Basic Oil And Vinegar Dressing (With Variations)

I like this basic oil and vinegar dressing recipe. It is very versatile. You can use any combination of spices and oils that you prefer. If using olive oil, be sure and take the dressing out of the refrigerator in plenty of time to warm the oil up for proper mixing. Use honey instead of sugar or change vinegar types. This recipe is very forgiving, just remember that you are making four cups of dressing.

Basic Oil and Vinegar Dressing Mix
Makes 4 cups

4 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons sugar or honey
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 cup vinegar (use raw unfiltered apple cider for health)
3 cups salad oil, olive oil or a mixture of oils
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon pepper
( for zestier flavor, add 1/4 crushed tsp crushed red pepper flakes )

Combine all ingredients in a glass jar or bottle. Cover, shake well and store in refrigerator. Shake again before using.

Dressing Variations


Curry Dressing:
1 teaspoon curry powder, 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
 and 1 or 2 finely chopped, hard-cooked eggs

Florentine Dressing:
3 tablespoons finely minced raw spinach

Parmesan Dressing:
3 to 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.

Vinaigrette Dressing:
2 teaspoons finely chopped chives and 1 to 2 finely chopped, hard-cooked eggs.

Chiffon aide Dressing:
4 teaspoons minced pimento, 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, and 1 finely chopped, hard-cooked egg.

Mint Dressing:
2 tablespoons dried mint leaves and 4 teaspoons sugar.

Indian Dressing:
1 small cooked beet, finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons chopped sweet pickle

Spicy Red Dressing:
1/3 cup ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon parsley flakes, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil flakes, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed, and 1/4 teaspoon celery salt (cover and refrigerate for 1 week to give herbs time to flavor dressing).


Blue Cheese Dressing:
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese.

Celery Dressing:
1 teaspoon celery seeds.

Honey-Celery Dressing:
1/2 cup honey and 1 tablespoon celery seeds.

Honey-Lemon Dressing
2 tablespoons honey, 4 teaspoons lemon juice and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel.

Honey-Lemon-Orange Dressing:
2 tablespoons honey, 4 teaspoons lemon juice, I teaspoon orange juice, 

 1/2 to 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel.

Honey-Orange Dressing:

2 tablespoons honey, 4 teaspoons orange juice, 1 teaspoon lemon juice,
and 1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel