Several years ago I posted about DIY Salad dressings and it became very popular. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits a bit and the original website I posted that on is no longer around. These Homemade Paleo Salad Dressings however are here to stay.

Homemade Paleo Salad Dressings Variations and Uses

The basic recipes below are easy and super versatile. Here are the prep notes, variations and uses for each basic recipe below so you can get the most out of them.

#1 – Basic Vinaigrette

Dijon mustard helps this dressing to not separate as readily. You will still need to shake or whisk before using. For salad jars, just shake a little before opening jar.

• Herb Vinaigrette – add 2 tsp dried or 2 tbsp fresh, chopped herbs

• Garlic Vinaigrette – add 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp pre-minced)

• Caesar-esque Dressing – Cut olive oil to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup mayo (regular, homemade, or vegan). Stir in 1/4 parmesan cheese or 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (for vegan).

Uses for Basic Vinaigrette – Quick marinade for any meat. If using on seafood, only marinate 15-30 minutes. Poultry up to 8 hours and red meat (beef, lamb or pork) up to 24 hours.

#2 – Ranch Dressing

1. Chipotle Ranch – Omit the Dill weed and add 1/2 tsp chipotle powder and 1 tsp smoked paprika.

2. Tex Mex Ranch – Sub 1 tsp cumin for the dill weed and combine all ingredients in a blender with 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 cup chopped green onion, 1 chopped jalapeno or 2 tbsp green chiles and 1/2 cup chopped cilantro.

3. Ranch Dip – Sub 1/2 cup dairy free yogurt or sour cream for the milk.

Uses – Drizzle dressing or dollop dip over baked potatoes as a Whole30 sub for sour cream, use as a dairy free pizza base, serve with Buffalo chicken or cauliflower.

#3 – Honey Mustard

This is the only one that is not Whole30 friendly. You can certainly try softening 3 dates in hot water and blending it all together instead of using the honey to make it so. I haven’t tried that, but it would be a close sub if you’re really needing a honey mustard fix.

• Tarragon Honey Mustard – Add 1 tsp dried tarragon.

• Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce – Sub mayo for the oil.

Uses – Of course, it can be use as a dipping sauce for oven fried chicken tenders (Like these Grain Free Chicken tenders) or as a Carolina style (tomato-free) barbecue sauce.

#4 – Sweet Balsamic

My favorite way to use this is one is on salads. You could also use it to marinate steak for fajitas if you like that sort of sweet taste like you get at Tex Mex restaurants. 

#5 – Lemon Vinaigrette

• Lemon Herb Marinade/Dressing – Add 2 tsp each minced garlic, rosemary and thyme. Especially GREAT on poultry and seafood.

• Greek Lemon Dressing – Add 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic and 2 tsp dried oregano. If you eat dairy, add 1/4 crumbled feta or blend it all together to make a creamy dressing.

Uses – Keep grilled meats extra juicy by using half as marinade before cooking then drizzle more on after cooking. Marinate veggies in lemon vinaigrette and toss with feta or parmesan (or toasted slivered almonds if vegan) to make a quick slaw that goes great with roasted and grilled meats.

#6 – Sesame Ginger

• Sweetener Free Asian Sauce – Omit maple syrup and instead of cooking, blend 2 pitted dates with all the other ingredients. The dates will naturally thicken the sauce without cooking.

• Peanut (or “Peanut”) Sauce – Sub 1/4 cup peanut butter mixed with 2 tbsp hot water for the oil. If you are Paleo or Whole30, use almond butter instead and use the Whole30 variation above.

Uses – Marinate poultry or seafood. Grill with pineapple or make kebabs by threading pineapple, red pepper and onion chunks with marinated poultry or seafood. Serve peanut sauce with veggies for dipping or with these Thai Chicken Satays.