My Salad Dressing Recipe
January 25, 2010
Are there any salad dressings on the supermarket shelves that are actually healthy? That’s a question I get from my readers and Diet Solution followers all the time and you may be surprised at my answer in the video below.
I’m also sharing my “famous” home-made salad dressing recipe (ok, maybe it’s only famous at my house). It’s simple and easy and, as always, only contains super healthy Diet Solution ingredients.
Enjoy!
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P.S. – I think we’ve narrowed down my brief illness to some bad fish… who invented food poisoning anyway?
What a coincidence, i’ve been feeling quite ill too.
There has been several programmes on UK tv lately that have gone into the ingredients of processed products. YUK!!!
it’s almost like the food manufacturers just don’t either care or understand the damage all that stuff is doing to peoples health. I am all for making your own – EVERYTHING…
If you don\’t want a vinegar and oil based salad dressing, you can make a really nice variation on Ranch dressing with some good yogurt/kefir, a tablespoon of homemade pesto, some salt, black pepper and maybe some dill. Without the pesto, it is Ranch dressing and with a green Ranch. Delicious and good as a dip if you make it with yogurt.
I am really interested in the recipe for your “secret” salad dressing, but my computer is having problems and I cannot view the video. Could you print your recipe? Thanks.
Hey Michael,
Mine was a case of nasty food poisoning…I think. I ate a piece of fish on Tuesday night and it all started then. I made sure to buy fresh and wild fish and it tasted fine (actually, it tasted great) but something must have been wrong with it because it really messed up my stomach and digestion for 3 straight days.
Lots of clean water and healthy food and I’m so much better now!
Isabel
This is pretty much the recipe that I use for my family. I sometimes use mustard powder in place of mustard depending on what I have on hand. I’ll also add a little bit of dried dill on occasion which adds nice flavor. If I’m chopping garlic for dinner, a little fresh garlic goes a long way in the dressing as well! You’ve inspired me to make some up in a jar and have it in the fridge for easy prep later tonight.
Thanks for this, Isabel!
I will definitely try it out and let you know.
Unfortunately, I can’t stand the taste of Extra Virgin Olive Oil [EVOO]. Might sound crazy but it really doesn’t agree with me. Any suggestions as to what other oil I could use?
Also, I have heard good and bad things about canola oil. What is the reason you advise us not to use it? I much prefer the taste of it.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Wendy
Hi Isabel,
I like to use grape seed oil in my salad dressing. Do you think that that is a healthy option?
Dear Isabel,
I am now 96 pounds overweight, not 111. I have only been following your diet for less than a week and I was shocked when I got on the scale. I am almost completely bedridden and I have paid out hundreds of dollars for different diets. After 2 months I would still weigh 237. My normal weight is 126. I am now at 222
I have been eating mainly foods to get my metabolism going and it’s working. I eat breakfast, then a small lunch and a regular dinner. Ofcourse not being able to move around much, regular for me is the size a 2 year old would eat but I get full on that. I don’t know how to thank you enough. Eventually my husband will have to lift me to move me due to my disability and it will be so much easier for him if I’m not 100 pounds overweight. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for what you are doing. And for making your Diet Solution affordable.
Thanks, I already knew your recipe. I really like it.
Isabella, can you tell me what’s wrong with the microwave because I eat at the cafeteria 5 times a week at noon so I don’t really have the choice. I try to eat cold lunch sometime, but most of the time I NEED to use the microwave. I use it almost everyday!
Thank you
Now isn’t that spooky!
I am sure that i got the same thing!
I think it was a ham and cheese roll i ate from the works canteen. It did taste a little off, now i come to think of it.
Do you think that people like us who are very concious of health and fitness and what we eat are more sensitive to the usual foods people eat?
I realise, that i am getting away from the subject of your salad dressing recipe but ALL our efforts into staying fit and healthy can be damaged by not staying aware of what we are eating…You are doing a great job and i love the videos you put together. Nothing fancy just REAL.
My husband & I jsut started your diet solutions yesterday! Well, it is a lot of food for breakfast! I definetely am contnet but still seems like way too much food. Anyway, you have listed lettuce as a free food but salad greens is listed seperately (not a free food) We are unsure what it means can you please explain?
I do something very similar but totally different. I use 2 Tsp of Balsamic Vinegar, 2 cloves of garlic minced up finely, salt and pepper and whisk in 2 TSP of virgin olive oil slowly to help it emulsify. We put that on fresh field greens with Parmesan cheese and a mixture of sunflower seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and almonds as an addition to the salad.
To process the salad dressing I use a shaker type mixer or a min food processor to really emulsify it.
I LOVE this salad dressing! I’ve been adding organic Dijon mustard ever since you mentioned it a while back. I also now add a pinch (just a pinch-a little goes a long way) of cayenne pepper. Between the mustard and the cayenne, my salads are a real taste treat now. I also have experimented with adding other spices like you said. Garlic is always good. Onion flakes, Italian seasoning, chili powder, basil, oregano, thyme – whatever tastes good to you.
I gave this a shot but I think I used too much Bragg’s. I would do again and use 1/2 less Bragg’s–or keep adding to taste, real minced garlic (because I love raw garlic in everything) and I had some regular McCormick dry mustard on hand but whatever brand you had that was organic probably makes it tastes better. I added a touch of some curry powder as well for a “bite.” Overall a good way to get creative and “do it yourself” dressings. They are so easy to put together, why ever buy from the grocery?
It’s endless the creations of dressings you could make.
I used to make this killer homemade garlic caesar dressing and used Vegenaise but saw recently it has soy protein in it. So recently I’ve steered away from it but it is delish and used to be the best mayo alternative. Anyone know of a good soy free mayonnaise-like dressing that is organic, has good oils in it (not Canola) and tastes as good as Vegenaise??
Thanks for the dressing recipe!
Hi Isabel
I found out charcoal capsules work wonders when you have eaten something that dosent agree with you. Glad to here your feeling better. Love your emails cant wait to try your delicious sounding recipes.
Lydia
Thanks Isabel! I’ve made the same dressing before. Its very easy and tasty =)
You can add dried cranberry or dried cherry(sugar free of course) and stevia to mixture , omit the garlic, and puree it. Cranberry vinaigrette!
Did you little guys teeth come in?
Hi Isabel:-)
I just wanted to thank you for all of the wonderful information that is included in your diet solution program. It really has changed the way my whole family eats. It’s not a diet, it’s a new healthy way of life. I have a 6yr old son and I am now much more particular of what I allow him to put into his growing little body. My son is actually attempting to write down all of the ingredients in your salad dressing recipe right now because he watched the video with me lol. If you get a chance and haven’t already seen it, watch the documentary “food inc.” It’s really an eye opener as to how scary the food industry has become. I weigh 125lbs and am 5’3″ tall, but used to be 110 back when i was a dancer and gymnast. Now I’m a mom instead and have packed on some extra weight lol.
I have got to tell you first of all thank you for the new video on the salad dressing! Secondly I went to the our local Health Food store yesterday to get a few things and one of the items, that we were out of, was coconut oil. We tried it as you recomend and we love it! Anyway this time I looked a little closer and got the Extra Virgin Organic Coconut oil. While there the manager told me other uses for it I didnt know about. This morning I toasted some sprouted bread and used the coconut oil instead of butter like normal and it is excellent! I love the way it spreads on so easily and evenly and it tastes wonderful. No more butter for me! Thanks again you are awsome!
Dear Isabel,
First let me start off by saying that you are doing a wonderful job on your videos. It really helps to hear someone in the know talk about issues that can be confusing to many people. Sencondly, with all due respect, I believe that your husband is one very lucky man indeed!
Your “bad salad dressing in the groceries stores talk” gave me an idea to put together my own homemade dressing. I use
1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Bertolli’s)
1/2 Cup Braggs Raw, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinagar w/Mother
The rest of the items below are “or to personal taste”
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon Sesame Seed
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Chopped Minced Garlic
1 Teaspoon Oregano
1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1 Teaspoon Whole Black Peppercorn
1/4 Teaspoon Organic Celtic Sea Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Parsely Flakes
Again, like you state, many variations can be added or deleted, but the main thing behind a homemade dressing is that you know it will be much healthier for you!
I always try to add to the usual main items of lettuce, spinach, or mixed greens, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and carrots with some fruit like either rasberries, pineapple, apple and again, any variation will do!
Thanks for listening,
Patrick
Thanks Isabel.
This is the recipe I was looking for. Already had the ingredients (thanks to you). Just needed the magic and love to put them all together.
Can we please chat about FOOD COMBINING!
I got food poisoning from the best crab sandwich I had ever eaten! so did about 50 other people and it closed down the restaurant for over a week.
I use lemon on all my salads, even one I made for the first time today…….. black olives, fresh mint and pieces of oranges. Yummy. It went very well with the fresh piece of lamb leg I had for supper.
You still look a little under the weather or really tired, but that might be because of the baby….. how is he doing?
Hi Isabel!
Glad to hear that you are feeling better….food poisoning is the worst!
I love apple cider vinegar and use it with olive oil in all of my salads. I definitely like the twist you put in yours and am going to try it tonight!
Thanks for the tip.
Nanc
Am looking forward to trying your salad dressing. Am always wandering when I’m having a salad if I’ve just ruined the benefits by using a dressing that maybe has harmful benefits to what I’m trying to achieve. Thank you very much. Bob
great! I will try to make some of it for my husband. I\\\’m sure its so much healthy than it looks.
Hi Isabel !
Sorry to hear that you’ve been so ill, but that happens…
I’ll sure test you recepie, and I want to share mine too.
1 dl apple vinegar
1/2 dl olive oil
1/2 dl rape-seed oil
1 tsb chili-powder
1 tsb turmeric-powder
1 tsb basilica
1 tsb crushed black pepper
1/2 tsb herbsalt
It really gives a kick in your salads
Your vidoe clip only worked half way i would like to knoe what the recipe for dressing is please,as there was not any written
Hi Isabel,
I wonder if you have to keep your salad dressing in the fridge or you can just leave it on the countertop.
I made some a few weeks ago when you first gave the recipe in another video and put it in the fridge. When I want to use it, it is almost solid because the oil gets thicker. So it is hard to mix it again before using it.
By the way, it tastes great and I love it.
Johanne
Hi Isabel?
I think I am eating well and doing exercise but I am not loosing waight and my belly I need help
Arusha, Tanzania
FLora
Just read your comments regarding energy and sport drinks. Yes they do contain varying amounts of sugar and artifical sweeteners to be avoided, but what do you think of the “FUZE” drinks? They are low in sugar, and some of them do not contain sugar, but they are suppose to have “healthy” ingredients, such as Chromium, Vitamin C, L-Carnitine, and a “Super Citrimax”.
Thanks.
I can’t wait to try it!! Thanks!!
Hey Rich,
Fuze drinks contain sucralose, which is an artificial sweetener. It would be better to buy a juicer and mix the different fruit juices. That way you can enjoy then naturally, with only the sugar that occurs in them naturally.
Hey Johanne,
I keep mine in the fridge. It’s probably better that way.
I fixed a salad and sat down to check emails and was excited to see the video was about a salad dressing recipe. So as I was watching the video and eating my salad I was anxious as to what the recipe would be. It turns out the recipe was the exact same dressing I had just made to put on my salad. It is my favorite. When I have more time, I will chop up some garlic instead of the garlic powder and it tastes really good. I have also added some cumin for a little mexican flair.
Hi nice to c yr mails daily. I stay in Mozamibque n i do not know whether ve gt the organic food stuff here so it is very diffcult to do wht yr blog says.
Hi Isabel,
I use your dijon vinagrette regularly.
I also like to add stevia occasionally, for a sweet-sour effect.
Also, try adding some crushed raspberries (fesh, or thawed frozen) for a raspberry vinagrette.
Cheers!
Hi!!
I have been on the plan for about a week. I have lost about 5lbs. I have a problem bloating. Since my new way of eating, I don’t bloat as bad.What can I do to help with the bloating.
Hi I am on diet 2 weeks and happy with it. I have more energy and losing weight. I use nearly all organic foods when possible.
Isabel, I started this eating plan on Sat. I have been so amazed at how the pounds have fallen off & I have not been starving. I always knew there should be a plan that combined good foods for effective weight loss. I only started my exercise program today. I have to say I am very active but not on an exercise plan. I have lost 8 pounds since I started on Sat. I have tried to use organic where I can find them. I have stopped all sugar, flour including all breads. I am experminting with recipes.I hope to get my husband on board. He is not over weight but could stand to improve his general health. Thanks so much I am so excited. I am highly recommending you plan to friends and family.
I love your salad dressing recipe, I use the basic and add a bunch of herbs to it, varying it some everyday. I especially like to add fresh ginger root to it to give it a little bit of kick. I make mine fresh everyday and put it in a very small jar – holds about 6 tablespoons and I pack it with my salads to add to it when I eat. Works wonderful as a mini shaker.
I have been using this eating plan for about a week and have had wonderful results. I have already made some major changes to my diet due to a milk and gluten allergy. I had already lost about 60 pounds with help from my doctor, but needed help to tweak it to keep loosing the last 30 pounds. This gave me the additional tools I needed. I have gone from 192 to 186 in 5 days.
I just stumbled across this post. Most of the time I make my own dressings because I can make them lighter than most store-bought dressings. But for a quick and easy store-bought dressing I typically buy Briannas flavors. Most of them are all natural, and a couple are fat free.
Johanne- I put the dressing in the fridge. And yes, it comes out in a big blob. I try to remember to take it out before starting to prepare meals. However, sometimes it is not long enough, so I run the bottom of the bottle under warm water for a few if needed. If more time is needed, then after running through warm water (to get the chill out of the glass too) I place it in hot water – I hate wasting water. Swirl the bottle around every so often so you are not warming it up to much.
Hey Isabel! Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe. it really helps.
Hi Isabel
You have a fan way down in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. I use your apple cider vinegar and i wanted to add that it suppresses your appetite as well. Always used similar dressing in my salads. Thanks for the focus you give to me on my battle with weight loss.
Melanie
To Hannu: Rapeseed oil is canola oil, one of the most genetically-modified crop out there. As a nutritionist, I suggest that my clients don’t use it. The rest of your dressing is healthy and sounds delicious.
For my dressing I use the following:
Olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste. I also use a pressed clove of garlic.
Hi Isabel
I’m Greek, so know your vinaigrette very well, I\’ve been using it in various variations all my life. Here is a healthier alternative, which I prefer: Instead of vinegar, use fresh lemon juice. It gives you the benefit of some extra Vitamin C. Since I tend to make everything from scratch (I can\’t find pre-made stuff here, which is good I guess)I use real garlic instead of flakes and sometimes add some paprika and red pepper for some zing, depending on the salad.
For those of you that don\’t like EVOO, have you ever tried GREEK EVOO? Much purer and of a higher quality than the Italian or Spanish stuff and personally I only buy Minerva brand. Other brands are too heavy for me too.
I think that I’ve found the proportions for the ingredients for the salad dressing. It is a variation on a Balsamic Vinegar Dressing that I used to make:
1 tsp. (organic) Dijon mustard
1-2 crushed garlic cloves (I prefer this to the garlic powder)
1/2 Tsp. sea salt
1/2-1 Tsp. freshly-ground pepper
4 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 CUP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Optional: 1 tsp raw honey, or 1/2-1 pkg. Stevia
Combine & shake well.
Yum!!
Do you have to refrigerate this dressing? I ask, because I have a problem with the oil coagulating in the refrigerator and I have to wait until it “thaws” to use on my salad.
Any tips on how to deal/avoid this?
Sherry, I haven’t personally had this problem with this dressing, but I would think the dressing would be okay if you didn’t refrigerate it – it will just have a much shorter life then.
isabel,
i am a new diabetic. the information and support i get from you has been so valuable. i really enjoy reading your emails and i have made a lot of changes under your tutelege. thanks so much.
heidi
Hi you are doing a great job the salad dressing is going to be a great help thanks
Thank you so much, Isabel, for always providing us with new recipes or old tried and true recipes that some of us are not familiar with. I tried the salad dressing recipe today and was very pleased with the taste, especially the tartness the Dijon mustard gave it. Thanks for reminding us about the benefits of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. I had gotten away from using it because I was tired of the same old thing every day on my salad. I figured I could use balsamic vinegar instead but I didn’t realize all the benefits of BACV. Thanks again for always giving us your best tips! Glad you’re feeling so much better!
Hi Isabel,
Yes this dressing is great, have been using it for a while now. As with many others I use fresh mince Garlic but because the aroma can hang on the breath I use fresh Parsley too from my herb garden. This neutralises the smell from the fresh garlic.
If you haven’t a garden to grow your own garlic and herbs I started off in hanging baskets and tubs. But then the winters aren’t that bad here in Australia we don’t have heavy snow to contend with only the odd frost.
Thanks for all your tips and guidance on healthy eating.
Thanks for the vinagrette recipe Isabel. I use it all the time in my salads. Since eating the DSP approved way, I’ve lost 28 lbs and feel more fit and have much more energy to get all my tasks done. Keep up the good work! I’m wondering if you have a healthy DSP approved recipe for Ranch Dressing? My daughter uses it as a dip for virtually everything and I’d like to try make a healthy version instead. Thanks again!
Thank you for this great recipe! I particularily enjoyed the video you sent as it really explains the subtle things that make the recipe work. Info on cider vinegar was interesting!
I am glad that I have been doing some “correct” salad dressings for a while… I’ve been making my own salad dressings that same way for a time, using dried herbs, mustard and such. Since I got kind of spooked about all the chemicals that get sprayed on the veggies that you’re supposed (or that you can eat) raw like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots, I decided to grow my own. The method I use (hydroponics) allows me to grow them year round. I also grow my own vegetable sprouts to use in my salads. It is easy, it just takes a couple of days for them to grow, and so I use broccoli sprouts (that I have heard have great anti-cancer properties), alfalfa sprouts and others. I buy the untreated organic seeds online from Thompson and Morgan seeds, and they even have sprouters on sale on their website, if you want or need one to do your own healthy sprouts. That way I know that I am eating my veggies, but at the same time not poisoning myself with the store bought stuff. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Hi Isabel,
I Love love love this salad dressing. Sometimes I put 1/2 packet of stevia in it. My kids love it too and sometimes they’re hard to impress.
Judy
I’ve started making a dressing from 1 avocado and almost-one lemon. Mash it all up and add a few diced slices of red onions not sure of the calories but sure tastes great. Thinking of adding some garlic or ginger next time.
Looking forward to trying yours.
I love to make a raspberry vinaigrette. It is basically the same base recipe as Isabel’s and substitute fresh or frozen raspberries for the mustard and add a little honey or stevia for sweetness. I have used my homemade raspberry jam but beware it does have sugar. It doesn’t take very much to make a delicious dressing for spinach or romaine and add a few toasted pecans or almonds and some sweet onion.
Thanks Isabel! Love that recipe! If you haven’t already … try Rice Vinegar (Organic) … this gives results in a light, subtle tasting dressing. I love mustard but I do leave it out when I use rice vinegar. Thanks again!
Katy
Hi! Isabell
I really have enjoyed your books, and have benefitted greatly from then, I was a size 14-16, and now can wear a size 10. I have changed my eating habit completely and was looking for a great salad dressing, Thanks! I also have been drinking a green smoothie every morning, it curbs my appetite, and get me a lot of the needed calories. I bought a small blender and I put a handful of fresh spinach, some Kale, a banana lots of cinnamon, and fill it up with orange juice. Blend until well chopped, then drink it all. It is very tasty and I really have more energy.
The dressing was great. I have never made my own dressing before, and it helped me to see just how easy it is, and helped me see that there are a wealth of options out there that I could use to change it up! Thanks for sharing, Isabel!