I used to never like salad dressing of any kind. If I was offered a salad as part of a meal, I would get it without any dressing.
Then one day I was watching those pretty boys on the Food Network, and I thought, "It sure looks simple enough, I'll try it."
My best results come with an oil:water ratio of about 2:1. I say "water" because vinegar isn't the only game in town. Soy sauce, and lime juice are also quite acceptable here. But a good vinegar is always a treat.
For vinegars, there is the classic balsamic, but also look at a nice apple cider vinegar or a rice wine vinegar, all of which impart their own special little kick to the dressing.
The oil of choice for me is a nice olive oil, but I'm also lucky enough to have access to a set of flavoured grapeseed oils. Good for cooking and salad dressing purposes. I have used both a citrus enhanced and a basil enhanced version. Citrus being nice and sweet and tangy, basil being very earthy. These add to and complement the other salad components. If you can find a similar product in your home town, give them a try.
Last but not least is some fresh ground salt and pepper. Also dried herbs like basil or thyme. I have also found a nice freeze dried oregano, really rekindles the oregano flavour. If I am using dried herbs, I make it at least the night before so everything has time to mix in with the herbs and the herbs can infuse their subtle flavours into the mix.
I think all the additives and whatever in the store-bought stuff turned me off. But now I'm a lover of my salad dressings!
Then one day I was watching those pretty boys on the Food Network, and I thought, "It sure looks simple enough, I'll try it."
My best results come with an oil:water ratio of about 2:1. I say "water" because vinegar isn't the only game in town. Soy sauce, and lime juice are also quite acceptable here. But a good vinegar is always a treat.
For vinegars, there is the classic balsamic, but also look at a nice apple cider vinegar or a rice wine vinegar, all of which impart their own special little kick to the dressing.
The oil of choice for me is a nice olive oil, but I'm also lucky enough to have access to a set of flavoured grapeseed oils. Good for cooking and salad dressing purposes. I have used both a citrus enhanced and a basil enhanced version. Citrus being nice and sweet and tangy, basil being very earthy. These add to and complement the other salad components. If you can find a similar product in your home town, give them a try.
Last but not least is some fresh ground salt and pepper. Also dried herbs like basil or thyme. I have also found a nice freeze dried oregano, really rekindles the oregano flavour. If I am using dried herbs, I make it at least the night before so everything has time to mix in with the herbs and the herbs can infuse their subtle flavours into the mix.
I think all the additives and whatever in the store-bought stuff turned me off. But now I'm a lover of my salad dressings!