No thanks. The only reason I buy corn syrup is to make pecan pie. Which, unless someone orders one from me, I only make once or twice a year. Because my husband and I LOVE pecan pie, so it is a dangerous thing to have hanging out in the fridge.
Here's the thing about salad dressing. The fat free varieties are just NOT good for you. Fat free does not always equal healthy. They take out the fat, only to load up on sugar, sodium, artificial flavoring, etc. I have been doing some research, and in the long run, healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and real butter, although they contain more fat, are so much better for you than vegetable oil and other fake fats, like margarine. I know, I know. I KNOW. America is obsessed with low fat! *I* have even been on this band wagon. I've had good success with following a low fat diet. I have learned, though, that loading up on low fat foods can be detrimental in the long term. But that's a different discussion for a different time. Back on topic....don't be afraid of the olive oil!
I love a good salad. I can't believe it took me nearly 30 years of life to realize how much better tasting and healthier homemade salad dressing is....let alone how easy it is to make. The BEST thing about making your own dressing is that it really allows to you to tailor it to your veown tastes by adding different spices, herbs, acids, etc.
If you're a vinaigrette/Italian fan, making dressing is especially simple. Keep in mind 1 part acid (citrus or vinegar) to 2 parts oil. I almost always make salad dressing with evoo. But you can use sesame oil or whatever you like. Then you layer in flavor with herbs and spices. Go from there. Explore different combinations. You may but don't have to, add a pinch of sugar or honey. Favorites at my house include balsamic vinegar/olive oil/basil/garlic, lime juice/rice vinegar/ginger/honey/either sesame oil or evoo, red wine vinegar/olive oil/basic Italian spices...the possibilities are truly endless. Christian likes one that I make to marinate pork that is apple cider vinegar and mustard seeds with a touch of oil. I don't usually measure my vinaigrette ingredients, but feel free.
The very first vinaigrette I made was the balsamic basil one made above. It is by far a Capo Cucina favorite. But here is an easy and delicious starter Italian recipe:
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon each fresh oregano, thyme, and parsley (or make up your own combo, other ideas would be marjoram, basil, or tarragon)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup evoo
Whisk together. Seriously. That's ALL you do. I use fresh herbs in the summer because I grow them myself, but in the winter, I typically use dry. It's all about finding the flavors you like!
Ranch lovers, it's your turn. Ranch scared me more than oil/vinaigrettes for some reason. But making a savory ranch dip or dressing is just as easy as making an oil-based dressing. AND the fat does NOT have to be as high as the bottled variety to taste just as good, and in my opinion, BETTER. I like the tangy base of buttermilk for mine, which adds a nice flavor and creaminess without a ton of fat. I have used both Greek yogurt and mayonnaise in mine. I prefer the Greek yogurt just as an added nutrition boost, but again, this is about your own taste preference. I suppose you could use sour cream as well. I start by adding a healthy plop (about 1/2 cup) of either mayo or Greek yogurt to a blender. For my own dressing, I add some chives, a clove of garlic, a dash of hot sauce, a dash of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. I blend and then add small amounts of buttermilk until it's the right consistency. I like my ranch dressing a bit on the thicker side so it can double as a dip. But that's just me. :-) You can also add things like cheese and bacon, but I'm a classic ranch type of gal.
You will taste these dressings and wonder why you ever bought it in the store, trust me. So easy and uses things you probably already have laying around. I'm sure if you google it or search "ranch dressing" at foodnetwork.com, there are even more varieties of dressings/dips. You MIGHT even discover yourself eating more salad!!
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