Dressings

Store-bought salad dressings date back to the 1920’s, but the idea of enhancing leafy salads dates back to Babylonian times, 2,000 years ago. Dressings typically consist of some kind of flavorful oil, often olive or sesame oil. That's mixed with vinegar, herbs, and spices to reflect regional preferences. Most salad dressings can be separated into one of three broad categories. Vinaigrettes are an emulsion of oil and vinegar, seasoned with aromatics, herbs, and spices. Creamy dressings are often made with a buttermilk, sour cream, or mayonnaise base, and are flavored with bright, fragrant herbs. Cooked dressings also tend to be creamy, spiked with richly flavored ingredients like mustard or bacon, and thickened with the addition of gently-heated egg yolks. Why not try creating your own dressing for your next green, chopped, or bean salad? It’s easy, fresh, and making your own dressing means you can control the ingredients.