I was raised in a household where the refrigerator door was always crowded with an assortment of bottled salad dressings. For me, it was creamy Italian, balsamic vinaigrette for my dad, and Parmesan peppercorn for my sister. Additionally, there were a variety of half-empty bottles brought by relatives and friends during gatherings, which my dad never seemed willing to part with. It wasn’t until I reached college that I discovered the art of making salad dressings from scratch—and to my surprise, it was incredibly easy.
Fast forward to the present day, and I can’t recall the last time I purchased pre-made dressing from a bottle. In fact, I’ve successfully convinced both my dad and sister to also embrace the practice of creating their own dressings. Therefore, it was with great excitement that I noticed over 600,000 members of our beloved Simply Recipes community had engaged with (and hopefully tried) the 1-Minute Salad Dressing recipe this year. This recipe is as straightforward as it sounds, and I firmly believe it has the power to convert even the most devoted buyer of bottled dressings into a homemade enthusiast.
Why I Find This 1-Minute Salad Dressing Exceptional
Molly Adams’ 1-minute recipe embodies the essence of simplicity in salad dressing, without compromising on flavor. It involves a basic ratio of two parts acid to three parts oil. To craft 1 1/4 cups of dressing, you simply blend 1/2 cup of acid—such as lemon juice or vinegar—with 3/4 cup of oil, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. The outcome is a delicate, adaptable dressing that strikes the perfect balance between tanginess and harmony. I always have the necessary ingredients at my disposal, and I can effortlessly adjust the quantities based on my requirements. Furthermore, any leftovers can be conveniently stored in the fridge.
Personalizing Your 1-Minute Salad Dressing
A recipe as uncomplicated as this lends itself well to customization, allowing you to infuse it with your unique touch. This dressing serves as a blank canvas, awaiting your personal flair:
While Molly prefers using lemon juice in her dressing—a choice I also appreciate for its vibrant zest—I often opt for sherry vinegar during colder months, as its nutty warmth resonates with the season. In reality, you can utilize any type of vinegar or citrus juice: balsamic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, or grapefruit juice. Feel free to experiment by combining different options. Personally, I like to mix red wine and balsamic vinegar, as I find balsamic overly sweet and dominant on its own.
