Dress it Up

Written By Danielle Smith

As simple dressing can transform an average salad into something you’re scooping for seconds. Once you learn to play with ratios, spices, herbs and vinegars, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few basics to get you going. 

Curry Dressing

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp coriander

½ tsp turmeric

½ tsp fennel seeds

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp dijon

1 tsp fresh ginger

100ml olive oil

Method:

  1. Toast spices in a dry pan over a moderate heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. 

  2. Add them to a blender with the remaining ingredients. Blend on a high speed for 10 seconds. 

  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard at the end and add a little salt if you wish. 

Pairs well with: carrot salad, grilled broccoli, white fish, roasted vegetables


Soy dressing

3 tbsp soy 

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp honey

1 tsp dijon

150ml veg oil 

Method:

  1. Blend on a high speed for 10 seconds in a blender or Nutribullet. 

  2. That’s all. 

Pairs well with: Fresh slaw, Vegetable stir fry, Broccoli salad, grilled chicken

Salsa Verde

2 handfuls fresh herbs, roughly chopped (basil, parsley, coriander, spring onion, dill, mint - any of them or all of them)

1 tbsp dijon

1 tsp honey

Juice of 1 lemon (30-50ml)

1 tbsp capers

2 tbsp toasted almonds

¼ cup olive oil 

Salt and pepper

Splash water to get the blender going

Method:

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Pulse a few times with a splash of water to get the blender going. Then blend to desired consistency, chunky or smooth. 

  2. Adjust the seasoning and lemon juice at the end however you like it. 

Serving suggestion: grilled steak, fish, roast vegetables, pasta 

Vinaigrette

¼ cup vinegar

1 tbsp dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

Pinch of salt and pepper

½ cup olive oil 

Method:

  1. Place the vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk the ingredients together while slowly streaming in the olive oil. You may need a pouring assistant for this, it can get a bit awkward. 

Pairs well with: crisp lettuce salad, potato salad, grain bowls, grilled protein, halloumi, fresh tuna, egg… basically anything really. 

Danielle Smith
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Romesco Sauce