Salad dressing is one of the cheapest things to make, and one of the more expensive things to buy. Most salad dressings are vinegar, oil (either oil itself or in the form of mayonnaise), and seasonings herbs. Really, stop buying bottle after bottle of vinegar and oil mixed in different variations. There is no type of salad dressing you can’t make with what you have in the house right now. Really, stop. Read the ingredients – the ones you can pronounce are vinegar, oil, salt sugar, spices, herbs. Vinegar and oil are two of the cheapest things you can buy – and you have them.
The players. Oil, vinegar, herbs, garlic. Find your favorite ratio of oil to vinegar. Common ratio is 3 oil to 1 vinegar, I like it a bit tangy so go more like 2-1. Find what you like. Also the add ins will change the tangy component, so adjust to your taste.
Smash and finely chop a couple cloves of garlic.
Put in your favorite dried herbs. I like oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, celery salt, and a little dry mustard.
Put everything into a jar or bottle with a good sealing lid. Give it a good shake before using. It will separate when sitting. This also makes a great marinade for chicken!
I have always cooked, I was that person who could make a meal from an empty fridge. I have lived alone and with large and small families, I have cooked for camps on wood stoves, and in professional kitchens. I have lived and worked all over the west from Montana, to Seattle to Arizona to San Diego. I have traveled, maybe not 'all over the world', yet, and have collected tastes recipes and techniques everywhere, and every one I meet.
