Salad Dressings: Basic Vinaigrette, Juicy Fruity, Honey and Mustard and Easy Caesar

Flavoursome dressings can really perk up a few basic salad ingredients.

A tasty dressing can also be a way of encouraging people to eat a variety of salads and vegetables. Try these simple dressings first and then experiment by using different oils, vinegars and other flavourings.

Please note: Allergen and skills information has been combined for all recipes. Nutritional information is an average taken from all four recipes.

Ingredients

Basic Vinaigrette
3 x 15ml spoons olive oil
1 x 15ml spoon white wine vinegar OR lemon juice
½ x 5ml spoon Dijon mustard
½ x 5ml spoon caster sugar OR honey
Black pepper (optional)

Juicy Fruity Dressing
1 orange
4 x 15ml spoons low-fat yoghurt
4 x 15ml spoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
Black pepper (optional)

Honey and Mustard Dressing
3 x 15ml spoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 x 5ml spoon wholegrain mustard
1 x 5ml spoon runny honey
Cold water

Easy Caesar Dressing
1 clove garlic
4 x 15ml spoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
¼ x 5ml spoon Dijon mustard
½ x 5ml spoon lemon juice
1 x 15ml spoon olive oil OR other vegetable oil
Dash of Worcestershire sauce OR vegetarian alternative

Equipment

The equipment needed depends on which dressing you are making
Small bowl OR jar with tight fitting lid
Whisk
Measuring spoons
Chopping board
Sharp knife
Garlic crusher
Grater
Juice squeezer

Instructions

Basic Vinaigrette

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until thoroughly mixed. Alternatively, place in a container with a lid and shake.

Juicy Fruity Dressing

1. Wash and dry the orange.
2. Use a grater to remove the rind (zest) of the orange, taking care not to remove any of the white pith.
3. Squeeze the juice from the orange and pour into a bowl, together with the zest, yoghurt and mayonnaise.
4. Use the whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.

Honey and Mustard Dressing

1. Place the mayonnaise, mustard and honey in a bowl and stir thoroughly to combine.
2. Gradually add a little cold water so the dressing is the consistency of double cream.

Easy Caesar Dressing

1. Peel and crush the garlic.
2. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined.
3. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water to thin it down.

Skills used include:
Measuring, chopping, crushing, grating and whisking.

Top Tips

Let your guests taste different dressings by dipping in small cubes of bread before they add the dressing to a salad.

Prepare now, eat later

Prepare up to 48 hours in advance and store in the fridge. Whisk again just before serving.