Because sometimes, the secret to loving your vegetables is just a really good drizzle.
There’s a moment in every week when I open the fridge, stare at the leafy greens, and think… I don’t want another salad. But then I remember: it’s not the salad — it’s the dressing.
A good dressing transforms even the simplest vegetables into something crave-worthy. And when you make your own, you skip the seed oils, preservatives, and artificial flavours hiding in store-bought bottles — and end up with something fresher, tastier, and better for your gut.
Here are my go-to homemade dressings and exactly what I love pairing them with.
🧄 1. Creamy Garlic & Lemon Dressing
This one’s bold, zesty, and creamy without being heavy.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp Greek yoghurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Best on:
- Chopped lettuce with grated carrot and seeds
- Warm roast veg bowls
- Leftover BBQ chicken wraps
🥜 2. Peanut + Lime Dressing (Vietnamese-Style)
Nutty, salty, tangy — this is the one for noodle salads and satay-style bowls.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Warm water to thin as needed
Best on:
- Rice vermicelli with shredded veg + tofu or steak
- Cold leftover chicken + wombok salad
- Lettuce cups with mince and herbs
🫒 3. Basic Everyday Vinaigrette
The one you should always have in a jar in the fridge. Simple, versatile, perfect.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- Salt + pepper
Best on:
- Baby spinach and rocket
- Lentil and grain salads
- Tomato + cucumber garden mixes
🍇 4. Classic Balsamic Dressing
This is a staple — sweet, tangy, and perfect on anything with tomatoes or soft cheese.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Best on:
- Caprese salads with tomato + mozzarella
- Roasted beetroot with goat’s cheese
- Mixed greens with red onion and pear
🌿 5. Tahini Lemon Drizzle
Creamy and earthy — this dressing adds depth to any roasted veg.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp garlic (optional)
- Warm water to thin
- Salt to taste
Best on:
- Roasted cauliflower or sweet potato
- Couscous bowls
- Falafels and flatbreads
🧠 Why Make It Yourself?
✔️ It takes 2 minutes
✔️ It costs less than store-bought
✔️ You avoid additives that can trigger gut or skin flare-ups
✔️ You actually look forward to eating salads
🥄 Storage Tips
- Keep dressings in small jars with labels — I reuse pickle and caper jars
- Most will last 4–5 days in the fridge
- Shake before using, and thin with a splash of water if needed
🥬 A Good Dressing Makes the Meal
If your salads are feeling tired, switch up the dressing — not the ingredients. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn basic veg into something that feels exciting again (and gets eaten without complaint).
Dinner doesn’t need to be fancy. Sometimes all it needs is a good drizzle.