17 Salad Dressings That Deserve Main Character Energy

If your salad dressing isn’t the best part of your salad, you’re doing it wrong. These 17 salad dressings bring big flavour and just might steal the spotlight from the greens. Go ahead, pour it on. Your salad deserves it.

Pomegranate Citrus Vinaigrette

A container of pomegranate vinaigrette dressing. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Pomegranate citrus vinaigrette is a vibrant and tangy dressing that brightens up any salad. Made with fresh pomegranate juice, citrus, and a touch of olive oil, it offers a delicious balance of sweetness and acidity. Get the recipe: Pomegranate Vinaigrette Dressing

Homemade Italian Dressing

A jar of Italian dressing. — Image Credit: The Virtual Caterer

Homemade dressing hits differently, and this Italian one takes your salad to the next level. It’s ready in under five minutes and way better than anything from a bottle. Get the recipe: Homemade Italian Dressing

Homemade Balsamic Reduction

A spoon in a jar of homemade dressing. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Balsamic reduction is a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce made by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens and concentrates in flavour. This versatile condiment adds depth to salads, grilled vegetables, or meats and can be drizzled over fresh mozzarella or strawberries for a gourmet touch. Get the recipe: Homemade Balsamic Glaze

Classic French Salad Dressing

A jar of classic french dressing. — Image Credit: Nuts and Twigs

Classic French dressing (or vinaigrette française) is as easy as it gets, but still brings that perfect French touch to your salads and grain bowls. Quick to make and even quicker to enjoy. Get the recipe: Classic French Salad Dressing

Asian Sesame Dressing

Give your salads, tofu, and grain bowls a serious upgrade with this rich, nutty, and slightly spicy Asian sesame dressing. Whether you use it as a dip, marinade, or dressing, it adds a punch to every bite. Get the recipe: Asian Sesame Dressing

Vegan Caesar Dressing

A jar of vegan salad dressing. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Vegan Caesar dressing is a creamy, plant-based version of the classic that doesn’t skimp on flavour. Made with ingredients like cashews, lemon juice, garlic, and nutritional yeast, it delivers that rich, tangy taste you crave without any animal products. Get the recipe: Cashew Caesar Dressing

Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing

A spoon being dipped into a jar of homemade ranch dressing. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Homemade Greek yogurt ranch is a creamy and tangy twist on the classic dressing. It’s great for dipping veggies or as a flavorful salad topping. Get the recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing

Strawberry Vinaigrette

Add a fresh twist to your meals with strawberry vinaigrette. Made with ripe strawberries, olive oil, lemon zest, and white wine vinegar, this dressing brings something special to greens, pasta salads, and more. Get the recipe: Strawberry Vinaigrette

Spicy Homemade Ranch Dressing

spicy ranch being stirred in a jar with a wooden spoon. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Spicy homemade ranch is a zesty twist on the classic dressing, perfect for those who like a little kick. This ranch dressing is fantastic for dipping wings, drizzling over salads, or even as a spread for sandwiches. Get the recipe: Spicy Ranch Dressing

Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

Honey mustard vinaigrette is a delightful dressing that combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard and vinegar. It’s creamy yet light, making it perfect for drizzling over salads. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Dressing

Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

A jar of blue cheese dressing. — Image Credit: Chili Pepper Madness

This creamy homemade blue cheese dressing is packed with bold blue cheese and super easy to make. It’s perfect for drizzling on salads, wraps, veggies, or dunking chicken wings. Get the recipe: Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

A jar of balsamic dressing. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Balsamic vinaigrette dressing is a simple yet flavorful option that elevates any salad. Made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and a hint of mustard, it strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Get the recipe: Classic Balsamic Dressing

Caesar Dressing with No Egg or Anchovy

Caesar dressing with no egg being stirred with a whisk. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Homemade Caesar dressing without egg or anchovies is a tasty and creamy alternative that still captures that classic flavour. Made with ingredients like avocado mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese, this dressing brings a rich, umami punch to your salads. Get the recipe: Caesar Dressing with No Egg

Fig and Balsamic Vinaigrette

A jar of fig balsamic dressing. — Image Credit: The Sage Apron

This fig and balsamic vinaigrette is a sweet and savoury dressing that’s perfect for any salad. Quick to make, it offers a creamy texture with a zippy finish that’ll keep you coming back for more. Get the recipe: Fig and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

Dressing being poured into a dish. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Avocado cilantro lime dressing is creamy and full of fresh flavours. It’s perfect for drizzling on salads, tossing with pasta, serving with roasted veggies or using as a dip. Get the recipe: Cilantro Avocado Dressing

Red Onion and Dill Dressing

A jar of dill red onion dressing. — Image Credit: The Honour System

Dill and red onion dressing is a refreshing and zesty option that adds a burst of flavour to any dish. Combining dill, finely chopped red onion, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar, this dressing balances all the notes beautifully. Get the recipe: Dill and Red Onion Dressing

Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

A dish of raspberry vinaigrette. — Image Credit: Boulder Locavore

Raspberry vinaigrette is a fresh and easy dressing that’s perfect for any salad. Made with juicy raspberries and simple ingredients, it’s a must-try that’ll make you ditch the store-bought stuff for good. Get the recipe: Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing