Quick Homemade Healthy Grinder Salad Dressing Recipe

Last updated on February 18th, 2024 at 03:16 pm

This healthy grinder salad dressing recipe requires only 10 ingredients and has a 6-step process. It only takes 15 minutes to make!

Grinder salad is a protein-packed entrée salad featuring slices of deli meats and cheeses. Though delicious on its own, the right dressing takes this salad from boring to extraordinary. With so many dressing options available, finding the perfect one can seem daunting. However, making your own grinder salad dressing allows you to customize it to match your tastes.

A great grinder salad dressing balances flavors and textures perfectly. Many classic salad dressings like Italian, ranch, Caesar and blue cheese pair well with the sandwich components. When experimenting to make your own dressing, don’t be afraid to try different ingredients until you discover the ideal blend. A homemade dressing transforms an average grinder salad into something spectacular.

Why You Should Choose This Process

Here’s why you should make grinder salad dressing:

• Customizable flavors: By making it yourself, you can tweak flavors to your taste preferences. Add more or less ingredients like vinegar, mustard, garlic, herbs, etc.
• Controllable ingredients: You choose healthier oils like olive or avocado oil instead of vegetable or canola oil. You can avoid additives, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, etc.
• Adjustable consistency: Make it as thick or thin as you like by altering the oil and liquid ratios. Thicker for eating with a fork, thinner to drizzle over top.
• Saves Money: Pre-made salad dressing can be expensive. Homemade costs just a fraction of the price.
• Use of Fresh Ingredients: No wilted herbs or spices that have been sitting on a shelf losing flavor. You control freshness.
• Preparing Exactly How Much You Need: Mix up a small batch so none goes to waste. Make more as salads are eaten.
• Complementing Ingredients: Match the dressing flavors specifically to the tastes of the grinder salad ingredients.

How to Make Grinder Salad Dressing

Essential Equipment

Here’s a list of the essential equipment for making grinder salad dressing:

• Mixing Bowls: You will need bowls in a variety of sizes – small ones for mixing dressing ingredients, and larger ones for tossing and coating the salad. Glass or stainless steel are the best options.
• Whisk: A wire or mesh whisk makes it easy to blend oil, vinegar, herbs and seasonings into an emulsified dressing. Choose one with stiff, sturdy wires.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurately measuring wet and dry ingredients ensures proper ratios for the best flavor. Always level off ingredients when measuring.
• Mixing Utensils: Wooden spoons, silicone spatulas, and wire whisks make dressing prep a breeze. Invest in utensils that are heat-resistant and won’t absorb flavors, odors or stains.
• Liquid Measuring Cup: A Measuring cup with a spout allows you to conveniently and precisely pour out vinegar or oils without making a mess. Pick one that is durable and easy to grip.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: For dressings using fresh minced garlic, parsley or other herbs, a mesh strainer lets you filter out any big pieces. Choose one that fits the bowl being used.
• Mason Jars or Cruets: Store and serve your homemade dressings in jars or glass bottles. This allows you to shake before each use to re-emulsify ingredients. Include tight-fitting lids.
• Salad Spinner: Quickly wash and dry lettuce and vegetables for your salad using a salad spinner. This removes excess moisture that would dilute dressing coverage. Sturdy hand-operated models work great.

What You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients required for making grinder salad dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Step By Step Direction with Photos

Follow These instructions to make the perfect grinder salad dressing:

Step 1: Prepare Herb Seasoning

In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

Step 2: Add Acidic Liquid Ingredients

Add the vinegar and tomato paste. Whisk to blend and break up the tomato paste.

Step 3: Emulsify with Oil

Continue whisking while slowly pouring in the extra virgin olive oil. Whisk until it forms a smooth emulsion.

Step 4: Adjust Flavor

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a little lemon juice to brighten the flavors or more vinegar for acidity.

Step 5: Store Dressing

Store in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or stir before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients. Makes about 1 cup of dressing.

Step 6: Toss with Salad

To finish, toss the grinder salad with the amount of dressing needed to lightly coat the ingredients. Mix well so all components are evenly coated. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese if desired.

Time Needed to Make Grinder Salad Dressing

Preparing homemade grinder salad dressing from scratch takes very little active time. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients, it truly requires only about 5-10 minutes of hands-on effort to measure, whisk, and blend everything into an emulsified dressing.

The majority of the small amount of time needed is to meticulously add the oil in a slow, steady stream while vigorously whisking to form the thick, smooth texture characteristic of a proper salad dressing or vinaigrette.

While active prep time is quite minimal, it’s ideal to make grinder salad dressing in advance. Allowing the herb-infused oil and vinegar mixture to sit overnight in the refrigerator so the tastes can fully develop results in a dressing with a bolder, more dynamic flavor profile.

However, in a pinch, this garlicky, tangy dressing can be shaken up in mere minutes and used immediately. The flexibility is part of its appeal.

What You Can Serve with Grinder Salad Dressing

Salads

• Garden Green Salads: This zesty, herb-infused dressing pairs perfectly with fresh lettuce or spring mix.
• Greek Salad: The tangy vinaigrette tastes delicious drizzled over tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese and onion.
• Pasta Salad: Toss rotini, vegetables, and Italian meats or cheeses with the dressing for robust flavor.
• Potato Salad: The Grinder dressing adds a kick to this classic potato dish.
• Coleslaw: For a twist, dress shredded cabbage in this instead of traditional coleslaw dressing.

Vegetables

• Roasted or grilled vegetables: Lightly dressed zucchini, squash, eggplant, peppers, carrots or onions.
• Cucumber salad: Slice cucumbers and onions for a cool, refreshing side.

Proteins for Salad Toppings

• Grilled chicken
• Steak or beef tips
• Beans, chickpeas or lentils
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Shrimp, salmon or tuna

Other Pairings

• Bruschetta
• Dip for crusty bread
• Marinade for meats
• Sandwich spread

Pro Tips for Making Grinder Salad Dressing

Follow These Tips to Make Grinder Salad Dressing Like a Pro:

• Use high-quality ingredients: Splurge on the best extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic or red wine vinegar you can find. This makes a difference you can taste.
• Add ingredients at room temperature: If oil and vinegar are cold, they are thicker and won’t emulsify as easily. Take them out of the fridge 30 minutes early.
• Use a large bowl: Give yourself room to whisk and emulsify the dressing. A small bowl overflows and makes a mess.
• Go low and slow with the oil: When adding oil, pour it in a very slow, steady thin stream. This helps it incorporate smoothly.
• Whisk aggressively: Whisk the entire time you’re adding oil and for 30 seconds after to create an emulsion that won’t separate.
• Season in stages: Taste and adjust acidity/salt/pepper after emulsification. Ingredients taste different combined.
• Consider a pinch of sugar: 1⁄4 tsp sugar cuts acidity. 1⁄2 tsp adds sweetness. Optional, but enhances flavor.
• Mix in minced garlic: For ultra-fresh flavor, mince garlic right before making dressing instead of using pre-minced.
• Store properly: Dressing lasts 5-7 days refrigerated. Store in a jar on the top shelf since oil solidifies when cold.
• Re-emulsify before using: Shake the jar vigorously before each use to recombine and evenly distribute flavors.

Closure

When it comes to complementing the layers of a crave-worthy grinder salad, it’s hard to compete with the dynamic flavors of a homemade dressing like this one. The garlic- and herb-infused oil paired with tangy tomato paste and vinegar truly brings the salad to life. Each creamy, velvety bite packs a one-two punch of savory depth followed by a bright acidic spark.

Though authentic grinder salad dressings have remained mostly unchanged for nearly a century, feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes. Add a bit more heat with red pepper flakes or balance the brininess of meats and cheeses with a pinch of sugar. Once you discover that perfect, customized blend transforming all those delicious grinder ingredients into something spectacular, you may never go back to bottled dressings again!

FAQs about Grinder Salad Dressing

What oil is best to use?

Authentic recipes call for excellent quality extra virgin olive oil for its fruity aroma and light green color. Light olive oil can also be substituted.

Can I use balsamic instead of red wine vinegar?

Yes, an aged balsamic will provide sweetness and acidity. Use high quality for best flavor.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?

In a pinch, substitute 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce or tomato ketchup. This will mimic texture and color.

Can I add other herbs like parsley or thyme?

Certainly, experiment by adding 2 teaspoons of your favorite fresh herbs. Basil and oregano suit this dressing best though.

How long does homemade grinder dressing last?

Store in the fridge for 5-7 days. The vinegar acts as a preservative while oil may solidify. Bring to room temperature and whisk before using.