Summer is here and that means salads are back on the menu and we just love putting together healthy dressings! But let’s face it, a dressing can make or break a salad.
The problem is lots of stop-bought dressings are loaded with junk like sugar and vegetable oils that we don’t want in our bodies.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of healthy dressings for salaed that are both nutritious and flavourful, allowing you to indulge without any guilt.
These homemade healthy dressings are easy to make and will enhance the taste of your salads, making you feel satisfied and content.
1. Tahini healthy dressing
Looking for a quick and easy way to add some natural flavour to your salads, bowls, or falafel? Look no further than my go-to tahini healthy dressing recipe!
Dressings don’t need to be complicated, and this simple recipe is packed with all the natural flavour you need to elevate your meals.
Ingredients:
· 4 tbsp Tahini
· Juice of 1 Lemon
· 1 pinch of Salt
· 1 garlic clove, minced
· 3 tbsp of water
Method:
To a medium mixing bowl, add tahini, lemon juice, salt and garlic.
Combine by whisking. Once it is creamy and pourable, gradually add water. The mixture might initially congeal and thicken, but add water a bit at a time while stirring the mixture until it becomes creamy and smooth.
2. Yoghurt and harissa healthy dressing
If you’re a fan of easy-to-make dressings that pack a punch of flavour, then my yoghurt and harissa recipe is perfect for you!
Combining the creaminess of Greek yoghurt with the bold, spicy kick of harissa, this dressing is a great addition to any dish that needs a little extra zing such as chicken recipes, buddha bowls, salads, and so much more!
Ingredients:
· 1 cup of Full fat natural yoghurt
· 1 tbsp Harissa (I recommend Beluza)
Method:
Simply stir the harissa into the yoghurt and get drizzling!
3. Fresh Pesto
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to add a burst of fresh flavor to your meals, my fresh pesto recipe is a must-try!
Pesto is a classic crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with so many dishes. This recipe uses simple ingredients like basil, walnut, olive oil, parsley, salt, pepper, and optional parmesan to create a super fresh and flavoursome pesto that’s sure to impress.
So why settle for store-bought when you can whip up your own delicious pesto in no time?
Ingredients:
1 clove of garlic
1 large bunch of fresh basil
1 large bunch of parsley
50 g walnuts
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
50 g Parmesan
Method:
Pound all the ingredients in a pestle and mortar or blend in a food processor until it forms a smooth paste.
4. Dukkah
It’s not exactly a healthy salad dressing, but if you want to give every dish a nutty, flavourful crunch, search for a flexible seasoning. You need to try this recipe for dukkah!
Dukkah is the ideal seasoning for sprinkling on anything because it is a mixture of toasted nuts, seeds, and spices.
Make a large quantity, place it in a Kilner jar, and enjoy it on salads, roasted vegetables, avocado toast, and so much more.
Ingredients:
· 75g walnuts
· 75g of roasted hazelnuts
· 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
· 1 teaspoon ground coriander
· 1 teaspoon ground cumin
· ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
· ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
· Pinch of black Pepper
Method:
Add nuts and sesame seeds to a food processor.
Add the coriander, cumin, allspice, salt and pepper. Run the food processor for about 10 seconds.
Transfer the dukkah to a bowl for serving or store it in an air-tight container for 1 to 2 weeks.
5. Cashew dressing with fresh herbs – soak the cashews, basil
This Cashew dressing with fresh herbs recipe is the perfect, creamy and flavourful dressing to add to your salads or bowls!
With a blend of cashews, fresh herbs, and tangy lemon juice, this dressing is both nutritious and delicious. It’s also super versatile and can be used as a dip or sauce.
Ingredients:
· 150g Raw Cashews (pre soaked in water for at least 2 hours)
· 120ml Water
· 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
· Handful of Fresh Basil
· Handful of Fresh Chives
· ¼ tsp Sea Salt
· Freshly Ground Black Pepper To Taste
Method:
Add the cashews to the blender along with the water, lemon juice, fresh basil, fresh chives, and sea salt. Blend until very smooth. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Transfer to a glass storage container and store in the fridge.
6. Satay Sauce
Looking for a delicious and versatile sauce to add some excitement to your meals? This Satay sauce recipe is just what you need!
Made with a blend of creamy peanut butter, tangy lime juice, and flavoursome spices, this sauce pairs perfectly with a variety of protein sources such as chicken, prawns, and tofu.
It’s also great as a dipping sauce for veggies and summer rolls or drizzled over grain bowls.
Ingredients:
· 120g peanut butter
· 1-2 Tbsp gluten-free tamari
· 1 red chilli, finely sliced
· 2-3 Tbsp lime juice
· ½ can of coconut milk
· 2 garlic cloves, minced
Method:
Add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until combined.
7. Avocado healthy dressing
Calling all avocado lovers! If you’re like me and can’t get enough of this versatile fruit, you’re in for a treat.
My Creamy Avocado Healthy Dressing recipe is here to satisfy your cravings while providing a healthy dose of fibre and heart-healthy fats.
Avocados are truly a nutritional powerhouse, and this creamy dressing is the perfect way to enjoy their benefits.
Ingredients:
· 2 avocados, peeled and pit removed
· 100g feta cheese
· 2 tbsp of olive oil
· 1 clove garlic, minced
· 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño (optional)
· Large handful chopped coriander
· Juice of 1 lime
· Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method:
Blend the above ingredients until smooth, then drizzle on whatever you fancy!
