Dressing can transform any salad, side, or even main dish into something bold and craveable. From creamy classics like ranch and blue cheese to herb-packed blends and spicy twists, these dressings go far beyond bottled versions. Whether you’re drizzling over greens, spooning onto grilled vegetables, or using as a dip, there’s a flavor here for every kind of craving. These recipes are all about boosting taste with just a few ingredients.

French Salad Dressing

French Salad Dressing. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This classic is tangy, slightly sweet, and smooth, often made with ketchup, vinegar, and oil. It’s bold and bright in color and flavor. Drizzle over crisp greens or use as a marinade. It pairs especially well with hearty salad toppings.
Get the Recipe: French Salad Dressing

Green Goddess Dressing

A white cup filled with creamy green homemade dressing sits next to cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Goddess Dressing. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Packed with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and tarragon, this dressing is creamy and vibrant. It usually includes yogurt or mayo with lemon juice and anchovy. Use it as a dip or spoon over roasted veggies. It brings freshness to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Dressing

Wingstop Ranch Dressing

A seasoned chicken wing being dipped into wingstop ranch-dressing in a small ramekin.
Wingstop Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

A thick, flavorful version of the popular dipping sauce. Made with buttermilk, mayo, and a strong hit of herbs. Perfect for wings, fries, or anything spicy. It’s a fan favorite for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Ranch Dressing

Creamy Salsa Dressing (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)

Overhead shot of creamy salsa dressing in a glass jar surrounded by cilantro, fresh tomatoes, and a halved lime.
Creamy Salsa Dressing (Chick-Fil-A Copycat). Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This blend of salsa, mayo, and spices mimics the flavor-packed version served at Chick-Fil-A. It’s smoky, tangy, and creamy with just the right kick. Use on taco salads or grain bowls. Easy to mix up with pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Salsa Dressing (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)

Spicy Ranch Dressing

A jar of homemade spicy ranch dressing.
Spicy Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This take on ranch adds chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños for heat. Creamy and bold, it’s great as a dip or salad topper. Serve with wings, tacos, or roasted potatoes. Easy to adjust the heat level.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Ranch Dressing

Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Avocado cilantro dressing being poured into a small dish.
Avocado Cilantro Dressing. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Creamy avocado blends with fresh cilantro and lime for a vibrant green sauce. It’s smooth, zesty, and perfect for taco bowls or grilled chicken. Use it as a spread or drizzle. Keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This thick dressing uses crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, and vinegar for a sharp, tangy bite. Perfect for wedge salads or wings. The texture is rich with little bits of cheese throughout. A must for blue cheese fans.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Jalapeño Ranch Dressing

A small glass jar of jalapeno ranch with a golden spoon.
Jalapeño Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A smooth, spicy blend that adds jalapeños to a traditional ranch base. The flavor is fresh with just enough heat. Use as a dip or spoon over burrito bowls. A fun twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Ranch Dressing

Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

An overhead image of avocado cilantro lime dressing in a bowl with a spoon.
Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Similar to the cilantro version but with an added punch of lime. It’s bright, tangy, and extra creamy. Works well as a salad dressing or taco sauce. Use it to freshen up heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing in a glass bowl with sticks of veggies.
Homemade Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

The classic base of buttermilk, mayo, and herbs makes a reliable go-to. It’s creamy, herby, and easy to tweak to taste. Use on everything from salads to pizza. Always better than store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing

Creamy Japanese Sesame Dressing

A top-down view of a jar filled with a creamy japanese sesame dressing.
Creamy Japanese Sesame Dressing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This nutty, sweet-savory dressing uses sesame seeds, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Blended into a thick, creamy drizzle. Often served with crisp greens or cabbage salads. It’s a popular restaurant-style flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Japanese Sesame Dressing

BBQ Vinaigrette Dressing

Image shows a closeup of a salad with corn, carrots, cheese, and BBQ Vinaigrette.
BBQ Vinaigrette Dressing. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A mix of tangy vinegar and smoky BBQ sauce creates a sweet and spicy balance. It’s great on grilled meat salads or roasted vegetables. Just shake and pour. A bold option when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Vinaigrette Dressing

Italian Dressing

A jar with Italian dressing with it and a teaspoon resting in it.
Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This oil-based dressing uses vinegar, garlic, herbs, and sometimes mustard. It’s zesty and fresh with just the right balance. Toss with greens or use as a chicken marinade. A pantry staple you’ll make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Pumpkin Seed Vegan Ranch Dressing

Pumpkin Seed Vegan Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Blended pumpkin seeds create a creamy base without dairy. Seasoned with herbs and garlic for ranch-style flavor. It’s thick, smooth, and nutrient-dense. A great twist for anyone avoiding traditional ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Seed Vegan Ranch Dressing

Creamy 3-Herb Dressing

Creamy 3-Herb Dressing. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This blend of parsley, chives, and dill creates a light, herby dressing. Often made with yogurt or sour cream for smoothness. It works with everything from greens to grain bowls. A simple yet flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy 3-Herb Dressing

Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette

A jar of honey jalapeno lime vinaigrette sits on a cutting board surrounded by limes, cilantro, and jalapenos.
Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This sweet and spicy honey jalapeño lime vinaigrette has cilantro, lime juice, and honey for a spicy, tangy, sweet dressing that’s great on salads, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and more!
Get the Recipe: Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette

Harissa Vinaigrette

A jar of harissa vinaigrette on a wooden cutting board.
Harissa Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This harissa vinaigrette is a bright, bold dressing perfect for leafy green salads, grain bowls, sandwiches and wraps, or drizzled over roasted meats and veggies! 
Get the Recipe: Harissa Vinaigrette

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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