15 Summer Dressings and Sauces
Discover 15+ Summer Dressings and Sauces recipes perfect for summer salads, pasta salad, grilled veggies, and more. These fresh, vibrant sauces use simple ingredients and pantry staples to replace expensive store-bought dressings.
It’s that time of year again—when fresh herbs are overflowing, juicy produce is everywhere, and you’re looking for a great way to bring life to your favorite salad or grilled veggies. Enter: homemade salad dressings and sauces. Whether you’re tossing a bright Greek salad, layering a taco salad, or looking for a tangy vinaigrette for that pasta salad, these recipes are bursting with fresh flavor, simple ingredients, and endless uses.
From creamy dressings to herbaceous pesto, these are the healthy salad dressing recipes that will make you forget all about that sad shelf-stable bottle version gathering dust in your fridge.
As a chef and nutrition consultant, I always encourage my clients to skip the store-bought dressings and try a homemade version. Not only do you avoid unnecessary additives and hidden sugars, but you also get to customize the flavors to your liking—using fresh ingredients, a mason jar, and a few pantry staples like apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and dijon mustard. Whether you’re prepping a big taco salad for the family or need a dipping sauce for air-fry cauliflower buffalo wings, these dressings and sauces offer fresh flavor and versatility for every summer plate.
15 Summer Dressing and Sauces
1. Roasted Strawberry Vinaigrette
Sweet roasted strawberries meet the brightness of lemon juice and white wine vinegar in this tangy vinaigrette. It’s a vibrant choice for a simple green salad or a fruit-forward pasta salad.
2. Avocado Crema
Creamy, dreamy, and full of fresh avocado, this sauce is perfect for taco salads, chicken wings, or as a dipping sauce for veggies. A splash of lime juice and a pinch of salt bring everything into balance.
3. Cashew Cilantro Crema Sauce
This creamy dressing blends soaked cashews, fresh parsley, and lime juice in a food processor for a smooth, herbaceous topping. Ideal for tacos, grain bowls, or a unique twist on creamy salad dressings.
4. Cashew Cream Sauce
A versatile base made from cashews, water, and a garlic clove, this sauce can sub in for sour cream, greek yogurt, or even blue cheese dressing. It’s the perfect dressing for roasted veggies or a tasty salad dressing for a vegan-friendly bowl.
5. Chimichurri Sauce
Made with fresh herbs, garlic clove, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, this Argentinian sauce is one of my favorite things to spoon over grilled meats or simple green salads. It’s herby, zingy, and packed with fresh flavor.
6. Creamy Avocado and Cilantro Dressing
This creamy salad dressing mixes fresh avocado, lime juice, fresh herbs, and a hint of maple syrup for a slightly sweet finish. Use it on a taco salad, drizzle over roasted veggies, or as a dip for french fries.
7. Dandelion Pesto
Take advantage of those wild greens with this peppery, bold pesto. It’s a creative endeavor made with good quality olive oil, garlic clove, and a little lemon juice for balance.
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8. Pepita Pesto
Swap out pine nuts for pepitas to create this nutty, affordable homemade dressing. It’s a healthy recipe perfect for drizzling over a bright Greek salad or a bowl of pasta salad.
9. Basil Pesto
A summer classic—vibrant basil, garlic clove, parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil make this pesto irresistible. Use it on everything from chicken breasts to grilled veggies or even as a spread on sandwiches.
10. Romesco Sauce
Smoky roasted red peppers, garlic clove, and almonds come together in this bold Spanish sauce. It’s rich, tangy, and makes a delicious dip for french fries or grilled meats.
11. Italian Salsa Verde
A vibrant blend of anchovy paste, fresh parsley, capers, and extra virgin olive oil. This parisian-inspired dressing adds an umami punch to roasted veggies or a cold pasta salad.
12. Orange Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
Sweet and citrusy with a little crunch, this vinaigrette brightens any simple green salad. It’s the easy way to wake up your taste buds with just a few common ingredients.
13. Refreshing Mint Vinaigrette
This vinegar-based dressing features fresh herbs like mint and parsley, balanced with apple cider vinegar and a touch of maple syrup. Perfect on fruit salads or as a zesty drizzle for grilled lamb or chicken.
14. Raspberry Vinaigrette
Tangy raspberries, white wine vinegar, and a hint of maple syrup blend into a sweet-savory vinaigrette that’s perfect for summer. It’s especially great on salads with fresh tomatoes or nuts and cheese.
15. Vegan Cashew Dill Sauce
Creamy, herby, and dairy-free, this homemade dressing combines soaked cashews, dried herbs, lemon juice, and dill for a ranch-like experience. Try it on roasted potatoes, veggie bowls, or as a homemade ranch dressing for chicken wings.
Which one will you try first? These DIY salad dressings are not only tastier than the bottled salad dressings you find at the grocery store, but they’re also healthier, more cost-effective, and a great way to explore new flavors in your kitchen. Save this list for next time you want to elevate your favorite salad, grilled veggies, or even that lot of work dinner you pulled off like a pro.
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