A salad never feels quite complete without a dressing. As interesting as your ingredients may be, without that drizzle to finish it off, you haven’t quite reached salad goals. The way to construct a fabulous dressing is quite simple, as long as you follow this formula.
Base
Everything has to start with a foundation. When it comes to salad dressing, this is typically some type of oil. Olive oil is a consistent favorite, courtesy of its unique taste and health benefits. Other options to explore are peanut oil, avocado oil, and sunflower oil. Soy sauce can also form a good base.
Acidity
A bit of tang is not just nice, it’s a necessity. The traditional route will always be some kind of vinegar. Play around with balsamic, white wine, and apple cider vinegar until you find one that works best. If you’re out of vinegar, you can also use lemon, tomatoes, or a dash of Dijon mustard.
Sweetness
Sweetness shouldn’t overpower your dressing, but it can be quite tart without it. A bit of honey goes a long way, but if you’re trying to keep it vegan, strawberries, blueberries, and orange juice are good options.
Herbs
Fresh herbs give your dressing flavor and freshness. Basil, coriander, and dill will brighten up your concoction, while herbs like rosemary and thyme will add some earthiness. Other elements, like garlic and ginger, can also pack a punch.
