The easiest way to prep up any salad is through the dressing. While pre-made salad dressings are very convenient, they are not always the best option to pick up. According to Eat This, bottled store-bought salad dressings could have a ton of hidden additives, sugar and salt, which are not good for health.
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The easiest way to not accidentally load up on hidden calories in your salad is to make your own salad dressing. Generally, the 3 components which make for a well-rounded and satisfying salad dressing are:
- Some forms of fat such as yoghurt, cream or oil
- Acid such as lemon, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, etc.
- Seasonings like fresh or dried herbs, condiments or spices
The ratio of the above components would depend on your individual preference but to start with, 3 parts of fat to 2 parts of acid is a safe rule of thumb to follow. The seasoning can then be added according to taste. Remember to also add salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors.
The 3-ingredient salad dressings below are all built on the same principle. You can use this formulation and experiment with different ingredients. As long as the 3 elements are in balance, you would have a great salad dressing on hand.
Here are the super easy 3-ingredients salad dressings which will save you from salad fatigue.
Olive oil, balsamic vinegar and mustard
The balsamic vinegar lends a freshness to the earthy flavor of the olive oil, while the mustard brings an interesting spiciness to the dressing.
Yoghurt, lemon and mint
This is a great dressing for every occasion but especially for chicken salad. The creaminess of the yoghurt is brightened by the lemon and mint. This can also be eaten as a delicious dip.
Tahini, garlic and lemon
Tahini is basically ground sesame seed. According to Healthline, it is rich in antioxidants while containing a lot of protein. Thus, it is very good for health.
The nutty flavor of tahini blends very well with fresh lemon and garlic to create a delicious dressing for your salad or roasted vegetables.
Honey, mustard and olive oil
The sweetness of honey and the sharpness of mustard balance each other beautifully. The result is a dressing which is layered with flavors, which will keep every bite of the salad interesting.
Lemon juice, parsley and cumin
This salad dressing is clearly inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. The combination of the aromatic herb and warm spice, tempered by the freshness of lemons never fails to transform even the most boring salad into an exciting meal.
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