It's that time of year when gardens and farmer's markets are bursting with salad greens like lettuces, spinach, micro greens, arugula, radicchio, escarole, and more.  Those bright and colorful greens are just begging to me made into light and fresh salads, topped with nuts, seeds, herbs, fruit, spring vegetables, and of course a fabulous salad dressing.

I would encourage everyone who is trying to take baby steps to eating real food to start ditching the soybean oil laden supermarket dressings for simple and delicious homemade salad dressings.  They aren't as daunting as what they seem, especially if you have the basics already on hand:  good quality olive oil, vinegars, spices, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and a few more flavor enhancers.  All of these dressings take just a few minutes to make and your taste buds and body will thank you.  I just think it's a shame to top a healthy salad with a junk salad dressing.  These are just too easy and frugal to mess with the store bought stuff.

 5 Simple Homemade Salad Dressings

Greek Dressing

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (Bragg's is my favorite brand)
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp fresh cracked pepper
• 2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp onion salt (Redmond is my preferred brand)

Instructions:  Whisk all ingredients in a bowl or place in a small jar and shake until well combined.

Suggested salad:  Lettuce, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese.

Sweet Italian Dressing

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 T. + 1 t. honey
• ½ t. sea salt
• 1 t. oregano
• ¼ t. garlic powder
• fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions:  Whisk all ingredients together or place in a small jar and shake until well combined.

Suggested salad:  This dressing is amazing on my spinach and apple salad.

Caesar Dressing

• 1 t. anchovy paste
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 t. dijon mustard
• 1 t. organic Worcestershire sauce (I use Annie's brand)
• 2 T. mayo (homemade or Primal kitchen is a great clean brand)
• juice of 1 lemon
• approx. ⅓ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions:  Whisk together first six ingredients.  Slowly add olive oil to emulsify and stir in cheese.

Suggested salad:  Simple Romain salad with croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Ranch Dressing

• ½ cup organic sour cream
• 2 T. mayo (homemade or Primal Kitchen is a great clean brand)
• 2 T. buttermilk or milk
• ½ tsp garlic salt (I love Redmond brand)
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ⅛ tsp dill weed
• 1 tsp parsley
• fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions:  Combine all ingredients in bowl and whisk until well combined.

Suggested salad:  A fresh bright garden salad with lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and tomatoes.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

• ½ cup olive oil
• 5 T. balsamic vinegar
• 1 T. maple syrup
• 1 T. dijon mustard
• pinch of salt
• fresh cracked pepper to taste
• any fresh herbs that you desire

Instructions:  Whisk together in a bowl or place in a small jar and shake until well combined.

Suggested salad:  Lettuce, toasted almonds, strawberries, red onion, and avocado.