Sometimes the simple way is the best way. Here is an example of just that. This dressing has only five ingredients, takes only a few minutes to prepare, and yet has all the flavor you could ever want. It is perfect over plain green salads but also works well on steamed or grilled fresh vegetables or tiny new potatoes.

1/2 of a garlic clove

1 tsp sea salt

1 Tblsp fresh lemon juice

3 Tblsp high-quality extra virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

 

    Take a knife and lay it flat side onto the garlic clove half. Give the flat of the blade a sturdy smack to crush the garlic. Then roughly chop up the crushed garlic and put it in the bottom of a clean, dry salad bowl. Add the sea salt and use the back of a spoon to smash the salt and garlic together to make a paste. Add the lemon juice and stir a bit. Add the olive oil. This is the place to use that special bottle of olive oil you bought on your last trip to Italy or splurged on at the gourmet shop. Mix it all in the bottom of the salad bowl. Pile your fresh salad greens on top of the dressing but don’t stir yet. When you are ready to serve toss the greens into the dressing, grind on fresh pepper and serve.

Basic Vinaigrette

 

    Make enough of this to keep in a bottle in the refrigerator. It keeps well enough and if you’ve added herbs their flavor will continue to mellow making the dressing all that much better. The measurements are given in a range. Experiment and use as little or as much of something as you like to personalize it to your taste.

1/2 - 3 tsp Dijon mustard

2-3 Tblsp vinegar (use apple cider, wine, balsamic or other delicious vinegar but NOT distilled white vinegar!)

1/4 - 1/2 cup fruity extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

    In a bowl mix the mustard and vinegar with the salt until well combined. While whisking the dressing, slowly pour in the olive oil until it is blended. Add the pepper, taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed. You can also add a squirt of cold-pressed flaxseed oil to this dressing for more omega-3s. Optional variations ‑ add one or more of the following:

1/2 clove crushed garlic

1-3 tsp raw honey

1 tsp minced fresh herbs

Grated lemon zest

Ranch Dressing You Can Feel Good About

1/2 cup kefir or buttermilk

2 Tblsp quality, full-fat sour cream

2 Tblsp homemade mayonnaise or store bought safflower mayonnaise

1-3 tsp chopped shallot

1 tsp chopped chives

1 tsp chopped parsley

1 tsp chopped thyme

1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp sucanat or organic cane sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp garlic powder OR minced fresh garlic

 

    Whisk together all of the ingredients in a bowl. Cover and chill for one hour. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.