Honky Tonk Sweet and Spicy Salad Dressing

Sweet and spicy is right. I admit, though, I’m not sure about the Honky Tonk part. But even still, what a great dressing! It has a nice vinegar hit to it. And I spicy kick, thanks to the addition of Sriracha sauce. And my favorite, celery seed. I absolutely love celery seed in everything from a salad dressing to a BBQ seasoning rub to coleslaw. If you’re looking for a break from your tired old salad dressing, this Honky Tonk Sweet and Spicy salad dressing is it. Don’t be shy with it. Load up. You’ll thank me.

Honky Tonk Sweet and Spicy Salad Dressing

It Gets Better With Time

This Honky Tonk sweet and spicy salad dressing gets even better as it sits. You should let it ‘get happy’ for a few hours. But I have to say, it didn’t sit long in our house. I really like this dressing a lot. It’s different in a very, very good way. I like to make a double batch and keep it in salad dressing serving bottles in the fridge. I’m kind of a dressing addict so it’s best that I have extra on hand at all times. It’s always better to have too much instead of not having enough!

This dressing is great on a Subway Supreme meats sub in a tub!

Honky Tonk Sweet and Spicy Salad Dressing

Honky Tonk Sweet and Spicy Salad Dressing

Sweet and spicy is right.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 281 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth.
  • Transfer to a sealable container and cover. Let rest for at least 1 hour before serving.
  • Stir before serving.
  • Refrigerate any leftovers. Let come to room temperature before serving any leftover dressing.

Notes

You can substitute your favorite sweetener for the sugar.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0.002gSodium: 812mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword spicy, sweet
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Thai Sweet Chili Salad Dressing

Every few weeks or so, we have salads every night of the week. Oddly, it’s known as ‘salad week’! But truthfully, it is a nice fresh change. And it doesn’t mean that it’s a week of sadness. I mix it up by using a large variety of ingredients. And I always make at least one homemade salad dressing. Like this wonderful Thai sweet chili dressing. This dressing is a wonderful combination of tropical flavors, a little heat and a lot of Asian inspiration. This is the kind of dressing that makes me look forward to salad week!

Thai Sweet Chili Salad Dressing

A Lot Of Greatness

Your salad doesn’t have to be Asian in nature to enjoy this Thai sweet chili dressing. It’s great no matter what you toss onto the plate.

I’m a huge fan of coconut milk and I was happy to see that this recipe has plenty of it. And fish sauce. Now, fish sauce is one strong smelling, funky sauce. But don’t fear it. It really makes this dressing amazing. If you’re not sure about it, add a little, taste, and add more if you want. I use an expensive, quality fish sauce. I learned early on that you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to fish sauce.

Also try my copycat Applebee’s honey mustard salad dressing.

Thai Sweet Chili Salad Dressing

Thai Sweet Chili Salad Dressing

Your salad doesn’t have to be Asian in nature to enjoy this Thai sweet chili dressing.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Combine everything in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir until the peanut butter is dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and let cool before serving.

Notes

For the best results, do not use lite coconut milk.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 908mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword Asian, sweet
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Subway Club Sub In A Tub

I love having a salad for lunch. Not a same-ole same-ole salad, either. I am hooked on making salad versions of popular sub sandwiches. Like this Subway Club sub in a tub. Nothing boring about this. A pretty-much-standard but-oh-so-yummy salad is topped with sandwich meat and fresh veggies. The original sub doesn’t come with bacon. I club sandwich without bacon??? Yeah, that’s what I thought too. So I added bacon.

Subway Club Sub In A Tub

My Sub In A Tub, My Way

I’m always heavy handed with the meat when it comes to topping my Subway Club sub in a tub. Or any salad for that matter. I have salads for lunch more because I enjoy them than because I am looking for a healthy alternative to my usual lunches. If you’re more on the healthy side, be more sparing with the meat and cheese. But don’t leave them out! Then it’ll just be a boring salad! Booo!

Also try a Jimmy John’s Club Sub in a tub!

Subway Club Sub In A Tub

Subway Club Sub In A Tub

Made fresh at home!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 332 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place the lettuce into your tub or onto a plate.
  • Layer the sandwich meat slices and roll up like a cigar. Slice with a knife. Add to the lettuce. Note: If your meats are too thick to roll up, just slice them into bite-sized pieces instead.
  • Crumble or chop the bacon and sprinkle over the salad.
  • Slice the cheese and add to the lettuce along with the tomato and onion.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with your favorite dressing.

Notes

This salad can be made a day ahead. Just cover and store in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 21gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 943mgPotassium: 547mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1281IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 158mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword salad, sub in a tub
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Creamy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

I make a lot of salad dressings at home. But I admit, I get lazy sometimes and find myself reverting to the store-bought versions. I’ve vowed to end my purchases of bottled dressings. Well, or at least jazz them up by adding a few fresh ingredients. I’m starting with this incredible creamy poppy seed salad dressing. My wife proclaimed it her instant favorite, which is a great way to start on my homemade dressing journey!

Creamy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Nice And Smooth

This dressing has the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. And just the right consistency. It does run off your salad and form a lake at the bottom of your plate. Nor does it sit there, stuck to your salad like well… gum.

Grated onion really adds a lot of flavor to this creamy poppy seed salad dressing. Use a fine grater, such as a microplane, to get the onion as finely grated as you can. You can also mince the onion then, using the flat side of the knife, squish the onion into a paste.

Also try my American style creamy Greek salad dressing.

Creamy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Creamy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

The perfect combination of sweet and tangy.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 162 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • cup sugar sugar substitute works just fine
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  • cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons onion grated, with juice (if you don't have any, you can just add onion powder to taste)
  • 1 teaspoons poppy seeds or a bit more, as preferred

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together all ingredients.

Notes

Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best results.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 0.3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 119mgPotassium: 7mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword creamy, poppy seed
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Copycat Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing

I’ve never been to a Houston’s restaurant. I did at least look at their menu online. Their food sure looks awesome. So though I can’t say this copycat of their buttermilk garlic salad dressing is a true copycat, I can say it is fantastic. I could’ve just called it ‘Great buttermilk garlic salad dressing’ but I like to give credit where credit is due. Because it’s great. Like slurp-slurp-I-love-salad-more-than-ever-now fantastic. This is copycat Houston buttermilk garlic salad dressing is what Ranch dressing wish it would be. Amp’d up. Taken to another level! Thanks mostly to the garlic, but also a few other ingredients too!

Copycat Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing

Give It A Rest. And A Shake.

Make sure you let the dressing ‘get happy’ in the fridge overnight before serving. It makes a huge difference. And make a double batch because this copycat Houston buttermilk garlic salad dressing isn’t just for salad. It’s great for dipping wings. And veggies. Give the bottle a good shake (or the container a good stir) before serving.

Also try my roasted garlic Dijon salad dressing.

Copycat Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing

Copycat Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing

A wonderful twist on a classic Ranch.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 252 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a large bowl and whisk well. Alternatively, place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight before using.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat buttermilk.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 345mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 286IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword buttermilk
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Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

I’ve been waiting for good, fresh strawberries to show up at our local grocery store so I could make this copycat Panera strawberry poppy seed dressing. My patience was definitely rewarded and then some. This could easily be my favorite salad dressing of all time. Smooth strawberry flavor with just a bit of sweetness. White balsamic vinegar, while not as cheap as the dark version, is more mellow and adds a great tang. This dressing looks as amazing as it tastes, too. It’s a big ‘ooooh’ and ‘ahhhh’ winner on the table.

Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

What Is White Balsamic Vinegar?

I was curious what makes white balsamic vinegar more subtle and rich than the dark version, so I Googled it. Turns out dark balsamic vinegar is aged for at least twelve years in barrels that have been fired and were previously used for other batches of balsamic vinegar. White balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, is aged at least twelve years in new barrels that have not been fired or used before. That explains the cleaner, smoother flavor! It’s perfect in this copycat Panera strawberry poppy seed dressing.

Other Berries Work Too!

You can substitute other berries for the strawberries if you want. Raspberries and black berries are great. Or even try peaches. I think this recipe will work well with any good in-season fruit.

Also try some Panera Bread Greek vinaigrette.

Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Smooth strawberry flavor with just a bit of sweetness.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 67 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Combine all of the dressing ingredients except the poppy seeds together in a high-speed blender or food processor.
  • Mix until smooth.
  • Stir in the poppy seeds and serve.

Notes

Shake or stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0.4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 32mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword poppy seed, strawberry
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Subway Black Forest Ham Sub In A Tub

It’s sub in a tub week here and that makes me happy! It’s one of my favorite weeks. Every once in a while I go on a salad-for-lunch (or dinner) kick. No big ole subs for me. Just nice, fresh loaded salads. Now, this ain’t necessarily one of them fru-fru fancy light healthy salads. A guy has gotta eat. Work is hard. I work up an appetite. That’s why I go big when I make my Subway Black Forest Ham sub in a tub. Heavy on the turkey. Heavy on the provolone. Heavier on the ham. Yeah, there’s tomato. And bell pepper too. It’s a salad! And spinach and cucumber! It’s all good. Oh I forgot! Red onion! Love that crunch! I just add my favorite dressing the and I’m a happy guy!

Subway Black Forest Ham Sub In A Tub

A Little Prep Goes A Long Way

To make things go smoothly when I am having sub in a tub week, I do as much preparing ahead of time as I can. That way when it comes time to make my lunch, such as this Subway Black Forest Ham sub in a tub, I can have it put together in just minutes. I chop a combination of iceberg and green leaf lettuces and put them in a sealable tub with a paper towel to help keep them fresh. Then, I stem a little spinach, chop it loosely and add that in. I add cherry tomatoes because they hold up well. Add chopped bell pepper, sliced red onion and a few slices of cucumber. I cover the container and put it in the fridge overnight.

I could pre-cut my sandwich meats and cheese, but I like doing those the day I am having my salad. Who knows, I might change my mind from the day before about what I want on my salad. So I just wait. It’s not like they take that long to cut!

Also try my Jimmy John’s Billy Club sub in a tub!

Subway Black Forest Ham Sub In A Tub

Subway Black Forest Ham Sub In A Tub

Fresh and delicious!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 323 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups lettuce chopped. I use a mix of green leaf and iceberg
  • 1/2 cup baby spinach stems removed
  • 3 slices Black Forest ham sandwich meat
  • 6 slices cucumber
  • 2 tablespoon green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 slice provolone cheese
  • 1/2 small tomato chopped
  • 3 slices red onion
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Your favorite salad dressing

Instructions
 

  • Place the lettuce and spinach into your tub or onto a plate.
  • Layer the sandwich meat slices and roll up like a cigar. Slice with a knife. Add to the lettuce. Note: If your meats are too thick to roll up, just slice them into bite-sized pieces instead.
  • Slice the cheese and add to the lettuce along with the tomato, bell pepper, cucumber and onion.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with your favorite dressing.

Notes

This salad can be made a day ahead. Just cover and store in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 26gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 1163mgPotassium: 761mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2595IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 206mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword salad, sub in a tub
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Avocado Ranch Salad Dressing

I love avocados. They’re perfect on a salad. Sliced. Chopped. Or even in the dressing itself. This avocado Ranch salad dressing is quite easy to make. It packs a nice subtle avocado flavor, along with the wonderful creamy herb flavor of Ranch. It has a very mild spiciness to it too. You can make it spicier if you like, or leave out the hot sauce entirely. I like my dressing pretty thick, so that’s how I made it. But if you prefer yours a little thinner, just add some more milk.

Avocado Ranch Salad Dressing

Thick Enough For A Dip

Avocado Ranch salad dressing isn’t just for salads either. It’s perfect as a dip for chips or veggies. Or use it as a substitute for sour cream on tacos or nachos. It’s also great as a sandwich spread. Just make it a little thicker (by using less milk) then spread on bread. Add your favorite sandwich meat and boom, excellent!

Using different types of hot sauces also make for great variations on this dressing. Citrus hot sauce adds…. well, a nice citrus kick. Or try a smoky hot sauce. This dressing is very versatile.

Also try my honey-mustard Ranch salad dressing.

Avocado Ranch Salad Dressing

Avocado Ranch Salad Dressing

Nice avocado and creamy herb Ranch flavors.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Scoop out the avocado and place into a blender or food processor.
  • Add remaining ingredients except for the salt. Process until smooth.
  • Taste, add salt as needed, and pulse a few more times to mix.
  • Refrigerate for one hour before serving.
  • Note: If the dressing gets too thick, stir in a bit more milk before serving.

Notes

Use whole milk for the best results, although 2% can be used also.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 249mgPotassium: 253mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 164IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword Avocado, Ranch
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Salad Dressing

I am always looking for new salad dressing recipes for Salad Week. Something to change things up. We usually have salad week if we have over-indulged the week before or if we have eaten out too many meals while traveling. This copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin orange sesame dressing is so good! The orange marmalade and the honey balance out the sesame oil. Sesame oil is such a strong flavor so you can use a little less if preferred, but I love the taste of it. I like that it has chopped Mandarin oranges for texture. I also added Mandarin oranges to the salad to tie it all together. Salad week is always great thanks to great dressings like this one!

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Salad Dressing

The Perfect Balance

This copycat TGI Fridays Mandarin orange sesame dressing is one of the best homemade dressings that we have made! This dressing would be good as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets. It would also be great as a sauce for crudités. Although I admit, I don’t usually use the word ‘crudités’. I’m not very fancy. Sorry.

Also try my sesame salad dressing.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Salad Dressing

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Salad Dressing

A delicious citrus- and sesame-infused dressing.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 264 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place everything except for the mandarin into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  • Transfer to a resealable container. Add the oranges, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Shake or stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 1gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 259mgPotassium: 32mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 102IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword orange, sesame
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sesame Salad Dressing

My wife quickly declared this sesame salad dressing as one of her all-time favorite salad dressings. She loved the light hint of sesame oil and soy sauce, with just a touch of sweetness. A hint of vinegar. And creamy mayonnaise. They hit all the right notes for her. It’s not a thick sauce, not at all. It’s just slightly thicker than say, Italian dressing. And it’s perfect on a garden salad.

Sesame Salad Dressing

Don’t Rush

Although you can try and rush this sesame salad dressing, don’t. Resist the temptation to do that. Let it rest at least 30 minutes before serving. At least. And if you can, let it sit overnight so that the flavors get happier. As I note in the recipe, you might want to adjust the amount of sesame oil. Although my wife and I both are fans of sesame oil, we find that a little goes a long ways. We felt that one tablespoon was perfect for us. So, we recommend that you start with a little, taste, and add more if desired. You can always add more after it has set a while, too. You just can’t take it back out so use it sparingly if you’re like us and are a little sesame oil-shy.

Also try my Everything Bagel salad dressing.

Sesame Salad Dressing

Sesame Salad Dressing

You might want to adjust the amount of sesame oil.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 282 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute your favorite sweetener for the sugar.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 430mgPotassium: 18mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword sesame
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!