A salad is great but sometimes you need new olive oil salad dressing ideas to mix it up! We love creating our own homemade olive oil salad dressings. Homemade salad dressings are not only easy to prepare, they allow you to control the ingredients, reducing processed foods in your diet. So if you’re ready to take your salad dressing to the next level, keep reading for our best olive oil salad dressing recipes to top all your favorite salads.
Olive oil serves as an excellent base, offering heart-healthy fats and a versatile flavor profile that complements a wide range of ingredients.
As you explore the world of homemade dressings, you’ll likely discover new favorite combinations. Remember, the best salad dressings are those that complement rather than overpower your fresh ingredients.
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall you can elevate your salad by using high quality, healthy extra virgin olive oil and vinegar dressings.
Shop Olive Oil and Vinegars for Your Homemade Salad Dressing
How to Make Olive Oil Salad Dressing
If you’ve had a hard time thinking of your own olive oil salad dressing ideas because you’re worried you’ll “mess it up,” get ready to be pleasantly surprised. It’s as easy as remembering 3, 2, 1.
Start with a 3:1 ratio of oil to acid (like vinegar or citrus juice) and adjust to your taste. You can get more complicated by adding herbs and selecting premium infused olive oils but the basic recipe will remain the same.
Chef’s Tip: Don’t forget to taste your dressing with a leaf of the salad greens you’ll be using – this will give you the best idea of how the flavors will work together.
Best Olive Oil for Salad Dressing
When it comes to making salad dressings, extra virgin olive oil is your best friend. It’s packed with flavor and health benefits. The best olive oil for salad dressing is a high-quality, cold-pressed variety. If you find extra virgin too strong, try a milder virgin olive oil instead. At Primo Oils we take care to bring the best olive oils from all over the world right here to Louisville. Our stock includes everything from a robust and peppery varietal to infused olive oils like our popular Tuscan Herb Olive Oil.
Key Components for a Simple Olive Oil Dressing
To create a basic olive oil dressing, you’ll need:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Acid (like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional herbs or spices
Mix these ingredients in a 3:1 ratio of oil to acid for a balanced flavor. Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite combination!
17 Simple Olive Oil Salad Dressing Ideas
Explore our favorite olive oil salad dressing ideas to give your favorite salads a new spin!
Classic Olive Oil Vinaigrette Recipe
A timeless dressing that’s as simple as it is delicious! The smooth, fruity notes of extra virgin olive oil blend beautifully with the tangy richness of balsamic vinegar and a hint of Dijon mustard for a perfectly balanced vinaigrette. Drizzle it over fresh greens, roasted veggies, or even use it as a marinade for grilled chicken.
Blood Orange Olive Oil Salad Dressing
Add some zest to a basic chicken salad with this easy recipe. Mix blood orange olive oil with fresh orange juice, a touch of honey, and a splash of rice vinegar. Add minced garlic and a pinch of salt to taste. This bright dressing pairs perfectly with grilled chicken and crisp greens.
Persian Lime Olive Oil Salad Dressing
Create a refreshing dressing by blending olive oil with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Add a small amount of honey for sweetness and balance. This dressing works wonders on salads with avocado or grilled shrimp. For extra flavor, try adding a dash of cumin or chili powder.
Shop Persian Lime Olive OilGarlic And Olive Oil Salad Dressing
This is a great one if you’re cooking for someone on a low-FODMAP diet. Combine 3 parts of our Garlic Olive Oil with 1 part of Denissimo Balsamic Vinegar. Add 1 tsp of oregano and salt and pepper to taste.
Shop Garlic Olive OilOlive Oil, Honey & Balsamic Vinegar Salad Dressing
Combine quality olive oil with balsamic vinegar and a spoonful of honey for a classic vinegarette. Whisk in some Dijon mustard for depth and emulsification. This versatile dressing complements salads with nuts, cheese, or fresh berries. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey.
Shop Varietal Olive OilsTuscan Herb Olive Oil Salad Dressing
Create a taste of the Mediterranean with this simple dressing. Mix our Tuscan Herb Olive Oil olive oil with red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, and dried oregano. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. For extra richness, crumble in some feta cheese. This dressing is perfect for Greek-inspired salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
Shop Tuscan Herb Olive OilOlive Oil Caesar Salad Dressing
This rich and creamy Caesar dressing is made even better with the smooth, peppery flavor of extra virgin olive oil. A blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese creates a bold, tangy bite, while anchovy fillets add that signature umami depth. Toss with crisp romaine and crunchy croutons for a restaurant-quality Caesar salad at home!
Roasted Walnut Olive Oil Salad Dressing
Nutty, rich, and perfectly balanced, this roasted walnut olive oil dressing is a must-try! The toasty warmth of walnut oil pairs beautifully with the bright citrus notes of Cara-Cara Orange Balsamic Vinegar, making it an ideal match for mandarin chicken salads, grain bowls, or even roasted root vegetables. Try it drizzled over mixed greens with goat cheese and toasted pecans!
Cilantro Lime Olive Oil Salad Dressing
Bright, zesty, and packed with fresh flavor, this cilantro lime dressing is a perfect companion for Mexican-inspired salads, grilled seafood, or taco bowls. A blend of smooth olive oil, fresh lime juice, fragrant cilantro, and a touch of garlic creates a refreshing burst of flavor. Want a little sweetness? A drizzle of maple syrup rounds out the tangy lime beautifully!
Honey Balsamic Olive Oil Dressing
A little sweet, a little tangy, and absolutely delicious—this honey balsamic dressing is a game-changer! The combination of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar creates a beautifully balanced vinaigrette, with honey adding the perfect touch of natural sweetness. Try it with nut-studded salads, apple and goat cheese pairings, or even drizzled over roasted Brussels sprouts. For an extra kick, use our Honey-Ginger Balsamic!
Shop Varietal Olive OilsGreek Goddess Olive Oil Dressing
Take your Greek salad to the next level with this classic Mediterranean-inspired dressing! Red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and dried oregano combine with robust olive oil to create a bold and herbaceous vinaigrette. Drizzle it over cucumbers, feta, and Kalamata olives, or use it as a marinade for grilled chicken and vegetables!
Shop Varietal Olive OilsLemon Olive Oil Salad Dressing
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly fresh—this Sicilian-inspired lemon olive oil dressing brings a vibrant twist to any salad! The citrusy punch of fresh lemon juice pairs beautifully with the herbaceous notes of Milanese Gremolata Olive Oil, while a hint of Dijon mustard and garlic add depth. Drizzle it over spring greens, roasted asparagus, or even grilled seafood for a refreshing burst of flavor!
Shop Milanese Gremolata Olive OilItalian-Style Olive Oil Salad Dressing
In Italian cuisine, it’s quite common to dress salads simply with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Many Italians prefer to let the flavors of fresh vegetables shine through. To dress your salad the Italian way, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over your greens and toss gently. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Remember, a little goes a long way – use about 1 tablespoon of olive oil per 2 cups of salad greens.
Shop Varietal Olive OilsSimple Mediterranean Olive Oil Salad Dressing
A classic Mediterranean dressing brings together the rich, peppery notes of extra virgin olive oil with a hint of lemon and a touch of sea salt. Light, fresh, and incredibly versatile, it’s perfect for drizzling over crisp greens, grain salads, or grilled vegetables. Want a little extra zing? Add a pinch of dried oregano or a splash of balsamic vinegar!
Shop Extra Virgin Olive OilRed Wine Vinegar and Olive Oil Salad Dressing
Bold and tangy, this timeless vinaigrette balances the smooth, buttery texture of extra virgin olive oil with the bright acidity of red wine vinegar. A touch of Dijon mustard and garlic round out the flavors, creating a perfect dressing for leafy greens, antipasto salads, or even a marinade for chicken. For a touch of sweetness, try adding a drizzle of honey!
Shop Extra Virgin Olive OilFig Balsamic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Salad Dressing
Sweet, rich fig balsamic vinegar meets the fruity depth of extra virgin olive oil in this perfectly balanced dressing. A little garlic and a touch of black pepper elevate the flavors, making it a great match for arugula, goat cheese, and toasted nuts. Try it as a drizzle for roasted beets or a glaze for grilled chicken!
Shop Fig Balsamic VinegarPepper Olive Oil Salad Dressing
If you love a little heat, this dressing is for you! Spicy pepper-infused olive oil gives your salad a bold kick, balanced by a squeeze of fresh lemon and a dash of sea salt. It’s fantastic over mixed greens, avocado salads, or drizzled on grilled shrimp. Want to take it up a notch? Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweet-spicy contrast!
Shop Madagascar Black Pepper Olive OilGarlic and Basil Olive Oil Salad Dressing
Fragrant basil and robust garlic-infused olive oil come together in this vibrant dressing that’s bursting with fresh, herbaceous flavor. Mix the basil and garlic EVOO’s in a one to one ratio. A splash of red wine vinegar adds brightness, making it perfect for Caprese salads, pasta salads, or as a dip for crusty bread. Try blending in a little Parmesan for a richer twist!
Shop Basil Olive OilIs Olive Oil Dressing Good for You?
Drizzling olive oil on your salad can be a tasty and nutritious choice. This Mediterranean staple offers several health benefits when used as a dressing. Olive oil is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that may help lower bad cholesterol levels. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which can fight inflammation in your body.
When you make your own olive oil dressing, you have control over the ingredients. This means you can avoid added sugars and excess sodium often found in store-bought versions. Try mixing olive oil with lemon juice for a zesty, refreshing flavor that brightens up your greens.
Here are some quick benefits of using olive oil in your salad dressing:
- Rich in beneficial fats
- Contains powerful antioxidants
- Enhances nutrient absorption from vegetables
- Adds flavor without artificial additives
Remember, while olive oil is healthy, it’s also calorie-dense. Use it in moderation to enjoy its benefits without overdoing your calorie intake. A little goes a long way in boosting both the taste and nutritional value of your salads!
Common Questions About Olive Oil Dressings
Can you make olive oil salad dressing without vinegar?
You can create a delicious olive oil dressing without vinegar by using lemon juice as an alternative acid. A few olive oil salad dressing ideas without vinegar could be to mix extra virgin olive oil with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and herbs like oregano or basil. Add a touch of Dijon mustard for emulsification and flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This zesty dressing is perfect for green salads or as a marinade.
What can I mix with olive oil for salad dressing?
The options are as limitless as your imagination! The basic formula for olive oil dressing is 3 parts olive oil, one part acid and then add your herbs and spices! Try mixing up the herbs you use. You can also select an infused olive oil or balsamic vinegar to expand your flavor options even further!
What’s the best olive oil for salad dressing?
No matter where you shop, make sure you use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits!
Ready to get started on your homemade dressings today? Order now right from our website and you can have a vast assortment of olive oils and balsamic vinegars delivered right to your door.
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