It’s hot, it’s humid. Are you dreading turning on your stove for dinner?
Let us save you some misery with three delicious summer salad dressing recipes that can be made in minutes — and pack far fewer calories and fat than their off-the-shelf equivalents. Toss with greens and other veggies from the farmers market and enjoy!
Raspberry Vinaigrette
This slightly sweet dressing is a delicious complement to a spinach salad. Try it with fresh berries and toasted almonds for a heart-healthy treat.
Ingredients:
⅓ cup canola oil
¼ cup raspberry balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons raspberry preserves (low sugar or sugar-free work fine)
Optional: ¼ cup fresh raspberries or strawberries
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
Puree until smooth.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Serving size: 2 tablespoons. Calories: 96. Total fat: 9 grams. Saturated fat: 0.6 grams. Sodium: 2.5 milligrams. Total carbohydrate: 5.1 grams. Dietary fiber: 0.25 grams. Protein: <0.1 gram.
Buttermilk Ranch
This dressing is great over a green salad, as a dip for raw veggies or drizzled over a sandwich. It is a great alternative to the typical high-fat bottled ranch dressings.
Ingredients:
½ cup low-fat buttermilk
¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise
2 to 3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 clove finely chopped fresh garlic
Salt and pepper
Optional: ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill or chives
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk until smooth.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Serving size: 2 tablespoons. Calories: 31.3. Total fat: 2.65 grams. Saturated fat: 0.5 grams. Sodium: 67 milligrams. Total carbohydrate: 1.75 grams. Dietary fiber: <0.1 gram. Protein: 0.7 gram.
Dijon Vinaigrette
Enjoy this fresh dressing on salads, as a marinade for grilled vegetables or drizzled on summer tomatoes.
Ingredients:
½ cup olive oil (extra virgin is best)
½ cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 cloves finely chopped garlic
Juice of ¼ fresh lemon
Optional: Finely chopped fresh herbs, such as tarragon, basil, dill and rosemary
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a covered jar or salad dressing bottle.
Shake until all ingredients are blended.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Serving size 2 tablespoons. Calories: 122. Total fat: 13.5 grams. Saturated fat: 1.8 grams. Sodium: 15.5 milligrams. Total carbohydrate: 0.6 gram. Dietary fiber: <0.1 gram. Protein: <0.1 gram.
Looking for more healthy recipes? Find more delicious ideas here.
