3 Super Simple Salad Dressings (with Video) ⋆ Sugar, Spice and Glitter

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Today, we’re sharing Three Super Simple Salad Dressing with heart-healthy swaps* including using Mazola® Corn Oil. *See Mazola.com for more information on the relationship between corn oil and heart health. A clinical study showed Mazola Corn Oil reduces cholesterol 2x more than extra virgin olive oil. To learn more about this claim, see Mazola.com.

Three Super Simple Salad Dressing with heart-healthy swaps: avocado ranch dressing, apple poppyseed dressing and lemon vinaigrette

Corn Oil Salad Dressing Recipes

September is National Cholesterol Awareness month, so we’ve partnered up with Mazola Corn Oil to create three delicious salad dressings that are “better for you.”

Each recipe contains swaps that make it lighter than conventional or store-bought versions of similar dressings. For example, instead of using sodium-filled packaged ranch dressing, we’re swapping in homemade ranch seasoning for our avocado ranch dressing. We’ve also skipped processed sugars entirely – one recipe features maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, while the other two contain no sweeteners whatsoever. Lastly, I am using Mazola Corn Oil rather than other oils or butter.

Despite what we grew up thinking, we now know that a low-fat diet is not ideal and that we should be choosing “good fats,” including replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fats. And, according to the USDA, corn oil has more than five times the amount of polyunsaturated fats compared to olive oil.

Reading the different reports that support the research behind using corn oil has really shifted my thinking on which oils I buy and how I use them. Corn oil is great for recipes that need a high smoke point because Mazola Corn Oil has a smoke point higher than most cooking oils at 450°F, but it’s also great for things like my homemade salad dressings. Mazola Corn Oil is an all-purpose, cholesterol free cooking oil that is a smart heart-healthy* choice for your family. *See Mazola.com for more information on the relationship between corn oil and heart health. It has a variety of uses including baking, grilling, sautéing, stir frying, or mixing up a marinade or dressing.

Today’s salad dressings are incredibly versatile and would be delicious on a variety of different salads.

I’m pairing my avocado ranch dressing with our lightened up taco salad. Healthy sways include avoiding the pre-packaged ranch seasoning, skipping any added creams or mayonnaise, and using corn oil instead of other oils or emulsifiers. I also made my tortilla bowls using a plain flour tortilla and a bit of corn oil – way healthier than fried bowls or sprinkling tortilla chips overtop of your salad!

Next up is my Apple Poppyseed Dressing, which skips sugar and other oils, using maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. I paired that with a fresh apple pecan salad.

And finally, a homemade lemon vinaigrette (again no sugar or other oils) which I’m pairing with a simple strawberry spinach salad.

Check out our video for how to make all three of these healthy salad dressings:

Avocado Ranch Dressing Ingredients

1/2 avocado
2 teaspoons lime juice
4 teaspoons Mazola® Corn Oil
1-2 teaspoons ranch seasoning, to taste

For the ranch seasoning:

3 teaspoons parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder, optional
1 Tablespoon dehydrated onion
1 teaspoon dill weed, optional
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Apple Poppyseed Dressing Ingredients

2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons honey
1/2 cup Mazola® Corn Oil
2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar, to taste
2 teaspoons poppyseeds
Salt and pepper, optional

Lemon Vinaigrette Ingredients

4 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1/2 cup Mazola® Corn Oil
Salt and pepper

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

Measuring cups and spoons
Mason jars (for storing)
Smoothie-style blender
Sharp kitchen knife
Spoon

How to Make Homemade Salad Dressings

For the avocado ranch dressing:

Place the avocado, lime juice and oil in a smoothie-style blender. Puree until smooth.

In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the ranch seasoning ingredients and stir to mix completely.

Add 1-2 teaspoons of the ranch seasoning to the avocado dressing, to taste.

For the apple poppyseed dressing:

In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar and oil. Add the honey and white balsamic vinegar slowly, tasting as you go until you reach your desired blend. Add the poppyseeds and season to taste with salt and pepper.