Dips, Spreads, & Dressings

Baslamic-vinaigrette ingredients are displayed.

Classic Vinaigrettes and Basil Oil

Try this classic vinaigrette recipe, along with some variations!

By Cary Neff

Classic Creamy Caesar Dressing

A classic since the 1940s, this dressing takes a homemade mayonnaise base and ramps it up with the strong, addictive flavors of garlic, lemon and Parmesan cheese.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

a jar of homemade cucumber mint salad dressing

Cucumber Yogurt Dressing With Mint

This dressing is based on tzatziki, a classic Greek sauce used for grilled meats.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

Roasted Tomato Maple Salad Dressing

Reminiscent of the “Catalina” dressing so popular in the 1960s and ’70s, but much healthier.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

Tahini Lemon Dressing

This Middle Eastern–inspired dressing is great on grilled vegetables or fresh salad greens, and also makes a great side for grilled meats.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

Thai Peanut Dressing

This Asian-inspired vinaigrette pairs well with a variety of fresh salad greens and shredded cabbage. It can also enliven rice or buckwheat noodles, steamed vegetables, or be used as a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

homemade sesame shiitake mushroom vinaigrette

Sesame-Shiitake Vinaigrette

Light and zesty, this vinaigrette pairs well with a variety of fresh salad greens, especially spinach, and shredded cabbage. It can also enliven rice or buckwheat noodles, as well as steamed vegetables.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Dressing

Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives this versatile vinaigrette the zippy freshness to go with just about any salad.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

Basic French Vinaigrette

A dressing that should be in every confident cook’s arsenal. Pair any high-quality oil with an acid (such as vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice), season, and you’ve got a simple and endlessly versatile vinaigrette that goes with just about any salad.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

homemade buttermilk ranch salad dressing

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Free from industrial vegetable oils, sugar, and chemical additives and preservatives, this homemade dressing pairs perfectly with crisp, sturdy greens, or can be used as a dip for grilled vegetables or vegetable crudité.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

Green Goddess Dressing

Luscious and satisfying, this creamy dressing is a perennial favorite.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

Curried Orange-Ginger Vinaigrette

Pair this homemade salad dressing with dark leafy salad greens, such as arugula or spinach, or on any salad topped with toasted nuts and chèvre.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

Strawberry-Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

Fresh puréed strawberries offer a creative way to jazz up any salad.

By Experience Life Staff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings Salads

Raspberry-Ginger Barbecue Sauce

This sweet, tangy, smoky sauce is terrific brushed on grilled meat or vegetables.

By Karen Olson

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings

Cilantro Mint Chutney

A simple, yet flavorful chutney filled with fresh and herby flavors that pairs perfectly with our Curried Garbanzo Beans With Spinach recipe. Can also be used as a dipping sauce with your favorite Indian food.

By Karen Olson

Appetizers Dips, Spreads, & Dressings

Heirloom Tomato Sauce

Serve with whole-grain pasta (consider a gluten-free option made from brown rice or zucchini noodles), or on top of chicken, steak or fish. To make a primavera sauce, simply add diced veggies, such as zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower or carrots, to the tomato sauce.

By Betsy Nelson

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings

Roasted Jalapeño Honey Butter

Smoky heat from roasted jalapeños paired with sweet honey creates a taste sensation that kicks up the flavors in butter. Try this spread on grilled corn on the cob or brushed over grilled chicken breasts.

By Cary Neff

Dips, Spreads, & Dressings