Best 16 Garden Salad Dressing Recipes

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In the culinary world, a garden salad stands as a refreshing symphony of flavors, colors, and textures. It's a dish that celebrates the bounty of nature's garden, where crisp lettuces, vibrant tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a chorus of other vegetables unite to create a symphony of taste. The secret to unlocking the full potential of this delightful dish lies in the dressing, a culinary conductor that harmonizes all the ingredients into a cohesive masterpiece. Our curated collection of garden salad dressing recipes offers a diverse range of flavors and styles, ensuring that there's a perfect dressing for every palate and occasion. From classic vinaigrettes to creamy Caesar dressings, tangy Asian-inspired sauces to luscious honey mustard dressings, each recipe is a culinary journey waiting to be explored. Let your taste buds embark on an adventure as you discover the perfect dressing to elevate your garden salad to a culinary masterpiece.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GARDEN PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY DILL DRESSING



Garden Pasta Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing image

Make and share this Garden Pasta Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by PalatablePastime

Categories     Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 cups bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
2 medium carrots, grated
1 cup broccoli floret
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled,seeded,and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 green onions, sliced thin
2/3 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Mix together salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
  • Mix together dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Pour dressing over salad, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.

OLIVE GARDEN SALAD DRESSING



Olive Garden Salad Dressing image

Make and share this Olive Garden Salad Dressing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by RecipeNut

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 5m

Yield 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons corn syrup
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons romano cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients in a blender until well mixed.
  • If this is a little to tart for your own personal tastes please add a little extra sugar.

KITTENCAL'S GREEK GARDEN SALAD WITH GREEK-STYLE DRESSING



Kittencal's Greek Garden Salad With Greek-Style Dressing image

All amounts may be adjusted to taste, the dressing amounts will yield just slightly over 1 cup and I strongly suggest to make the dressing in advance even better 24 hours ahead --- serve the salad with crusty bread on the side --- the dressing from my recipe#66596 also works well with this salad

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Vegetable

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 cup olive oil (can use 1/2 cup each olive oil and vegetable oil)
2 -3 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
3 teaspoons dried oregano
3 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (or use 1/2 teaspoon white salt)
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 -2 teaspoon sugar
fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
2 large plum tomatoes, chopped
1 small cucumber, coarsley chopped
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 red onion, sliced (or use 1 green onion, chopped)
1/2-3/4 cup kalamata olive (or similar marinated olives)
Greek salad dressing (to taste)
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
salt (to taste)

Steps:

  • For the dressing in a bowl combine all ingredients.
  • Cover and chill until ready to use.
  • In a large bowl combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, feta cheese, onion and black olives.
  • At this point you may chill, before serving add in salad dressing, then season with black pepper and salt.

GARDEN SALAD WITH LEMON DRESSING



Garden Salad with Lemon Dressing image

I lightened up a tangy salad dressing by replacing some of the oil with lemon juice. The revamped dressing lends a refreshing twist to mixed greens, tomatoes, pepper rings and cucumbers slices.-Martha Pollock, Oregonia, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 cups torn salad greens
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
1 medium cucumber, sliced
1 large sweet yellow or green pepper, cut into rings
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons minced chives
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber and pepper rings. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, honey, chives, mustard, salt and pepper until blended. Gradually whisk in oil until dressing thickens. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 143 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 328mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

GARDEN SALAD WITH HERBS AND SOUR-CHERRY DRESSING



Garden Salad with Herbs and Sour-Cherry Dressing image

Handfuls of fresh herbs and leafy greens plus fronds of fennel provide a depth of flavor in this summery salad. Tart cherries are quickly marinated in a simple sherry vinaigrette then mixed with the salad.

Provided by Anna Kovel

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Vegetables

Time 30m

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or aged red-wine vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 ounces fresh sour cherries, rinsed, drained, pitted, and halved or quartered (1 cup)
1 fennel bulb, halved length-wise, cored, and thinly sliced, plus 1/2 cup fronds
2 cups mixed fresh tender-herb leaves, such as shiso, basil, tarragon, anise hyssop, and mint
5 cups mixed greens, such as watercress, amaranth, tatsoi, and arugula
2 spring onions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
6 radishes, thinly sliced (1 cup)

Steps:

  • Stir together vinegar, lemon juice, a large pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Whisk in oil. Stir in cherries; let stand at least 5 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
  • Finely chop fennel fronds; mix with herbs. Toss greens with herb mixture. Gently mix in onions, radishes, and sliced fennel; add dressing and cherries, tossing to combine. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

GARDEN CHOPPED SALAD WITH RANCH DRESSING



Garden Chopped Salad with Ranch Dressing image

Categories     Salad     Leafy Green     Tomato     Vegetable     No-Cook     Quick & Easy     Summer     Parade

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 heads romaine lettuce, tough outer leaves removed
2 cups diced (1/4 inch) red bell pepper
2 cups diced (1/4 inch) carrots
2 cups diced (1/4 inch) hothouse (seedless) cucumber
2 cups diced (1/4 inch) ripe tomatoes
4 scallions (3 inches of green left on), thinly sliced
2 ripe avocados
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
About 1 cup Ranch Dressing
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Cut the tough ribs out of the lettuce leaves and discard the tough, darker green tops of the larger leaves. Cut the leaves into 1/2-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the bell pepper, carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, and scallions.
  • 2. Peel and pit the avocados. Cut them into 1/4-inch dice and place in a small bowl. Add the lime juice and toss well (to prevent discoloration). Add the avocados to the other vegetables and toss with the Ranch Dressing. Before serving, season with salt and pepper. Serve with any extra dressing alongside.

GARDEN ORZO SALAD WITH HERB DRESSING



Garden Orzo Salad with Herb Dressing image

Provided by Danny Boome

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 20 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lemons, zested and juiced
2 oranges, zested and juiced
1 cup cider vinegar
2 cups fresh parsley leaves
2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups orzo
Salt, for water
5 ears corn, kernels removed
5 stalks celery, diced
1 cucumber, seeded and diced
2 pints cherry tomatoes

Steps:

  • In a food processor add lemon zest and juice, orange zest and juice, cider vinegar, parsley, basil. Turn on the processor and slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is blended together. Process until smooth and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
  • Cook orzo in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • To a large mixing bowl add the raw corn kernels, diced celery, seeded and diced cucumber and whole cherry tomatoes.
  • Once orzo is cooked, drain and rinse under cold water; drain well. Add cooled orzo to bowl and toss. Add dressing to salad and toss again. Season with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve.

GARDEN SALAD WITH SMOKED ALMOND DRESSING



Garden Salad with Smoked Almond Dressing image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup shredded carrots
4 scallions, cut into 3-inch lengths then thinly sliced into sticks
1 zucchini, cut into matchsticks
1 red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup smoked almonds
4 soft sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Handful fresh cilantro leaves
Handful fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, eyeball it
Splash of water, 2 tablespoons
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
Black pepper

Steps:

  • Place lettuce on large platter and scatter veggies across the top. Put the garlic, almonds, sun dried tomatoes, cilantro, mint and vinegar in food processor and turn it on - if you have trouble getting the dressing going, add a splash (2 tablespoons) of water then stream in extra-virgin olive oil. Process the dressing then season it with black pepper, to taste, and pour evenly over the salad and serve.

GREEK GARDEN SALAD WITH DRESSING



Greek Garden Salad with Dressing image

"My Italian-American mother and Syria-American father merged their skills to create this delicious salad. We still grow most of the ingredients and serve this often," writes Weda Mosellie from Phillipsburg, New Jersey.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

3 cups torn romaine
1 plum tomato, sliced
1/2 cup julienned sweet red pepper
1/2 cup sliced seeded peeled cucumber
1/3 cup garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup sliced fennel bulb
1/4 cup chopped celery
6 pitted ripe or Greek olives
1 green onion, thinly sliced
DRESSING:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon water
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh mint or 1/8 teaspoon dried mint
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh oregano or 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Dash each salt and pepper
1 tablespoon crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

Steps:

  • In a large serving bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. , For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, oil, garlic, cilantro, water, mint, oregano, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 90 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 172mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

GARDEN SALAD WITH CANTALOUPE DRESSING



Garden Salad With Cantaloupe Dressing image

You can vary this dish according to what fruits and vegetables are at their peak. This salad was created by Walt Disney World Chef Keith Keogh and is a popular attraction on the menu at the Wonders of Life pavilion at Epcot Center. Taken from the "Quick and Healthy Low Fat Cooking" cookbook.

Provided by jonesies

Categories     Melons

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 cups cantaloupe, finely chopped
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 cup broccoli floret (small)
1 cup snow peas
1 carrot, julienned
1 1/2 cups cantaloupe (cubes)
1 1/2 cups strawberries (halved)
8 red radishes, julienned
2 cups fresh spinach

Steps:

  • To make dressing: In a blender, process the cantaloupe, water, honey, ginger and vinegar until smooth.
  • To make the salad: Steam the broccoli, snow peas and carrots for about 4 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
  • Transfer to a large plate and spread out in a thin layer.
  • Place in the freezer for 5 minutes, or until cold; do not let the vegetables freeze.
  • Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the cantaloupe, strawberries and radishes; toss well.
  • Divide the spinach among individual plates.
  • Top with the salad.
  • Drizzle with the dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 101.6, Fat 0.6, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 52, Carbohydrate 23.6, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 18.2, Protein 3.3

GARDEN SALAD WITH RASPBERRY POPPY SEED DRESSING



Garden Salad With Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing image

Crisp, Fresh, Tangy and Sweet is this Boston leaf lettuce topped with cucumbers, red peppers, scallions and raspberries with a raspberry dressing. Grilled chicken slices on this would be great.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories     Raspberries

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon poppy seed
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup raspberry preserves
3 -4 tablespoons vegetable oil
salt and pepper
1 head boston lettuce, washed and spun
1 hot house cucumber, sliced
1 red pepper, sliced
6 ounces fresh raspberries
1 scallion, sliced
blue cheese (optional)
pine nuts (optional)

Steps:

  • Place the first 5 dressing ingredients in a blender and blend to mix. Slowly add oil blending till thick add salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a chilled bowl place torn lettuce leaves topping with remaining ingredients.
  • Pour dressing over.
  • Top with optional cheese and nuts.

OLIVE GARDEN COPYCAT SALAD & HOUSE DRESSING



OLIVE GARDEN COPYCAT SALAD & HOUSE DRESSING image

Categories     Leafy Green     Salad Dressing

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 romaine lettuce hearts, washed and chopped
½ red onion, sliced
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
4 pickled Pepperoncini
10 large pitted olives
½ cup seasoned croutons
¼ cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
Olive Garden House Dressing Copycat
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons extra light tasting olive oil (or other neutral oil)
2 tablespoon fresh grated Romano cheese
½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon sugar

Steps:

  • In the bowl of a blender, combine dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve. In a large salad bowl, layer salad ingredients in order beginning with lettuce. Pour salad dressing over salad and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy! COOK'S NOTE: If you prefer dressing to be yellow in color (like the original) add yellow food coloring. I prefer it natural so I left it out.

GLORIA PITZER'S OLIVE GARDEN-STYLE SALAD DRESSING



Gloria Pitzer's Olive Garden-Style Salad Dressing image

Gloria Pitzer is known for copying famous foods, but making them healthy at the same time. "I take the junk out of junk food," says Pitzer. "You know what goes into my recipes." Gloria is careful to point out that she doesn't actually know what the big chains put in their food. "I don't try to dissect the foods and figure out the chemical ingredients," she says. "I never, ever try to steal anyone's secret corporate recipe. I just do my best to duplicate the taste." Enjoy!

Provided by Nif_H

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 2 cups, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups Italian dressing, bottled
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons sugar (or equivalent in artificial sugar)
1 large egg, raw (or egg beaters to equal 1 egg)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 cup oil
fresh spinach
iceberg lettuce
romaine lettuce
onion, cut into rings
radish, etc

Steps:

  • Blend first 5 ingredients (not oil) in blender on high speed 1/2 minute or until smooth. Pour this mixture into the top of a double boiler and add 1/4 cup oil. Stir gently with a whisk over gently boiling water until it begins to thicken and egg is completely cooked. Chill several hours or overnight before using. If the dressing is too thick, add more Italian dressing as needed.
  • Mix together equal amounts of fresh spinach, iceberg and romaine lettuce. Allow 2 cups for each salad. Moisten leaves in dressing, do not saturate; let stand 5 minutes. Add onion rings, radishes, etc.

GARDEN SALAD WITH ITALIAN DRESSING



Garden Salad With Italian Dressing image

A basic garden salad- you can vary the quantities used as desired. Serve the salad in one large bowl or as a side to a meal. Serve the dressing seperately and everyone can add their own. The dressing makes 1 1/2 cups.

Provided by Jubes

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 large iceberg lettuce leaves
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 onion, cut in rings
1 red bell peppers (capsicum) or 1 green bell pepper, cut in slices (capsicum)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or 3 tomatoes, cut in wedges
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 cup light olive oil (use a good quality oil)
1/2 small white onion, very finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped finely (capsicum)
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Toss salad ingredients to combine.
  • For the dressing- Place ingredients in a screw top jar and shake well- Makes 1 1/2 cups.
  • Serve the salad in one large bowl or as a side to a meal.
  • Add desired amount of dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 408.8, Fat 28.5, SaturatedFat 4, Sodium 106.3, Carbohydrate 36.7, Fiber 12.6, Sugar 23.1, Protein 9.2

OLIVE GARDEN SALAD DRESSING



Olive Garden Salad Dressing image

Make and share this Olive Garden Salad Dressing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by EricD0768

Categories     < 15 Mins

Time 10m

Yield 1 cup, 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons corn syrup
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons romano cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients in a blender until well mixed.
  • Serve over your favorite salad.

OLIVE GARDEN SALAD DRESSING



Olive Garden Salad Dressing image

Make and share this Olive Garden Salad Dressing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by BoaterJodie

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 8-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup corn syrup
2 1/2 tablespoons grated romano cheese
2 tablespoons dry pectin
2 tablespoons beaten eggs or 2 tablespoons egg substitute
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 pinch dried oregano
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Combine all of the ingredients with a mixer on medium speed or in a blender on low speed for 30 seconds.
  • Chill at least 1 hour.
  • Serve over mixed greens or use as a marinade.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your ingredients are, the more delicious your dressing will be. Try to use freshly picked herbs and vegetables whenever possible.
  • Taste as you go: Don't be afraid to taste your dressing as you're making it and adjust the seasonings accordingly. This will help you create a dressing that's perfectly balanced to your taste.
  • Let your dressing rest: After you've made your dressing, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before using it. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop.
  • Store your dressing properly: Store your dressing in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

A homemade garden salad dressing is a delicious and healthy way to add flavor to your salads. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dressing that's perfect for your taste. So next time you're making a salad, skip the store-bought dressing and try one of these homemade recipes instead. Your taste buds will thank you!

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