and chopped herbs, partially covered by a gray and yellow striped napkin. The vibrant setting highlights the smooth texture and rich appearance of the dressing, suggesting a delicious and inviting flavor.
Image Credit: My Pure Plants.

This creamy tahini Caesar dressing is a vegan-friendly twist on the classic recipe. With less than ten flavorful ingredients, this nut-free dressing comes together in just two steps and ten minutes, making it a quick and easy addition to your repertoire.

Classic Caesar dressing from the store typically includes olive oil, egg yolks, garlic, anchovy paste, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. If you want a rich, savory flavor and smooth texture without the heavy ingredients of the store-bought dressing, make this recipe and don't settle for less. It complements fresh Mediterranean salads, enhances wraps, and serves as a delicious vegetable dip.

Get the Recipe: Caesar Dressing

Creamy Lemon Mayo Dressing

A small glass jar filled with creamy lemon mayo dressing, with a spoon inside. The dressing is smooth and slightly thick, with a light yellow color. A few drops of the dressing are dripping down the side of the jar. In the background, there is a plate of fresh green lettuce leaves, and to the left, a bowl filled with golden-brown croutons. The setting suggests a fresh and appetizing salad accompaniment.
Image Credit: Feels Like Home.

Creamy lemon mayo salad dressing combines everyday pantry ingredients to create an exceptional homemade dressing. It will be your go-to dressing for a classic BLT sandwich or salad or served as a tasty aioli or french fry dip.

The fresh, zesty flavors and smooth texture surpass any pre-made option, offering an easily customizable, preservative-free alternative. Drizzle it over fresh green salads, serve it as a dip for crispy vegetables or seafood, and spread it on sandwiches and wraps for an extra tangy kick.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Mayo Dressing

Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

A small white ramekin filled with cilantro lime ranch dressing, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and chopped green onions. The dressing is creamy and white with green flecks of herbs. In the background, there are grilled chicken skewers garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, and red chili slices on a white tray with a red rim. The setting suggests a fresh and flavorful dipping sauce for grilled food.
Image Credit: Feels Like Home.

This cilantro lime ranch dressing is a tropical twist on the classic creamy ranch. Crafted with mayo, cream, Greek yogurt, and a blend of garlic and spices, it combines familiar ranch flavors with zesty lime and aromatic cilantro. It goes really well with a wide array of foods beyond salads.

Whether drizzled over taco salads, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even mozzarella sticks, this dressing elevates every dish it touches. After trying this homemade version, you will quickly ditch packaged dressings.

Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

Greek Salad Dressing

A glass jar filled with golden Greek salad dressing, with a small metal whisk resting inside. The dressing has visible herbs and spices. The jar is placed on a wooden surface, with a sprig of fresh herb beside it. In the background, there are blurred elements like a bottle of olive oil and a lemon wedge, suggesting the ingredients used in the dressing.
Image Credit: Corrie Cooks.

Greek salad is a refreshing Mediterranean classic that combines simplicity with vibrant flavors. It typically includes ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and chunks of creamy feta cheese. This timeless side dish is a go-to choice in many grill and BBQ parties worldwide.

The heart of this salad lies in its dressing, an aromatic blend traditional Greek flavors. This mix will make you forget about store-bought versions.

Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Dressing

Honey Mustard Salad Dressing

Top view of a jar filled with creamy honey and mustard dressing. The golden yellow dressing has a smooth texture with visible specks of mustard seeds, perfect for enhancing the flavor of salads and dishes.
Image Credit: Greedy Gourmet.

Honey Mustard Salad Dressing is a simple blend of sweet honey and tangy mustard that elevates any salad. This homemade version mixes honey, mustard, olive oil, and vinegar, offering a quick way to add flavor to your meals. It's great for both leafy greens and hearty salads.

This dressing at home ensures freshness and avoids unnecessary additives in store-bought versions. You control the ingredients, producing a pure, flavorful dressing without preservatives or added sugars.

Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salad Dressing

Mediterranean Salad Dressing

A hand pouring homemade Mediterranean salad dressing from a glass jar onto a fresh salad. The vibrant dressing, rich in herbs and spices, cascades over a colorful mix of vegetables, including olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
Image Credit: Greedy Gourmet.

This Mediterranean dressing is a zesty mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. It's amazing on salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta. It's a quick, easy recipe with a refreshing, balanced flavor.

This homemade dressing uses high-quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Its taste is far superior to that of store-bought versions, which often contain artificial flavors and stabilizers. The result is a vibrant, natural dressing.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salad Dressing 

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Nandor Barta

Author: Nandor Barta

Nandor Barta is an experienced food writer, recipe developer, and content creator of the blog My Pure Plants. He co-authored two cookbooks, Express Vegan Cooking and Vegan Winter on a Budget. He believes in the importance of cooking from scratch and avoiding processed and artificial foods, making each meal an opportunity to nourish both the body and the soul.

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