Tired of the same old vinegary salad dressings? Craving a lighter, fresher taste that still packs a punch? Then you've come to the right place! This creamy, flavorful salad dressing recipe skips the vinegar entirely, offering a delightful alternative perfect for a variety of salads, from simple greens to hearty grain bowls. It's one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly delicious, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Get ready to elevate your salad game with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using fresh herbs, add them at this stage.
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Emulsify: For a smoother dressing, you can use an immersion blender to briefly blend the ingredients until well combined. Alternatively, vigorously whisk the mixture for about a minute until it’s emulsified and creamy.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra tang, salt for saltiness, or pepper for a bit of heat.
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Serve: Drizzle the dressing over your favorite salad and enjoy! This dressing is best served immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Best Salad Dressing:
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic make a world of difference in the flavor of the dressing.
- Don't over-blend: If using an immersion blender, pulse the ingredients briefly to combine them without making the dressing too thin.
- Adjust to your taste: This recipe is a guideline, feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, you could add a pinch of sugar for sweetness, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Delicious Variations:
- Avocado Ranch: Blend in 1/4 of an avocado for a richer, creamier dressing.
- Lemon Herb: Increase the fresh herbs to 2 tablespoons for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Roasted Red Pepper: Add 1-2 tablespoons of roasted red pepper puree for a smoky sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 2-3g
This delicious and healthy salad dressing recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that are both flavorful and nutritious. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you're looking for quick dinner ideas, and it’s a great way to add a homemade touch to your meals. Enjoy!