Bottled Dressing

Tonight’s dinner is 100% inspired by a bottle of salad dressing.

We’re not trying to eat healthier or use up vegetables. Salad is for dinner because Brianna’s came out with classic buttermilk ranch dressing, and we are dying to try it.

Have you ever tried Brianna’s dressing before? There are some delicious flavors available, but you’ll pay a pretty penny to take a bottle home with you. My favorites are the poppy seed and honey mustard.

Despite how delicious those are, I’m trying to steer away from buying bottled dressings. They are simple to make at home and free. For the past several months, any salad we’ve had in this apartment has been dressed by yours truly.

Here are some of my favorite dressing recipes to make at home.

Agave Mustard Dressing

• 2 tbs dijon mustard
• 3 tbs agave nectar
• 1 tbs citrus juice
• salt & pepper

Seasoned Oil + Vinegar Dressing

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 tbs white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp citrus juice
• pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• pinch of chili powder
• salt & pepper

“Halley’s Own” Italian Dressing

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1/2 tbs white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp citrus juice
• 1 tbs grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• pinch of garlic powder
• pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• salt & pepper

Yield: dressing for two salads

Directions: Simply combine recipe ingredients in a mason jar with a tight fitting lid. Place a dish towel over the jar and shake vigorously. Serve immediately.

These dressings couldn’t be simpler to make, and the recipe can be double or tripled depending on how much salad is made. I’m not interested in making any creamy recipes at home. Eating raw egg yolks freaks me out even though I know they are the base of all that creamy goodness.

I’ll save that work for Brianna.