Four 4-Ingredient Salad Dressings

While it’s easy (and still really yummy) to stick with plain old olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it’s just as easy to whip up these four salad dressings that pack in way more flavor and add more zip and zing to your salads – making you more excited to eat them! Each one of these four dressings has just four ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, so you really can just toss them all together and have them ready to go any time throughout the week when you’re putting together a leafy green salad…we keep ours in mason jars, so we’ll even just throw them in our bag as we’re running out the door so we can make a salad at work as well.

So, for our four salad dressings we picked an apple cider vinegar dressing, an easy balsamic dressing, peanut sauce dressing, and a lemon herb vinaigrette. Trust us, each one of these comes together in under five minutes, so there’s no reason not to make them. Plus, don’t feel limited to use them only on salads…they make delicious roasting sauces as well. The balsamic and lemon herb vinaigrette taste amazing on roasted broccoli, and we love tossing some diced sweet potatoes in the peanut dressing before roasting them to perfection. Seriously, the flavor of these is incredible and you won’t regret trying them out. Along with being super easy and all being made up of ingredients you already have, there’s no reason not to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These four salad dressings are perfect for spicing up your salads without any hassle. With only four ingredients each, they’re quick to prepare, versatile, and bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re made from pantry staples, so you can whip them up anytime.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mason jars or any small airtight containers for storage
• A whisk or fork for mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

2. Easy Balsamic Dressing

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

3. Peanut Dressing

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic
• (Water, to thin)

4. Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, minced (dill, cilantro, parsley, chives, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a jar. Secure the lid and shake well until emulsified.

2. Easy Balsamic Dressing

Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl or jar. Stir or shake until well combined.

3. Peanut Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, and minced garlic. Add water gradually to reach your desired consistency.

4. Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Combine olive oil, cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and minced herbs in a jar. Shake or whisk until well mixed.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients wherever possible to enhance the flavor.
• Store dressings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Shake or stir dressings before each use to recombine the ingredients.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Add a pinch of salt and pepper to balance flavors.
• Experiment with different herbs in the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette for varied flavors.
• Try adding a splash of sesame oil to the Peanut Dressing for a nutty twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing: 150 calories
• Easy Balsamic Dressing: 130 calories
• Peanut Dressing: 180 calories
• Lemon Herb Vinaigrette: 120 calories

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use these dressings as marinades?

Yes, these dressings work wonderfully as marinades for vegetables, chicken, or fish.

How long do these dressings keep?

Stored in the refrigerator, these dressings will last up to a week. Just give them a good shake before using.

Can I substitute ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Conclusion

These four 4-ingredient salad dressings are not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious. They’re perfect for adding some excitement to your salads or as versatile sauces for your favorite dishes. Give them a try, and let us know which one becomes your new favorite! Share your experiences and any creative variations in the comments below. Happy dressing!