16 DIY Dressings for Green Salads

Italian Dressing Mix
Photo by Molly.

Sure, store-bought is fine. However, making your own dressing at home prevents any additives, you know exactly what's in it, and you can even add ingredients to your liking. Use the finest and freshest ingredients without all the bad fats and added calories. Whether you're using a blender or sturdy arm, everyone is equipped. Try out our 16 top DIY dressings that are simple, and pair perfectly with just about any salad you're craving.

01 of 16

Cranberry Mustard Salad Dressing

Cranberry Mustard Salad Dressing
Photo by Baking Nana.

A tangy vinaigrette with two kinds of vinegar (one sweet, one sharp) and two kinds of oil (walnut and olive). Try it on Roasted Acorn Squash Salad.

02 of 16

Homemade Catalina Dressing

Homemade Catalina Dressing
Photo by lutzflcat.

"With a few ingredients, you can make this yummy dressing," says samy. "So simple and tastes like store-bought, but better."

03 of 16

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Chef John's Ranch Dressing
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine.

A rich, creamy combo of buttermilk, sour cream (or creme fraiche, and secret seasonings that make it special. This is a veggie platter's BFF, and can turn potato salad into a potluck superstar.

04 of 16

Honey Mustard Dressing II

Honey Mustard Dressing II
Photo by naples34102.

A fresh salad dressing that tastes like your favorite restaurant-style honey-mustard dressing. The mashup complements the salty-sweet flavors of a crab and shrimp louie, and makes for a sharp twist on the classic chicken salad.

05 of 16

Absolutely Fabulous Greek Dressing

Absolutely Fabulous Greek House Dressing
Photo by rock_lobster.

This vinaigrette travels well since it doesn't need refrigeration, so it's a winner at picnics. Don't forget to pack some pita bread for sopping up the extra dressing.

06 of 16

Father Mark's Caesar Dressing

Father Mark's Caesar Dressing
Photo by Christina.

"This rich Caesar dressing gets lots of attention!" - Father Mark. Amen! Mix things up and swap out traditional romaine for red leaf lettuce or shaved Brussels sprouts.

07 of 16

Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
Photo by Naples34102.

This classic invented in the 1920s in San Francisco goes extra green with the addition of the main ingredient in guacamole. Tossing it with assorted greens and serving seared ahi tuna makes for a entree-worthy salad.

08 of 16

Chef John's Empty Mayo Jar Dressing

empty mayo jar dressing
empty mayo jar dressing.

Shake up a batch of vinaigrette in an "empty" mayo jar and get every bit of mayo clutching to the crannies. This thrifty creation makes arugula salads shine brightly.

09 of 16

Absolutely the BEST Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Ever!

Absolutely the BEST Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Ever
Photo by lutzflcat. close up of white ramekin of blue cheese dressing surrounded by vegetable sticks

Chunky and slightly sweet. Sour cream, buttermilk, and mayo combine with blue cheese, vinegar, and spices. Fans of this strong cheese will go nuts for it on a cobb salad.

10 of 16

Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
Photo by Dianne.

Raspberry wine vinegar and Dijon mix with your favorite oil. Drizzle over a simple green salad topped with fresh berries for a taste of summer year-round.

11 of 16

Cilantro Lime Dressing

Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Life Tastes Good

Inspired by the slightly spicy dressing served with Mexican grilled chicken salad at a popular restaurant. Doubles as an awesome dip for homemade tortilla chips when mixed with a little bit of sour cream.

12 of 16

Sweet and Spicy French Dressing

Sweet and Spicy French Dressing
Photo by Molly.

"A Catalina-style dressing that's been in our family for years," says Grandma39. "Works well for taco salad, too."

13 of 16

Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Photo by lutzflcat.

"This recipe is so quick, easy, and versatile," says Cathy. "Add a variety of herbs and spices to suit your personal taste." Try it on strawberry spinach salad.

14 of 16

Italian Dressing Mix

Italian Dressing Mix
Photo by Molly.

A simple dry Italian dressing mix with eight herbs and seasonings. It's amazing on Italian-inspired pasta salads.

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Asian Ginger Dressing

Asian Ginger Dressing
Photo by LynnInHK.

A tangy, delicious dressing that's especially good on cabbage salad and coleslaw.

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Southwest Fiesta Dressing

Southwest Fiesta Dressing
Photo by bd.weld.

"Nice, easy Southwest dressing for salads." - bryan. Turn up the heat by adding more cayenne.

Updated by
Emily Boyette
Emily Boyette

Emily Boyette is a highly qualified editor within the food media industry with eight-plus years of experience. From galleries and listicles to recipe manuscripts and articles, her knowledge of cooking goes beyond text. Emily is a writer for Allrecipes.

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