Salads are a regular feature in most healthy diets. The combination of nutrient-rich veggies, lean protein, and fibrous wholegrains make them an easy way to create a healthy meal. And the dressing can really make it come together! A good dressing can leave even the biggest salad avoiders coming back for seconds!
Did you know that your dressing can help you get more nutrients out of your salad? This is because fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) need fat to be properly digested and utilised… and a dressing is a great place to feature a healthy fat!
I always recommend a homemade salad dressing as pre-made supermarket versions often contain added sugar, salt, and vegetable oils that simply aren’t necessary. Dressings are easy to make – just add your ingredients (usually an oil + vinegar + extra flavour) to a jar, shake, serve, and pop the rest in the fridge for later! My favourite combinations are apple cider vinegar + extra virgin olive oil + wholegrain mustard, or hummus + lemon.
If you need some inspiration for your salad dressing, try some of these ingredients:
- extra virgin olive oil, hemp oil, or macadamia oil
- vinegar (apple cider, balsamic, white wine, etc)
- mustard (wholegrain or dijon)
- lemon juice
- a squeeze of orange
- honey
- Italian herbs
- fresh herbs
- tahini
- hummus
- mashed avo (or guac)
- greek yoghurt
- garlic
- ginger
- onion powder
- … the opportunities are endless!
