A Few Dressings For Salad Season

With the coming of Spring we get to look forward to the crisp, fresh salads that are coming our way,
(I really don't look forward to the bagged offerings of Winter). And with the salads comes the dressings. While I use a handful of quick dressings, I'd always rather make my own. They're not difficult and they are way tastier than the mass produced offerings. Here are a few of the favourites at our house. They can easily be made in a bowl, but sometimes a blender or food processor will help the job along much better.

This is an old favourite around here and usually gets made all through the year. It goes great on a nice, fresh taco salad. Do use a blender or processor for this one. It will go a lot easier.

Thousand Island Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chili sauce
1/4 green pepper
1/2 stalk celery, sliced
1/4 small onion
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt

Put ingredients in blender or food processor and blend till everything is combined and vegetables are finely chopped.  Makes about 2 cups.

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French Dressing

1/2 cup neutral oil (canola or any nice salad oil)
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Just a quick dash of cayenne

Add all ingredients to processor or blender and mix till combined. Chill and shake before serving.

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I saved the best for last. It's a favourite of everybody's and is just flat out delicious. This recipe originated from a 1984 version of the Campbell's Great American Cookbook, but got some major modifications from me over the years. I think you'll like it.

Blue Cheese Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup crumbled Roquefort or other blue cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 glove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
a few dashes of Tabasco sauce
buttermilk

Combine all ingredients, except buttermilk, in small mixing bowl. Mix till combined. Thin out with buttermilk till desired consistency is reached. Chill. Serve over your favourite salads or use as a dip.