If you’re camp creamy, rather than oily when it comes to dressing, Green Goddess is for you. Or try my vegan version tahini Green Goddess: no cream, no mayo, no anchovies, but just as deliciously cool and (faux) creamy. While the Great British summer is taking its sweet time to arrive, I am stocking my recipe arsenal with salads and salad dressings. If I will it, will it come?? I’m desperate for some al fresco dining at my new garden furniture!
Easy salad dressing recipe
Vinaigrette is the simplest of all salad dressings. It’s essentially acid: think citrus juice or vinegar, and fat: that’s oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper, all given an almighty shake together. That. Is. It. But there are myriad recipes out there that use different flavours and aromatics to balance and harmonise with the dressed ingredients. As well as various oils and vinegars, common vinaigrette flavourings include: onion, garlic, herbs, chillies, anchovies, and soy. In this recipe, I’ve used Dijon mustard. Mustard helps to bind the oil and vinegar together. I went for Dijon over wholegrain to maintain the bright wildflower yellow. I like the rich toffee tones of maple syrup, especially in contrast with sharp mustard, but other recipes might use brown sugar, agave syrup or honey. And finally, poppyseeds! I’m in love with the texture they add to everything but also, doesn’t this jar look pretty?
Serving suggestions
Hmm… what could go with poppyseed salad dressing? I know! Salad! This vibrant vinaigrette needs an equally colourful partner, here are my five favourite sartorial salads to pair with this dressing: There’s no need to stop at salad though! This sweet and savoury salad sauce tastes supreme over roast or grilled chicken like souvlaki or spatchcock, or new potatoes if you’ve run out of butter, or roasted vegetables like radishes and asparagus.
Storage and leftovers
Store-bought salad dressing could probably outlast the warranty on your fridge, but this preservative-free, homemade version will keep for up to a week max.
Other salad recipes to try
Russian Potato Salad Recipe (Olivier) Israeli Salad with Lemon Garlic Tahini Dressing Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing Cucumber and Tomato Heirloom Salad with Red Onions
