Mothers and grandmothers of decades past didn't buy bottles of salad dressing at the store. They made their own.
I want to do that because I want a salad dressing without the vegetable gums that are commonly found in commercially made salad dressings—and so many other products that it's mind boggling.
As it turns out, I have an allergic reaction to guar gum and other substances like that.
Go Natural Means Homemade
Here are 3 homemade dressings that mimic the most popular salad dressings sold. If you want to try them all, just cut each recipe in half.
If you find one you like, leave a comment and let me know which one worked for you.
Italian Dressing (Makes 1 quart.)
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 and 1/2 cups olive oil
2 large cloves of garlic, crushed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
* Optional: 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if you like it hot and spicy
In a large jar with a well-fitting lid, combine all of the ingredients. Shake well. Place the lid on and store in the refrigerator.
French Dressing (Makes 2 cups.)
This is similar to Catalina Dressing. If you don't like a French dressing that sweet, use the lesser amount of sugar.
2/3 cup ketchup
1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (amount according to your taste preference)
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
salt to taste
1 to 2 cloves of crushed garlic
2 tablespoons finely minced or grated onion
Combine all ingredients in a jar with a lid. Shake well. You can also throw this in a blender so the onion is completely disolved. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Ranch Dressing (Makes 2 cups.)
1 cup mayonnaise (try to get a good quality without a lot of chemical ingredients or make your own)
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions (just the tops)
2 teaspoons finely minced parsley
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* Optional: 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
Combine all ingredients in a jar. Shake well. Cover and refrigerate.
Takeaway Truth
If you're trying to eat more naturally, salad dressings are a good skill to master.
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