Make your own Salad Dressings! Easy and Better For you!

FOR ALL THOSE GREENS YOU GET OUT OF THE GARDEN, DON'T SPOIL THEM WITH STORE BOUGHT SALAD DRESSING!

Over the winter my Kale, Mustard Greens and Lettuce has kept me supplied with fresh greens.  I don't buy prepared salad dressing, I make my own.  Here are 4 easy recipes to whip up your own to keep your salads fresh and free of unnecessary ingredients and calories.

Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette:
This is great with bitter greens, like Kale, mustard greens, beet greens and don't forget those spring dandelions, Appropriate for a salad for 4.

1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive oil
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
4 TBSP real maple syrup or Agave Nectar
freshly ground black pepper.
Place ingredients in a canning jar, shake vigorously, then pour over salad and toss.

Light Italian Dressing
This makes enough for 2 or 3 salads, depending on the size.
1/2 cup Canola Oil
1/3 cup White Wine Vinegar
1 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese
 tsp liquid from prepared minced garlic
fresh ground pepper
1 tsp onion powder (or add fresh sliced onion to the salad)
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (if you grown your own, I use basil, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme
Place ingredients in a canning jar, shake vigorously.

French Vinaigrette
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar
1 TBSP Dijon mustard
fresh ground pepper
That's it.  This will yield enough for a very large salad or 3 small salads

Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola Dressing
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup crumbled cheese
fresh ground pepper
2 TBSP cream or milk
Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until mixed.  If creamier consistency is desired, reduce the milk or cream to 1 TBSP.  Enjoy!

Once you start making your own dressings, you'll never go back to a bottle.