No matter the event that you are hosting, the perfect meal is always important. If you are planning on serving a three course meal or even if you wish to set up a salad bar, you should make sure that you have at least two or three salad dressing choices available for your guests. At least one should be creamy and another should be oil-based in order to ensure that you cater to various preferences. Here are some easy recipes for you to follow.

Ranch

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried chives
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  • This is a really easy salad dressing to make. All you need to do is combine all of the ingredients and mix well. A whisk usually works best.
  • Allow to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
  • The recipe calls for dried ingredients but you can use fresh chives, dill and parsley if you prefer.
  • Avoid using fresh onion and garlic because this will overpower the flavours of the other ingredients.
  • You can hold off on adding salt and pepper if you like and add to taste.

Blue Cheese

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup blue cheese (crumbled)
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  • To make this rich and satisfying salad dressing, you need to begin by combining the milk, mayonnaise, sour cream and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl.
  • Mix these ingredients well before adding the blue cheese and mix again.
  • Finally, add salt and pepper to taste.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Directions

  • It is important to make sure that ingredients like the salt and sugar properly dissolve so you should mix them together with the vinegar as well as the pepper and garlic first.
  • Next, slowly add the oil while mixing. Take your time so that they blend well together without causing the two to split.
  • A good tip to remember is that using a blender will make life easier since you can turn it on, set the speed and add ingredients from the top.
  • Yes, sugar is optional in this salad dressing recipe but you will find that it really balances out the vinegar.

Italian Dressing

Ingredients

  • white vinegar
  • oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic salt
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon celery salt
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • water

Directions

  • Combine all of the dry ingredients for this salad dressing and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine ¼ cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of oil and 2 tablespoons of water.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of the dry mixture to the oil mixture.
  • Store the rest of the dry ingredients in an airtight container and use as per the ratios above when making another batch.

These are a few of the most popular salad dressing options that you should consider serving the next time you host any type of event. Whether formal or casual, the right dressing will go a long way to making your meal that much more appealing.