Ditch the Store-Bought Salad Dressing: A Healthier Way to Enjoy Your Greens

When you're crafting a beautiful, vibrant salad filled with organic greens, crisp veggies, and maybe even a handful of nuts or seeds, the last thing you want to do is drench it in unhealthy, store-bought salad dressing. Unfortunately, many store-bought dressings—even those marketed as "healthy" or "natural"-are packed with hidden ingredients that can sabotage your wholesome meal.

What's Really in Store-Bought Salad Dressing? A quick glance at the ingredient label on most commercial salad dressings can be eye-opening. Here are some common offenders:

1. Preservatives: To extend shelf life, many dressings are loaded with preservatives that have no place in a fresh, healthy diet.
2. Unhealthy Oils: Many dressings use cheap, highly processed oils like soybean or canola oil, which are often genetically modified and inflammatory.
3. Added Sugars: Even savory dressings can contain surprising amounts of sugar, sometimes listed under sneaky names like "corn syrup" or "dextrose."
4. Artificial Flavors and Colors: These unnecessary additives can affect your health over time and provide zero nutritional value.
5. Excess Sodium: High sodium levels can sneak into your dressing, making even a small serving a salt bomb.

Why Make Your Own Salad Dressing? Whipping up your own salad dressing at home is simple, rewarding, and so much better for you. Here are just a few reasons to ditch the bottled stuff:

• You Control the Ingredients: By making your own dressing, you ensure that every ingredient aligns with your dietary goals and health standards.
• No Preservatives: Homemade dressings are fresh and free of artificial preservatives, so you can enjoy them knowing they’re as clean as your salad.
• Tailored to Your Taste: Whether you prefer tangy, creamy, or herby, you can adjust flavors to suit your preferences.
• Cost-Effective: Making your own dressing is often cheaper than buying specialty organic options from the store.

Getting Started with Homemade Salad Dressings - Making your own dressing can be as simple as combining a high-quality oil (like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil) with an acid (such as lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar) and a few seasonings. From there, the possibilities are endless—you can add mustard, honey, herbs, or even a dollop of yogurt for creaminess.

Need inspiration? I highly recommend checking out the Weston A. Price Foundation website here. Their "Recipe of the Week" tab offers a treasure trove of delicious, nourishing salad dressing recipes that will elevate your salads and support your health.

By taking a few extra minutes to make your own dressing, you’re not just enhancing the flavor of your salad—you’re making an investment in your well-being. So go ahead, toss those bottled dressings, and embrace the joy of homemade. Your body will thank you!

​xoxo, Melissa