Simple Salad Dressing

Prep: 10 min

A quick, versatile salad dressing with a balanced sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for enhancing leafy greens and vegetable salads for any meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine the olive or vegetable oil, sugar, cider vinegar, parsley, salt, and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  2. Shake until the ingredients are well blended.
  3. Store the dressing in the refrigerator.
  4. Shake well before serving.
  5. Drizzle over salad and enjoy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. You can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the cider vinegar to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences for salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

This simple salad dressing is perfect drizzled over mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, try it over a Fruit Topping or alongside a side of Cabbage With Carrots And Green Onions to enhance your dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. The oil may solidify when chilled, so allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using. Always give it a good shake to recombine the ingredients before drizzling over your salad.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Simple Salad Dressing contains roughly 75 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.

75 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 2g 3% DV
Carbs 11.6g 4% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 219.3mg 10% DV
Potassium 357.8mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 6.9mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 20.3mg 23% DV
Calcium 48.2mg 4% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute cider vinegar with balsamic or red wine vinegar. Each type of vinegar will give a distinct flavor to the dressing. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite combination.

How can I make this dressing vegan?

This dressing is already vegan as it contains no animal products. However, if you want to enhance its creaminess, consider adding a plant-based yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Is this dressing suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dressing can be prepared in advance and stored for up to a week. Making it ahead saves time during busy weeknights and ensures you always have a delicious dressing on hand for your salads.

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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