Herb Salad Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

A vibrant herb salad dressing with a tangy vinegar base and aromatic herbs, perfect for adding fresh flavor to salads and vegetables for any meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. dill seed
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. sweet basil
  • 1 sliced garlic clove

Instructions

  1. Mix thoroughly the dry mustard, oregano, sugar, salt, dill seed, pepper, sweet basil, sliced garlic clove, safflower oil, vinegar, and water.
  2. Serve immediately or refrigerate to let flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If you don’t have safflower oil, any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil works well. To enhance flavor, try fresh herbs instead of dried, or use a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference, especially if you're pairing with a tangy salad like Wilted Spinach Vinaigrette.

Serving Suggestions

This herb salad dressing is versatile and pairs beautifully with mixed greens, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken. Consider drizzling it over a vibrant salad like Low-Fat Vegetable Salad or using it to brighten up roasted potatoes. For a refreshing twist, serve it alongside Hummus With Tahini as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will continue to develop, so it’s often better after a day. Shake or stir well before using, as separation may occur. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture of the dressing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Herb Salad Dressing contains roughly 8 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1745mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

8 kcal
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 1.2g
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1745.4mg 76% DV
Potassium 16.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.7mcg
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Calcium 13mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile of your dressing. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, since they are less concentrated. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the other ingredients.

What kind of vinegar works best for this dressing?

While you can use any vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great options that complement the herbs nicely. If you prefer a milder taste, rice vinegar is also a good choice.

How can I make this dressing spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick, just be sure to balance it with the other flavors.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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