June 27, 2017

It’s hot, it’s humid. Are you dreading turning on your stove for dinner?

 

Let us save you some misery with three delicious summer salad dressing recipes that can be made in minutes — and pack far fewer calories and fat than their off-the-shelf equivalents. Toss with greens and other veggies from the farmers market and enjoy!

 

Raspberry Vinaigrette

This slightly sweet dressing is a delicious complement to a spinach salad. Try it with fresh berries and toasted almonds for a heart-healthy treat.

Ingredients:

⅓ cup canola oil
¼ cup raspberry balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons raspberry preserves (low sugar or sugar-free work fine)
Optional: ¼ cup fresh raspberries or strawberries

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor.

Puree until smooth.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Serving size: 2 tablespoons. Calories: 96. Total fat: 9 grams. Saturated fat: 0.6 grams. Sodium: 2.5 milligrams. Total carbohydrate: 5.1 grams. Dietary fiber: 0.25 grams. Protein: <0.1 gram.

 

Buttermilk Ranch

This dressing is great over a green salad, as a dip for raw veggies or drizzled over a sandwich.  It is a great alternative to the typical high-fat bottled ranch dressings.

Ingredients:

½ cup low-fat buttermilk
¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise
2 to 3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 clove finely chopped fresh garlic
Salt and pepper
Optional: ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill or chives

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Whisk until smooth.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Serving size: 2 tablespoons. Calories: 31.3. Total fat: 2.65 grams. Saturated fat: 0.5 grams. Sodium: 67 milligrams. Total carbohydrate: 1.75 grams. Dietary fiber: <0.1 gram. Protein: 0.7 gram.

 

Dijon Vinaigrette

Enjoy this fresh dressing on salads, as a marinade for grilled vegetables or drizzled on summer tomatoes.

Ingredients:

½ cup olive oil (extra virgin is best)
½ cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 cloves finely chopped garlic
Juice of ¼ fresh lemon
Optional: Finely chopped fresh herbs, such as tarragon, basil, dill and rosemary

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a covered jar or salad dressing bottle.

Shake until all ingredients are blended.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Serving size 2 tablespoons. Calories: 122. Total fat: 13.5 grams. Saturated fat: 1.8 grams. Sodium: 15.5 milligrams. Total carbohydrate: 0.6 gram. Dietary fiber: <0.1 gram. Protein: <0.1 gram.

 

Looking for more healthy recipes? Find more delicious ideas here.