10 DIY salad dressings

Don’t give up on salads just because summer is almost over. Try these DIY dressings – each has 4-6 servings – to spice up your greens in four easy steps.

• A  Start with some healthy fat
• B  Add citrus or vinegar
• C  Balance with a sweetener and/or
• D  Finish with a kick by adding garlic, chilli or herbs

For each dressing, simply place all ingredients in a small bowl or glass jar and mix well. If you prefer a smoother consistency, pulse the ingredients in a food processor or use a whisk to beat ingredients together for the desired texture.

1. Balsamic maple dressing

2 tablespoons macadamia oil
6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons maple syrup

2. Zesty tahini dressing

1 tablespoon tahini
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

3. Creamy mustard dressing

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic

4. Cranberry balsamic dressing

2 tablespoons macadamia oil
6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic
1 tablespoon finely diced dried cranberries
pinch of salt and pepper

5. Mint yoghurt dressing with a kick

6 tablespoons unsweetened low fat yoghurt
juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
1/4 cup finely diced cucumber (seeds removed)
1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)

6. Miso dressing

1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon miso paste
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon crushed ginger

7. Chilli and lime dressing

2 tablespoons sesame oil
juice and zest of 2 limes
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon chilli, finely diced

8. Herby orange dressing

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1 orange
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
pinch of salt

9. Satay peanut dressing

1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 teaspoon sesame oil
5 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon crushed ginger
1/2 teaspoon finely diced fresh chilli

10. Creamy avocado dressing

1/2 avocado
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons water + 2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon runny honey
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic
1 teaspoon finely sliced chilli
1 tablespoon finely sliced coriander (optional)

Tip: I’d use a food processor for this one.