18 Homemade Salad Dressings You’ll Love Making Again

Making your own salad dressing at home transforms ordinary greens into something special. These homemade dressings taste fresher than store-bought versions and let you control every ingredient.

From creamy ranch to zesty vinaigrettes, these eighteen recipes will become your go-to favorites for elevating any salad or meal.

01. Asian Hoisin-Sesame Dressing

Sweet and savory Asian-inspired dressing with rich hoisin and nutty sesame flavors. Perfect for transforming simple cabbage into an irresistible slaw.

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated, pinch of red pepper flakes.

How To Make Asian Hoisin-Sesame Dressing

1. Whisk hoisin sauce and rice vinegar together in a medium bowl until completely smooth. The hoisin can be thick, so make sure to break up any clumps for a silky dressing.

2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, whisking until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Fresh ginger works best here for that bright, zesty kick.

3. Slowly drizzle in both oils while whisking continuously to create a proper emulsion. This prevents the dressing from separating and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.

4. Stir in sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

02. Bright Citrus Vinaigrette

Refreshing vinaigrette that balances tart lemon with sweet orange juice. This versatile dressing works wonderfully on winter salads with dried fruits and nuts.

Ingredients: ¼ cup fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Bright Citrus Vinaigrette

1. Combine fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl. Whisk until the honey completely dissolves into the citrus juices, creating a smooth base.

2. Add Dijon mustard and whisk vigorously to incorporate. The mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil blend seamlessly with the acidic ingredients.

3. Slowly pour in olive oil while whisking constantly until the mixture becomes creamy and well-combined. Take your time with this step for the best texture.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then give it one final whisk. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week, shaking well before each use.

03. Classic Red Wine Vinaigrette

Traditional vinaigrette with bold red wine vinegar and herbs. This healthy dressing elevates everything from simple greens to roasted vegetables and grain bowls.

Ingredients: ¼ cup red wine vinegar, ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon honey.

How To Make Classic Red Wine Vinaigrette

1. Pour red wine vinegar into a medium bowl and add minced garlic. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes, allowing the garlic to mellow slightly in the acid.

2. Whisk in Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. The honey balances the vinegar’s sharpness perfectly.

3. Gradually add olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies and becomes smooth and creamy. This creates the perfect consistency for coating salad leaves.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can also make this in a mason jar by adding all ingredients and shaking vigorously until emulsified.

5. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week, whisking or shaking before each use since natural separation is normal.

04. Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

Herbaceous dressing bursting with fresh basil flavor. Drizzle this summery vinaigrette over ripe tomatoes, green beans, or toss with grain salads for incredible taste.

Ingredients: ¼ cup packed fresh basil leaves, 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar, ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

How To Make Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

1. Combine fresh basil leaves, garlic, and white wine vinegar in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the basil is finely chopped and fragrant.

2. Add honey, salt, and pepper, then pulse a few more times to incorporate all the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.

3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the dressing becomes smooth and well-emulsified. The color should be a beautiful bright green.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to balance the flavors perfectly. Use immediately for the best color and flavor, though it keeps refrigerated for 3 days.

05. Garden Herb Vinaigrette

Versatile dressing packed with whatever fresh herbs you have available. This adaptable recipe works beautifully with mixed greens or cold pasta salads year-round.

Ingredients: ¼ cup mixed fresh herbs chopped, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, ½ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic minced, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Garden Herb Vinaigrette

1. Finely chop your choice of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, dill, or tarragon. I recommend using at least three different herbs for the most complex flavor profile.

2. Whisk together lemon juice, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined.

3. Slowly add olive oil while whisking constantly until the mixture emulsifies into a creamy, cohesive dressing that coats the back of a spoon.

4. Stir in the chopped herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dressing rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the herb flavors to bloom.

5. Always shake or whisk well before using, as separation is natural. This dressing tastes best when used within 3 days of making.

06. Homemade Italian Dressing

Easy Italian-style dressing with classic herbs and tangy vinegar. This healthy homemade version tastes so much better than bottled and keeps perfectly in your fridge.

Ingredients: ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon sugar.

How To Make Homemade Italian Dressing

1. Combine red wine vinegar, water, and sugar in a bowl, whisking until the sugar completely dissolves. This creates a balanced base that’s not too acidic.

2. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.

3. Slowly pour in olive oil while whisking vigorously to create an emulsion. The dressing should look creamy and well-combined when properly mixed.

4. Transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating that classic Italian dressing taste we all love.

07. Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette

Rich balsamic vinaigrette enhanced with aromatic Italian herbs. Use this flavorful dressing on salads or as a marinade for chicken that turns out incredibly moist and delicious.

Ingredients: ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 teaspoon honey, salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette

1. Whisk balsamic vinegar with minced garlic in a medium bowl, letting the mixture sit for 5 minutes. This allows the garlic to infuse the vinegar with flavor.

2. Add Dijon mustard, honey, and Italian seasoning, whisking until everything is completely smooth and well incorporated. The mustard helps emulsify the dressing beautifully.

3. Gradually drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing becomes thick and creamy. Take your time with this step for the best results.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then whisk once more. The finished dressing should have a rich, glossy appearance and coat salad leaves perfectly.

5. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week, shaking well before each use since natural separation will occur over time.

08. Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Dressing

Creamy, nutritious dressing made with cottage cheese for extra protein. This thick, herb-flecked dressing works wonderfully on grain bowls, salads, and roasted vegetables.

Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, 1 teaspoon fresh dill chopped, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Dressing

1. Add cottage cheese, lemon juice, and water to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.

2. Transfer the smooth mixture to a bowl and stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for your preferences.

3. Gently fold in chopped fresh herbs, being careful not to overmix. Adding herbs after blending preserves their bright color and delicate flavor.

4. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness. The dressing should coat vegetables and greens nicely.

5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. This dressing keeps well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

09. Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette

Bright, elegant dressing with fresh lemon and mild shallots. The honey balances the tartness perfectly, making this vinaigrette ideal for delicate greens like butter lettuce or baby kale.

Ingredients: ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 1 shallot minced, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, ⅓ cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons honey, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette

1. Combine minced shallot with lemon juice and white wine vinegar in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to mellow the shallot’s bite.

2. Whisk in honey and Dijon mustard until completely dissolved and smooth. The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the acidity.

3. Slowly add olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies and becomes creamy. The finished vinaigrette should have a lovely pale yellow color.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to come together harmoniously for the best taste.

10. Smoky Chipotle Ranch Dressing

Classic ranch with a spicy, smoky twist from chipotle peppers. This zesty dressing is perfect for dipping vegetables, drizzling on sandwiches, or serving with crispy potatoes.

Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo minced, 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, 1 packet ranch dressing mix, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tablespoon lime juice.

How To Make Smoky Chipotle Ranch Dressing

1. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk in a medium bowl until completely smooth and creamy. This creates the perfect ranch base.

2. Add ranch dressing mix and minced garlic, whisking until no lumps remain and the mixture is evenly combined throughout.

3. Stir in minced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, starting with less and adding more to reach your desired heat level. The smokiness develops as it sits.

4. Add lime juice and whisk once more, then taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.

5. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavor actually improves after a day as the spices meld together beautifully.

11. Silky Carrot-Ginger Vinaigrette

Smooth, vibrant dressing with sweet carrots and zesty ginger. Steaming the carrot creates an incredibly silky texture that works beautifully on salads, noodles, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients: 1 large carrot peeled and chopped, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated, 2 tablespoons tamari, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 green onion chopped.

How To Make Silky Carrot-Ginger Vinaigrette

1. Steam chopped carrot until very tender, about 8-10 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork for the smoothest final texture.

2. Transfer hot carrot to a blender and add rice vinegar, grated ginger, tamari, and honey. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

3. With the blender running, slowly add both oils until the mixture emulsifies into a silky, pourable dressing with a beautiful orange color.

4. Stir in chopped green onion for a fresh finish and extra flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with more tamari or honey as needed.

5. Let cool to room temperature before serving. This dressing keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days and actually tastes better the next day.

12. Nutty Sesame Tamari Vinaigrette

Asian-inspired dressing with rich sesame and citrus flavors. The roasted sesame oil adds incredible depth, making this perfect for Asian salads or drizzled over grilled proteins.

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons tamari, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 clove garlic minced, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.

How To Make Nutty Sesame Tamari Vinaigrette

1. Whisk rice vinegar, tamari, and lime juice together in a small bowl until well combined. The citrus brightens the salty tamari beautifully.

2. Add minced garlic, honey, and red pepper flakes, whisking until the honey dissolves completely and everything is evenly mixed.

3. Slowly drizzle in sesame oil and vegetable oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies and becomes smooth and glossy.

4. Let the dressing rest for 10 minutes before using to allow the garlic and pepper flakes to infuse their flavors throughout the mixture.

13. Creamy Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Rich, tangy dressing made with nutty tahini and bright lemon. This Middle Eastern-inspired dressing is fantastic spooned over roasted vegetables, salads, or grilled fish for incredible flavor.

Ingredients: ¼ cup tahini, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons warm water, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, salt to taste.

How To Make Creamy Lemon-Tahini Dressing

1. Whisk tahini in a medium bowl until smooth, then gradually add warm water while whisking. The mixture may look separated at first but will come together.

2. Add lemon juice slowly while whisking vigorously. The dressing will thicken as the acid reacts with the tahini, creating a creamy consistency.

3. Stir in minced garlic, olive oil, and honey until completely smooth. Add more warm water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

4. Season with salt to taste and let rest for 5 minutes. The garlic flavor will mellow slightly, and all the flavors will meld together perfectly.

14. Bold Garlic-Dijon Vinaigrette

Punchy vinaigrette with robust garlic and tangy mustard flavors. This versatile dressing pairs wonderfully with almost any salad and keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients: 2-3 cloves garlic minced, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

How To Make Bold Garlic-Dijon Vinaigrette

1. Mince garlic finely and let it sit in red wine vinegar for 5 minutes. This mellows the raw garlic bite while infusing the vinegar with flavor.

2. Whisk in Dijon mustard and honey until completely smooth. The mustard acts as an emulsifier while the honey balances the acidity perfectly.

3. Gradually add olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing becomes thick and creamy. Take your time to create a proper emulsion.

4. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust. Start with fewer garlic cloves if you prefer a milder flavor, adding more next time if desired.

5. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week, whisking before each use. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day.

15. Refreshing Mint Vinaigrette

Bright, herbaceous dressing with cooling fresh mint and zesty lemon. This refreshing vinaigrette is perfect for summer salads with fresh fruit or grain bowls with quinoa and vegetables.

Ingredients: ¼ cup fresh mint leaves packed, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, ⅓ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

How To Make Refreshing Mint Vinaigrette

1. Finely chop fresh mint leaves and place them in a medium bowl with lemon juice and white wine vinegar. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes.

2. Whisk in honey, salt, and pepper until the honey dissolves completely and the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the acidic base.

3. Slowly add olive oil while whisking vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and becomes smooth. The color should be a lovely pale green from the mint.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more honey for sweetness or lemon juice for extra brightness. Use within 2 days for the freshest mint flavor.

16. Classic Homemade Ranch Dressing

Creamy, tangy ranch made from scratch with simple pantry ingredients. This healthier version uses light mayonnaise and buttermilk for that signature ranch taste without all the preservatives.

Ingredients: ½ cup light mayonnaise, ¼ cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 packet ranch dressing mix, 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Classic Homemade Ranch Dressing

1. Whisk together light mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream in a medium bowl until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.

2. Add ranch dressing mix and minced garlic, whisking until evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick but pourable at this point.

3. Stir in chopped fresh dill and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh dill adds incredible flavor compared to dried.

4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.

5. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. The dressing works perfectly as a veggie dip or tossed with sturdy greens for salad.

17. Zesty Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

Bright, lower-calorie vinaigrette with bold lemon and garlic flavors. Using a higher acid-to-oil ratio creates a lighter dressing that still delivers incredible taste on any salad.

Ingredients: ½ cup fresh lemon juice, ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, ¾ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper.

How To Make Zesty Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

1. Combine fresh lemon juice and minced garlic in a bowl, letting the mixture sit for 10 minutes. This allows the garlic to mellow while infusing the lemon juice.

2. Whisk in Dijon mustard and honey until completely smooth. The mustard helps emulsify the dressing while the honey balances the bright acidity.

3. Gradually add olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing becomes creamy and well-emulsified. The higher acid ratio creates a lighter, brighter flavor.

4. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust as needed. This dressing has fewer calories than traditional vinaigrettes but maximum flavor impact.

18. Julia Child’s Classic Vinaigrette

Timeless French vinaigrette recipe from the legendary Julia Child herself. This simple, elegant dressing relies on high-quality vinegar and oil to create perfection in every drop.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon high-quality wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, pinch of sugar optional.

How To Make Julia Child’s Classic Vinaigrette

1. Place wine vinegar in a small bowl and whisk in Dijon mustard until completely smooth. Julia emphasized using the best quality vinegar you can find.

2. Add salt and pepper, whisking until dissolved. If you find the dressing too strong, add a small pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously until the mixture emulsifies into a creamy, golden dressing. Quality oil makes all the difference here.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This classic ratio creates the perfect balance that has made this recipe timeless for generations of home cooks.

Final Thoughts

These eighteen homemade dressings prove that making your own is always worth the effort. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create flavors that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

Keep a few favorites mixed up in your fridge, and you’ll never be stuck with boring salads again. Happy cooking and happy eating!