Salad Dressing

The best way to ensure you'll include some salad with your meals? I say you should have some dressing handy - something delicious that store bought dressings never hit (besides Goddess Dressing, which I can't resist). Below is my simple fool-proof recipe, as well as variations. Don't be afraid to mess with portions and turn it into something you love. Dressing is easy!

It can also be super delicious as a dip for bread, by the way.

This basic dressing can sit on the counter for a few days with no bad effect. I keep adding to my little ramekin of dressing as we use it up. Olive oil is a preservative. Garlic is even better.


Ingredients:
equal parts:
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
two pinches of salt
two pinches of pepper


That is basic. Really. Once you get the proportions, you'll never go back to store bought. Then you can start adding things.

Asian Influence:
sesame seeds
soy sauce
peanut butter
rice vinegar

French Influence:
herbs de provence (yes, dried herbs will work. give it about five minutes and they won't taste like sticks.)
rosemary
thyme
sage

Italian Influence:
oregano
basil

For a little variety:
try adding a table spoon of whole grain mustard, or some peanut butter.
if you've got any fresh herbs, use a lot! don't be shy, pick a big bunch of parsley and chop it up fine.

Even if you use the basic four ingredients and just add parsley, you can serve it over plain old lettuce and salad suddenly becomes exciting. Experiment and taste as you go along. If it seems too taste-less, or too much like olive oil, add more vinegar or mustard. You can always revert to salt - it is a flavor enhancer and will make most things taste good. Just don't over do it. Add a pinch at a time until it seems right. That goes for all ingredients. Except for peanut butter. Don't pinch it, just use a fork and scoop it in. Then whip it up. So delicious.