Are you like my dad, who refers to salads as “rabbit food”? I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be!! Salad can be more than a boring arrangement of limp iceberg lettuce, mealy tomatoes, and dry cucumbers. It can be an exciting explosion of flavours and textures with a simple salad dressing! I obviously don’t share my father’s sentiments about salad.
Most of my salads are actually “bowls”. They generally include some sort starch (like cooked grains or baked potatoes), a protein (tofu, beans, maybe a couple falafels), fresh or cooked veggies (cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, roasted squash, etc.), some leaves (lettuce, kale, cabbage, arugula), maybe some sauerkraut for tasty tang and probiotics, something crunchy (nuts, seeds or croutons), then the final addition – having a tasty dressing can make or break a bowl.
Here are some delicious salad dressing recipes that will make you crave salads!
1. Spicy Ginger Sesame
- ¼ cup tamari
- ¼ cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbs maple syrup
- 2 tbs sriracha (or more, if you like it spicy!)
- 3 tbs sesame oil
- 1 tbs fresh grated ginger
Whisk or shake all ingredients to combine.
2. Lemon Garlic Tahini
- ½ cup tahini
- ¼ cup water (more, if necessary)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbs maple syrup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Whisk or shake all ingredients to combine.
3. Vegan Ranch
4. Hummus Hack
Feeling real lazy, but you have hummus on hand? You can obviously add straight up hummus to your salad or bowl. But if you want a dressing texture, thin out hummus with water! You can also add something tangy (like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even sauerkraut liquid) for more of a vinaigrette.
5. Creamy Turmeric Dressing
- ¼ cup cashew butter (or sunflower seed butter)
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbs apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Whisk or shake all ingredients to combine.
6. Green Goddess Dressing
You will love it! Trust us.
7. Mustard Cider Vinaigrette
- 2 tbs grainy mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbs maple syrup
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Whisk or shake all ingredients to combine.
If you want to eat healthier and/or meal prep, these salad dressings are a must. On the weekend, prepare a dressing (or two), your favourite starch, some roasted and fresh veggies, a protein, and some greens, and store them in separate containers. You’ll have great building blocks for easy and healthy bowls throughout the week!
