DIY Salad Dressing Packets

Salad dressing packets made from dried herbs and spices are a handy pantry tool to have on hand for busy days. Try these three make-ahead recipes.

 

It’s officially salad time in our neck of the woods. The temperatures are consistently in the high 80’s to low 90’s, and we’re looking for ways to stay cool.

I like to use dried herbs for make-ahead salad dressing ingredients. These take the place of store-bought seasoning packets that often have questionable ingredients.

Homestyle Ranch Dressing

for each packet, measure:

• 2 teaspoons dehydrated, minced, or powdered onion
• 1/2 teaspoon pink sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Put the mixture in a small plastic ziptop bag and label it with the name of the recipe and the date. 

Use this ranch dressing packet within 6 months.

To Make Homestyle Ranch Dressing

Use the ingredients from one packet, plus 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1 cup of buttermilk. Combine them in a glass jar and shake well. Chill before serving. Makes 2 cups of dressing. 

For a low-fat option, substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. 

Creamy Vegetable Dip and Dressing

for each packet, measure:

• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pink sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Put the mixture in a small plastic ziptop bag and label it with the name of the recipe and the date. 

Use the mixture within 6 months.

To Make Creamy Vegetable Dip and Dressing

Use the ingredients from one packet, plus 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Combine them in a glass bowl and whisk well. Chill before serving. Makes 2 cups of dressing. 

For a low-fat option, substitute low-fat yogurt for the sour cream. For pourable salad dressing, whisk in milk until it reaches the consistency you want.

Catalina French Salad Dressing Packets

for each packet, measure:

• 2/3 cup tomato powder
• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pink sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 Tablespoons dried minced onions
• 1 tablespoon mustard powder

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Put the mixture in a small plastic ziptop bag and label it with the name of the recipe and the date. 

Use the mixture within 6 months.

To Make Catalina French Dressing

Use the ingredients from one packet, plus 1 3/4 cup of water, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (start with 1/4 cup and add more to thin.) Combine all ingredients in a glass bowl and whisk well. Chill before serving. Makes 2 to 2.25 cups of dressing.