My Favorite Simple Salad Dressing + 6 Variations

As a kid I did not like salad. Granted, I think most kids don’t like salad. But I think the biggest reason I didn’t like it is because I’d only ever had one kind of salad: iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots, tomatoes, and ranch salad dressing. Iceberg lettuce tastes like nothing. Carrots are one of my least favorite veggies, followed closely by tomatoes. And ranch is best for dipping pizza in.

Obviously I wasn’t going to like salad. At least not as I knew it.

Then I grew up. My tastes changed. I was willing to try new things, particularly vegetable-type things. And it turns out salads can be dang delicious! I felt like such a fool for avoiding them for so long.

I’ve brought variations on this same salad to a few events in the last couple months and it’s always a hit. I try to include something sweet, something savory, something crunchy, something packed with protein, and as many colors as I can. It’s never exactly the same, but that seems to be a solid formula for success.

Plus I ALWAYS include avocado. I have yet to meet a salad that couldn’t benefit from some avocados up in it.

Then there’s the salad dressing. Bad dressing can ruin a good salad, but quality dressing can get expensive, especially if you want a variety of options. However, making it yourself is embarrassingly easy, takes less than a minute, and costs pennies. Seriously.

I haven’t bought salad dressing in ages; I just tweak this one for every salad I make.

Here’s the recipe:

1 part apple cider vinegar + 1 part oil + honey to taste + salt to taste

That’s it. Whisk or shake those 4 ingredients together for the only homemade salad dressing you’ll ever need.

I don’t even want to give you measurements, because the amount you need depends on how much salad you’re making. You could definitely make a big batch, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and use as needed. I just don’t think that far ahead very often, so I make a little at a time as needed.

The variations below do have measurements, and (in my opinion) they make enough salad dressing for a fairly large salad. I use these amounts when I’m taking salad to a party or potluck or something. Adjust + adapt to your tastes + needs. And enjoy!

My favorite simple salad dressing:

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt

Italian salad dressing:

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano

Salad possibilities: Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, salami, mozzarella or Parmesan

Greek salad dressing:

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
juice from 1 lemon

Salad possibilities: mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta

Honey mustard salad dressing:

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup canola oil
1 Tablespoon honey
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

Salad possibilities: baby spinach, strawberries, cucumbers, avocados, bacon, boiled eggs, gorgonzola

Apple cider salad dressing

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup canola oil
1 Tablespoon honey
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tablespoons apple cider or juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Salad possibilities: mixed greens, apples, roasted butternut squash, pecans, bacon, feta

Asian salad dressing:

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup sesame oil
1 Tablespoon honey
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ginger, finely minced
1 Tablespoon orange juice (optional)

Salad possibilities: mixed greens, shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, mandarin orange slices, green onions, sugar snap peas, edamame, chicken, sesame seeds

Mexican salad dressing:

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
juice from 1 lime

Salad possibilities: Romaine lettuce, avocado, black beans, corn, bell peppers, green onions, mangoes, cotija cheese, cilantro