Quick Restaurant-Style Salad Dressing

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Better than the restaurant, guaranteed to please everyone!

Dear culinary friends, this recipe reveals the secret behind a restaurant-quality salad dressing—right from your kitchen. It’s creamy, zesty, sweet, tangy, and herbaceous, with a balance that transforms any salad into a showstopper.


Ingredients

  • 200 g extra virgin olive oil (about ¾ cup + 2 tbsp)

  • 20 g salt (approx. 1 tbsp; reduce if needed)

  • 80–100 g pure honey (about ¼ to ⅓ cup, adjust to taste)

  • 200 g white balsamic vinegar (approx. ¾ cup + 2 tbsp)

  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

  • 200 g low-fat natural yogurt (about ¾ cup)

  • 60 g Dijon or whole grain mustard (about 2 tbsp)

  • 250 g water (about 1 cup)

  • Fresh herbs of your choice (basil, parsley, dill, or chives), finely chopped


Preparation Steps

1. Create the Flavorful Broth

In a medium saucepan, combine:

  • Honey

  • Salt

  • White balsamic vinegar

  • Water

Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps infuse and mellow the sharpness of the vinegar.

2. Blend in Creamy Ingredients

After removing the saucepan from heat and letting it cool slightly:

  • Add the yogurt, olive oil, pepper, mustard, and chopped herbs.

  • Use a blender or immersion mixer and blend everything together for about 5–8 seconds, just until creamy and smooth.

Do not overblend or heat again, as this may cause yogurt to curdle.

3. Cool and Store

  • Allow the dressing to cool fully.

  • Transfer it to a clean glass bottle or mason jar.

  • Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The vinegar acts as a natural preservative.

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Serving Suggestions

  • Perfect for: Green leafy salads, tomato & cucumber salads, cold pasta salads, grain bowls, or even grilled vegetables.

  • Garnish tip: Drizzle over salads with toasted nuts, feta, or avocado for an added gourmet twist.

  • As a dip: Thickens slightly when chilled—great with raw veggies or pita wedges.


Tips & Variations

  • Make it vegan: Use unsweetened plant-based yogurt (like soy or almond) and maple syrup instead of honey.

  • Zest it up: Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

  • Spice it: Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

  • Creamier version: Add 1–2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.


Make It a Gift!

Pour into a decorative bottle, tie a tag with a ribbon, and gift it to friends or neighbors—great for holidays or housewarmings!


Why You’ll Love It

  • Healthier than store-bought

  • No artificial preservatives

  • Customizable to taste

  • Deliciously creamy with a bright tang

  • Pairs with almost every salad and veggie dish


Try it once, and you’ll never look at store-bought dressings the same way again!

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