Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

One of my favorite things is roasted red peppers. I find myself using them in a lot of different recipes. I was happy to find this recipe for roasted red pepper vinaigrette. Of course, the roasted red pepper flavor is delicious. But the vinegar gives it a little bite. The honey balances it all out. Sometimes we will have salad week for dinner and we will change up the salads and make a couple of dressings for the week. This dressing has become one of our favorites!

Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

Simple. Yet Delicious.

Roasted red pepper vinaigrette is easy to make and you probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry. I used jarred roasted red peppers instead of roasting my own, but either will work. The nice thing about the jarred ones is that if you end up with any leftovers they do freeze well for uses in recipes like this dressing.

We like this dressing to be smooth. But you can adjust the consistency a bit by not running the food processor as long. Or run it longer. You might want to check it after a few seconds to see if it’s where you want it to be.

Also try my roasted garlic Dijon salad dressing.

Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

Process less for a chunkier version of this dressing.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 219 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place the peppers, garlic and vinegar into a food processor.
  • With the processor on, drizzle in the honey and oil. Process until smooth.
  • Stop and taste. Add salt and pepper as desired. Process a little longer.
  • Serve.

Notes

Substitute hot honey for a spicier version of this dressing.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 0.5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 511mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 193IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword roasted red pepper, vinaigrette
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Copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette

Last week was salad week here. Every once-in-a-while I go on a week-long campaign to make salads for dinner every night. Now, these are not little ole wimpy salads. No, they are meal-sized salads that dreams are made of. To add a special touch I often make dressings from scratch, like this copycat Chipotle honey vinaigrette. This dressing checked all the boxes. It has the perfect consistency. Nice and creamy. A little sweet. And a little heat. Heck, I just realized that my favorite salad dressings are a lot like barbecue sauces! Huh!

Copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette

A Dressing. And A Marinade.

This copycat Chipotle honey vinaigrette is not only great on salads, it’s also great as a marinade for chicken. Just let chicken breasts get happy in the dressing for an hour or so, then grill as desired. Chicken thighs too. So make extra vinaigrette and enjoy something special!

Also try my copycat of Kraft’s bottled Catalina dressing!

Copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette

Copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette

A great dressing that is also a fantastic marinade!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 337 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients except for the olive oil into a blender.
  • Blend on low speed. With the blender still running, slowly add the oil.
  • Refrigerate for one hour before serving.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 0.4gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 478mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 315IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword honey, vinaigrette
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Jalapeno Ranch Salad Dressing

I could’ve made a smooth, creamy, mellow Ranch dressing. Like I have a number of times before. But no, I wanted a bit of a change. I wanted a salad dressing that would sneak up on me and then hit me with a little kick. This jalapeno Ranch dressing has that bit of kick, but also a great pepper flavor. I’m not a big fan of jalapeno-infused flavors where I can’t still taste the fact that the jalapeno is a pepper. This jalapeno Ranch dressing has that and more. No forgetting that the jalapeno is a pepper here.

Jalapeno Ranch Salad Dressing

Ranch Elevated With A Kick

The dressing thickens a bit as it sits. If it gets too thick for your liking just add a bit more buttermilk. A little at a time. Don’t add too much at a time. You can add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in there! Stir and serve.

This dressing is also great as a dip for vegetables or chips. Use less buttermilk to make a thick, spicy dressing for hamburgers, wraps, or sandwiches.

Also try my copycat of the Outback Steakhouse’s great Ranch dressing.

Jalapeno Ranch Salad Dressing

Jalapeno Ranch Salad Dressing

Creamy and smooth with just the right kick.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 217 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender and process until smooth.

Notes

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

Nutrition

Calories: 217kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 211mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 274IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword jalapeno, Ranch
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Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

Funny how things happen sometimes. We were grabbing lunch at one of our local favorite pizza joints not long ago. The lunch special comes with a small side salad. For the dressing my wife went with the balsamic smoked honey vinaigrette. I was intrigued. She was intrigued. Smoked honey? You know, that has to be good. Well, it was. It was “bring me a bottle of that dressing so I can drink it” good. Of course, that means I had to make a version of it when I got home. And it was good. Very good.

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

A Different Kind Of Salad Dressing

This is a great, simple dressing even without the smoked honey. With it, this balsamic smoked honey vinaigrette becomes something a bit different. The smoke flavor isn’t overwhelming, but it’s there. Kinda in the background. It adds to the flavor but doesn’t overwhelm it. Depending on the honey that you use, I recommend adding just a bit at first and tasting to see if you want to add more.

Smoked honey is fun to cook with. I like substituting it for ‘regular’ honey in any recipe that calls for it.

Also try my copycat Portillo’s sweet Italian salad dressing.

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

This is a great, simple dressing even.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 254 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk all ingredients until well combined in a small bowl.
  • Cover until ready to use.

Notes

Give the dressing a good shake or stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 0.1gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 586mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3IUCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword balsamic, honey
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Aunt Trish’s Salad Dressing

We always look forward to “Salad Week” here. Before I started cooking “Salad Week” would not have been something I would have looked forward to. Bottled dressings. Uninspired ingredients. Now I am happy when it’s “Salad Week”, thanks to fantastic salad ingredients and great homemade salad dressings, like Aunt Trish’s recipe. Now, I don’t have an Aunt Trish but if I did I’d tell her thanks for the recipe!

Aunt Trish’s Salad Dressing

Aunt Trish’s salad dressing is a great vegetable oil-based dressing. It is packed with Parmesan and garlic flavors. But, it absolutely MUST sit in the fridge overnight to ‘get happy’ before serving. Trust me. Do not try and rush it. And it MUST be removed from the fridge well before you plan on using it to let the oil return to a liquid form since it solidifies in the fridge. Your patience will be rewarded.

Kick It Up…. Or Not

If you like your dressing to have a bit of a spicy kick, don’t hesitate to toss a pinch or two of red pepper flakes into the mix before shaking. As it is, though, Aunt Trish’s salad dressing is perfect. I don’t like strong citrus-flavored dressings, and this one does not disappoint. Now, I am a big fan of garlic so I might have slipped a little extra in when no one was looking. Don’t tell.

Also try my American style creamy Greek dressing.

Aunt Trish’s Salad Dressing

Aunt Trish’s Salad Dressing

Packed with Parmesan and garlic flavors.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 2 hours
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 401 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a bowl and whisk until well combined then transfer to a sealable container.
  • Refrigerate overnight.
  • Set out to come to room temperature for 1-2 hours before stirring and then serving.

Notes

Grate your own Parmesan cheese and squeeze fresh lemons for best results.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 401kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 3gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 24gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 227mgPotassium: 97mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 297IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword citrus, garlic
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Quick Fix BBQ Ranch Salad Dressing

A lot of the signature sauces you get at restaurants start with simple, off-the-shelf ingredients. A restaurant near us starts with a bottled BBQ sauce and Ranch, just like with this quick fix BBQ Ranch dressing. They then add a few other ingredients (such as crumbled cooked bacon) to make it different for different dishes. One version is for dipping onion rings. Another is perfect for dunking chicken wings. They also have a spicy version of their house Ranch salad dressing for well, you guessed it, salads.

Quick Fix BBQ Ranch Salad Dressing

Great On Fries, Burgers And Wings!

This quick fix BBQ Ranch dressing isn’t just for salads. That’s for sure. I squirted it on a big plate of French fries. Then I dipped grilled chicken wings in it. I slathered it on hot-off-the-grill hamburgers. Heck, it’s great on wraps too!

Just make sure you start with good, quality BBQ sauce and Ranch dressing. And don’t hesitate to use a spicy BBQ sauce, or one with a bit of smoky flavor to it.

This dressing will last a while in the fridge, if there happens to be any leftover. Just make sure to give it a good shake or stir before serving.

Also try my smoky French salad dressing.

Quick Fix BBQ Ranch Salad Dressing

Quick Fix BBQ Ranch Salad Dressing

Great on more than just salads!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 190 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together the two ingredients.
  • Add any embellishments and stir to combine.

Notes

Don’t skimp on the Ranch or BBQ sauce. Better ingredients make for a better salad dressing!
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 639mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 91IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Dill Ranch Salad Dressing

We recently spent a few days at the Dollywood DreamMore Resort and Spa. We had such a wonderful time there. From driving up, to the room, to the staff, everything was great. One of the biggest highlights was the buffet. Normally when you think buffet you think low quality food, mostly out of cans or boxes. That’s definitely not the case at the DreamMore. Everything was made from scratch and everything was out-of-this-world delicious. It was the buffet from heaven.

One of the things I loved the most at the DreamMore, interestingly enough, was the house-made dill Ranch salad dressing. It was delicious. I could’ve just drank it out of the bottle. I knew instantly that I had to make some when I got home. Now, this version is mighty good, too, but I’m pretty sure that the DreamMore version used fresh herbs (they had a nice herb garden right outside of the restaurant). Even still, this is delicious and a perfect alternative to ‘normal’ Ranch.

Dill Ranch Salad Dressing

The Resting Time Is Not Optional

Do not be tempted to rush the 1 hour rest time that this dill Ranch salad dressing needs. Those dry herbs need time to make the dressing happy. I really love dill so I added a bit more than the recipe calls for. More dill, more better I think.

Also try my honey-mustard Ranch salad dressing.

Dill Ranch Salad Dressing

Dill Ranch Salad Dressing

Do not be tempted to rush the 1 hour rest time.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 142 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Add more milk (a little at a time) if you want the dressing to be thinner. Don’t go crazy with it, though.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using. Stir again before serving.

Notes

For the best results use full-fat sour cream, mayonnaise and milk, though lighter versions can be substituted you’ll get a thinner less creamy and rich dressing.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 72mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 0.05gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 251IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Homemade Thousand Island Salad Dressing

There are certainly a whole lot of homemade Thousand Island dressing recipes out on the internet and in cookbooks. They’re everywhere. But I found this one to be slightly different. The flavor is richer. It’s deeper. And it has just a little spicy kick to it. It’s different and just better than the rest. And it uses ingredients that I have on-hand. That’s a plus. Perfect on a salad, and even better on a Reuben sandwich.

Homemade Thousand Island Salad Dressing

Add A Little Spice. I Did.

I wasn’t shy with the hot sauce when I made this homemade Thousand Island dressing. Now, I wasn’t making spicy wing sauce, no, but I wanted to get that spiciness. So many dressings are just creamy. Or just vinegary. A little heat changes things up. But you don’t have to.

So why is it called Thousand Island dressing? Because it came from the Thousand Island region between the US and Canada. I didn’t know that either.

Check out my always-growing list of the best homemade salad dressings and toppings.

Homemade Thousand Island Salad Dressing

Homemade Thousand Island Salad Dressing

Perfect on a salad, and even better on a Reuben sandwich.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 262 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk everything together in a medium bowl.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour then check for seasoning.

Notes

For the best results, use full-fat mayonnaise and not the light stuff.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 262kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 526mgPotassium: 82mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 309IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Parmesan and Peppercorn Ranch Salad Dressing

This parmesan and peppercorn ranch salad dressing kinda confused me at first. I love ranch dressing. I love peppercorn ranch dressing. And parmesan, well I put that on everything. But when I first tasted it my mouth was like ‘What are you doing to me? Everything we love in one bite?’ Yep. That’s exactly what I was doing. This dressing is a wonderful combination of all those flavors. Get ready for a happy salad! (And mouth!)

Parmesan and Peppercorn Ranch Salad Dressing

Not Creamy Smooth. But Close.

This parmesan peppercorn ranch salad dressing has parmesan in it. I know, you know that. But I’m saying it because you might expect a creamy, smooth dressing like ranch. And it is that… with a little nutty cheese added in. The cheese adds not only flavor but texture. It’s kinda different and a whole lot yummy.

My honey-mustard ranch dressing is different, too!

Parmesan and Peppercorn Ranch Salad Dressing

Parmesan and Peppercorn Ranch Salad Dressing

Nutty and peppery.
4 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Get happy time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 548 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese you might want more
  • 2 cups plain lowfat yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt you might want more
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup green onion finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons milk optional

Instructions
 

  • Combine the Parmesan cheese, yogurt, salt, mayonnaise, pepper, green onion, and parsley in a medium bowl.
  • If you want the dressing thinner you'll want to add the milk, a little at a time. While whisking, slowly add some of the milk. Whisk and see if the consistency is how you want it. If you want it thinner continue adding and whisking until you've got it how you want it.
  • Taste and add more salt and Parmesan as desired.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight before serving.

Notes

For the best results, use freshly-grated Parmesan.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 35gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 2053mgPotassium: 1407mgFiber: 2gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 1469IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 1203mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Quick Fix Franch Salad Dressing

Franch dressing is proof that sometimes easy is truly best. I could’ve made some French dressing from scratch. And I could’ve made some Ranch dressing from scratch. But hey, it was a busy weeknight and I wanted something a little different. So out came the bottled dressings. A little stirring and boom, done. And what a delicious combination the two make! Quick fix Franch dressing is way better than just French and just Ranch dressings. The two are better together.

Quick Fix Franch Salad Dressing

The Perfect Flavor Combination

I used a creamy French dressing and a buttermilk Ranch dressing when I made quick fix Franch dressing. You could also use a sweet French dressing, but to offset the sweetness you might want to then use a spicy Ranch or even a Buffalo Ranch dressing. Play with it. There’s no wrong answer here. You can’t make a bad dressing when you start with two great ones.

Also try my homemade Russian salad dressing.

Quick Fix Franch Salad Dressing

Quick Fix Franch Salad Dressing

Proof that sometimes easy is truly best
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Don’t skimp on the French or Ranch. Better ingredients make for a better salad dressing!
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 477mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 156IUCalcium: 17mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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