1PLs Company - Payday Loans USA
Salad dressing
From the kitchen of the Rainwater Reptile Ranch
I've been getting a lot of email recently asking for particular salad dressing recipes. Truthfully, if you don't find it here, I don't have it. However there are two web sites you may want to check in pursuit of that perfect salad topping.

If you are seeking something you've had in a resturant, try Copy Kat Creations. Knock-offs of commercial and restaurant recipes are their specialty.

If you're looking for something original or with particular ingredients, try the Recipe Exchange at Epicurean Online. If you don't find what you're looking for in their archives, you can enter a recipe request and will probably get a response within a day or two.


"Not on the First Date" Red Onion/Shallot Dressing
1/2 C olive oil
1/4 C red wine vinegar
1 medium shallot, minced, or 2 T red onion, minced
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp McCormick's Spicy blend, or other general purpose spice blend
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt

Combine in blender at top speed for about a minute, so that all of the onion or shallot is reduced. The result should be a creamy pink dressing. Chill overnight in refrigerator. The result is a mild, oniony dressing with a slightly sweet edge.


Mom's Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/2 C balsamic vinegar
2 tsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
4 tsp cold water
6-8 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp each of salt and black pepper
Optional: 1/4 - 1/2 tsp herbs such as dill or basil

Warm vinegar and honey in microwave for 20 seconds or more until honey dissolves in vinegar. Add remaining ingredients and whisk well. Shake vigorously after pouring into a bottle and chill before serving.


Southwestern Vinaigrette
1/2 C extra light olive oil
1/4 C white or rice wine vinegar
1 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cilantro
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cumin

Shake, chill and serve. If you generally top your salad with cheese, pair this dressing with a mild cotija or colby. Avoid sharp or bitter cheeses such as bleu and feta.


Basil-Sesame Dressing
1/4 tsp garlic powder
3 T rice wine vinegar
1 T lemon juice
2 T asiago or the cheese of your choice
1/2 tsp dried basil
2-4 leaves of fresh basil
2 T chopped Italian or regular parsley
1/2 C extra light olive oil
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/4 tsp black pepper

Combine in blender until thoroughly mixed. Chill and serve with a green salad. It's a spooky color but tastes great.


Caper Vinaigrette
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 T fresh parsley (not dried!)
2 T lemon juice
2 T rice vinegar
2 T capers, drained
1/4 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/3-1/2 C extra light olive oil

Combine in blender until very thoroughly mixed. Makes a very vinagery dressing - increasing the amount of olive oil used will change the balance. Chill and serve. Good with raw veggies.


Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
1/2 C extra light olive oil
2 T plain yoghurt
2 T lemon juice
2 T rice vinegar
1/4 C fresh, shreaded cilantro leaves, tightly packed
1/4 tsp each garlic powder, thyme and black pepper
1/8 tsp cumin
a squeeze of fresh lime juice - about a quarter lime

Combine in a blender until fully mixed. Chill and serve.


Basic Vinaigrette
1/2 C extra light olive oil
1/4 C red wine vinegar OR rice vinegar
1 T lemon juice
1/2 tsp each oregano, thyme and mustard powder
1/4 tsp each black pepper and garlic powder
dash of cayenne and Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt

Shake, chill and serve.


Greek Dijon Vinaigrette
1/2 C extra light olive oil
2 T each plain non-fat yoghurt, lemon juice and red wine vinegar
1 T Dijon mustard 1/4 tsp each garlic powder, sage, thyme, basil and oregano

Combine in a blender at medium-high speed. Chill overnight before serving. I have no idea why this dressing is called "Greek", but it has been in the family for at least 25 years under that moniker.


Fresh Tomato-Yoghurt Dressing
2 Roma tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1/4 C each extra light olive oil and plain non-fat yoghurt
2 T each red wine vinegar and lemon juice
1/2 tsp mustard powder, oregano and basil
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash of cayenne, garlic powder and Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt

This dressing responds well to optional extras like a sliver of fresh onion, a chunk of feta cheese, fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Feel free to experiment. Put chopped tomatoes, lemon juice and vinegar in blender and blend at high speed. Add other ingredients, blending again at medium speed. Chill overnight before serving.

 

Copyright © 1999-2003 Susan Chance-Rainwater