Salad gets a bad rap. It’s often the “I’m trying to be good” option on a menu, or that thing wilting in your fridge that you meant to eat and can’t quite bring yourself to throw in the thrash yet. But the real secret here is to make a salad you actually want to eat! And it’s all in the dressing. And no, we’re not talking about the gloopy stuff that’s been sitting at the back of your fridge since last summer. We’re talking about fresh, easy, homemade dressings that take just minutes to make and taste DELISH.

Here are a few of our favourite go-tos here in Terra Health when we want a salad to taste like it came from a fancy café - minus the effort!

1. The Classic Vinaigrette

Simple, tangy, and endlessly versatile.

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp vinegar (balsamic, red wine, or apple cider)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste

Whisk it all together or give it a good shake in a jar. Pour over leafy greens, roasted veg, or even grains like quinoa. Add a sprinkle of feta and some olives, and you’ve got that Mediterranean vibe in minutes.

2. Honey Mustard 

Sweet, zingy, and works for kids too.

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of salt
  

This one’s great on chopped salads with chicken, roasted sweet potato, or drizzled over a warm grain bowl.

3. Creamy Tahini 

Vegan, nutty, and addictive.

• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp water (add more to thin)
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 small garlic clove, crushed
• Pinch of cumin (optional)
  

Shake or blend until creamy. This one’s fab with kale, roasted chickpeas, and anything Middle Eastern-ish like some yummy falafel!

4. Holy Guacamole

This avocado-based recipe is like a smoothie for your salad.

• ½ ripe avocado
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp yogurt or plant-based alternative
• Juice of half a lemon
• Handful of fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or chives)
• Pinch of salt
  

Blend until smooth and literally slather it on everything. Bonus: it works as a dip too.

5. Spicy Lime & Coriander (Cilantro)

Bright and bold with a kick.

• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey or agave
• 1 small chili (or a dash of hot sauce)
• Handful of chopped coriander
• Pinch of salt
  

Perfect for taco salads, black beans, or grilled corn. Basically, if it’s got a fiesta vibe, this is your go-to.

6. Zesty Ginger Sesame Dressing

This nutty dressing is packed with flavor and works great on crunchy salads or noodle bowls.

• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp lime juice
• Optional: sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick
  

Whisk it all together until well combined. Drizzle over mixed greens, shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, edamame, or even grilled chicken for an Asian-inspired twist.

Get Even More from Your Greens

Liposomal curcumin can be a fantastic addition to your salad dressings for an extra health boost, especially for its anti-inflammatory and joint-support benefits. It’s gentle enough to blend into dressings without messing with the flavor too much.

Here’s how you can add it naturally:

• Start small: Add a teaspoon of liposomal curcumin to your dressing while whisking or blending.
• Mix well: Make sure it’s fully incorporated to keep the texture smooth.
• Taste test: Since curcumin has a slightly earthy, bitter note, adjust your honey, lemon, or other flavorings a bit if needed.

For example, it’d work great in the Classic Vinaigrette or Honey Mustard dressings as both have enough tang and sweetness to balance out the earthiness of curcumin. It’d also pair well with the Zesty Ginger Sesame Dressing since the strong flavors can mask the curcumin taste nicely.

That’s a Wrap (salad included!)

We hope you’ll find a dressing here that will actually make you want to eat your salad. No more boring, sad bowls or half-forgotten leaves in the fridge. These dressings are easy, fresh, and full of flavor - but don’t be afraid to experiment a bit with them too!

Seriously, just a little drizzle of the right dressing can make all the difference. We’d love to hear from you if you give any of these a try! 

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