Perhaps my favorite kitchen hack of all time is the delightfully simple process of making my own salad dressing. How so? I’ll be honest and say leafy greens don’t exactly tempt me. Nor do leafy greens tossed with…anything. Cheese, bacon, dried or fresh fruits, fresh herbs, none of it really matters without that flavorful elixir we’ve come to call ‘salad dressing,’ an elixir that can transform a simple bowl of greens into a masterpiece of taste and texture.

And that’s where today’s Simple Spinach Salad Dressing comes in. Spoiler: This dressing is for way more than just spinach salads, but more on that below.

In fact, this dressing is way more than just a condiment; it's a canvas for kitchen creativity. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dressing that suits your palate perfectly. Whether you prefer the sweetness of honey, the zing of mustard, the tang of balsamic vinegar, or the greasy goodness of bacon fat (more on that below) you're the chef, and your palate is the guide.

The beauty of homemade salad dressings lies in their simplicity and customization. No more store-bought bottles laden with additives and preservatives. Crafting your own dressing not only elevates your salads but also puts you in control of the quality of ingredients that go into your meal. It's a healthier and more affordable way to enjoy your salads.

But what salads pair best with this creamy dressing? Imagine drizzling it over a spring mix with warm bacon, or tossing it with a Strawberry Spinach Salad, or enhancing the flavors of a classic Spinach Salad with hard-boiled eggs, feta cheese, and red onion. It's a dressing that can turn a simple lunch into a delightful feast.

So say goodbye to store-bought mediocrity and hello to the world of culinary creativity with homemade dressings. The best dressings are the ones you create, and it all starts here. Below, I’ll be providing you with an ingredient checklist, variation suggestions, and salad pairing ideas.

Now, let’s dive in.

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Ingredient Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

1 tsp. salt
- Note: Adjust the salt quantity to your taste.
1 tsp. coarse black pepper
- Tip: As this recipe is being consumed raw, freshly ground black pepper will enhance the flavor and aroma.
2 cloves of garlic
- Note: Use fresh garlic for best results.
- Tip: Crush the garlic before chopping to maximize the amount of juice that extracts into the vinaigrette.
2 tsp. sugar
- Note: Adjust the sugar to your desired level of sweetness.
- Substitution: Maple syrup or agave are both potential substitutes.
2 tbs. balsamic vinegar
- Tip: Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for superior taste.
- Substitution: You can also use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar if you prefer a milder flavor.
2 tbs. fresh lemon juice
- Note: Freshly squeezed lemon juice ensures maximal citrusy flavor.
2 tbs. honey
- Tip: This is one recipe where I do strongly recommend raw, unfiltered honey, as the little nuances will work beautifully here.
2 tbs. mustard
- Note: Dijon Mustard is recommended, but feel free to use whole grain, spicy, yellow or honey mustard, which all lend their unique flavors to the dressing.
2 tbs. cold water
- Tip: Adjust the water quantity for your preferred consistency.
4 tbs. diced red onion
- Substitution: You can use shallots as a milder alternative.
4 tbs. olive oil
- Tip: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor.
- Substitution: The oil of your choice can substitute in just fine, such as canola or corn oil. However, to be aware that this will change the flavor profile substantially, and you may want to account for that by adjusting the quantity of the other ingredients to suit your palate.

Salad Pairings Suggestions – How to use this Dressing

Obviously, even the best dressing can’t mask the absence of a good salad. But what salads pair best with this Spinach Salad Dressing? An easy spinach salad of fresh baby spinach leaves, onions, and tomato will work just fine, but don’t shy away from letting your creative side shine. Here are a few ideas (a lot of ideas!) to get you started.

Simple Spinach Salad: A classic featuring fresh baby spinach, sliced red onions, and crispy bacon crumbles drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. It's the perfect side salad.
Spinach Strawberry Salad: Combine fresh baby spinach with sliced strawberries, candied pecans, and feta cheese. The vinaigrette adds a sweet and tangy touch to this delightful salad.
Caprese Salad: A light and refreshing Italian favorite. Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle the vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.
Grilled Chicken Salad: Marinate grilled chicken breast in balsamic vinaigrette and serve it over a bed of leafy greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices. Ideal for a light lunch.
Pasta Salads: Use the vinaigrette to dress pasta salads featuring ingredients like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, fresh basil, and your choice of pasta. Perfect for picnics.
Mason Jar Salads: Create convenient and colorful mason jar salads by layering leafy greens, veggies, and toppings. Add the balsamic vinaigrette before sealing for a grab-and-go lunch option.
Warm Bacon Vinaigrette: Transform a simple spinach salad into a warm bacon salad by adding crispy thick-cut bacon bits and sliced hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle the vinaigrette while it's warm for an extra layer of flavor.
Mediterranean Delight: Combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese with leafy greens. The vinaigrette complements these Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Fresh Herbs: Elevate any salad by incorporating fresh herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro. These aromatic additions pair wonderfully with the vinaigrettes tangy sweetness.
Dinner Party Favorite: Impress guests with a salad featuring fresh baby spinach, grilled peaches or pears, goat cheese, and candied walnuts. The balsamic vinaigrette ties these elegant flavors together.
Spring Mix: Enjoy a big salad with a variety of leafy greens. Toss together arugula, spinach, romaine, and other greens with colorful veggies, nuts, and the vinaigrette for a vibrant dish.
Leafy Greens Galore: Experiment with various leafy greens such as arugula, kale, or mixed greens. Customize your salad by adding your favorite veggies, proteins, and toppings. The vinaigrette pairs well with all of them.

This homemade balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect companion for a wide variety of salads, whether you're looking for a simple side dish, a hearty main course, or a light and refreshing lunch option. Its sweet and tangy flavors enhance the freshness of your greens and ingredients, making every salad a delicious and memorable experience.

Flavor Variations – Get Creative!

Creating your own salad dressing opens the door to a world of flavor possibilities. This balsamic vinaigrette is a fantastic base, and you can easily customize it with herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

Bacon Bliss: For a smoky, savory twist, consider adding crispy bacon crumbles to your vinaigrette. The combination of bacon and balsamic creates a harmonious balance of flavors that pairs wonderfully with hearty salads featuring grilled chicken, avocado, and tomatoes. And just like that, you’ve got a warm bacon dressing!
Herbaceous Elegance: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano can elevate your vinaigrette. Finely chop your herb of choice and whisk it into the dressing. Herb-infused vinaigrettes are excellent for salads with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and cucumbers.
Citrus Zest: Enhance the dressing with a burst of citrusy freshness. Try adding freshly grated lemon or orange zest to your vinaigrette. This citrus-infused dressing is delightful in salads with shrimp, arugula, and citrus segments.
Garlic Goodness: Garlic lovers can mince a clove or two of fresh garlic and mix it into the vinaigrette. Allow it to sit for a while to let the flavors meld. This creates a robust and aromatic dressing that pairs well with roasted vegetable salads.
Maple Balsamic: Swap out honey for pure maple syrup for an earthy sweetness. The combination of balsamic and maple is perfect for fall salads with ingredients like roasted squash, nuts, and dried cranberries.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, gochugaru, or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. This is especially tasty in salads with grilled shrimp, black beans, and corn.
Creamy Dream: For a creamy vinaigrette, blend in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. This transforms the dressing into a luscious topping for salads with grilled chicken, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs.
Fruity Fusion: Experiment with fruit purees or jams like raspberry or fig. These add a fruity, slightly sweet note to your vinaigrette and are fantastic in salads with goat cheese, walnuts, and fresh fruit.
Nutty Elegance: Consider incorporating finely chopped nuts like toasted almonds or pecans for added texture and nutty richness. This works well in salads with mixed greens and grilled steak.

Remember, making your own dressing allows you to tailor it to your taste preferences. Don't hesitate to mix and match these flavor variations to create a vinaigrette that complements your salad perfectly. Whether you're a fan of smoky bacon, zesty citrus, or herbal notes, there's a world of possibilities to explore. So, grab your whisk and start experimenting!

Storing Homemade Salad Dressing:

Refrigeration: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature helps preserve the flavors.
Sealed Container: Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering, which can cause oxidation and affect the taste.
Use Within a Week: Homemade dressings may not have the same preservatives as store-bought ones, so it's best to use it within a week for optimal freshness.
Shake Before Use: Before each use, give the dressing a good shake or stir to re-emulsify the ingredients and blend the flavors.
Flavor Intensification: Note that the flavors may intensify as the dressing sits, so adjust the quantity used in your salad accordingly.
Customization: Consider making smaller batches to suit your immediate needs, ensuring the freshest taste every time.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy the homemade balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing at its best for a longer period.