Raleigh Way's Recipes for Salad Dressings
I really like salads, but have yet to find a bottled, commercial dressing that I like, so I resorted to creating my own dressings from scratch. I list two recipes below. The basic approach is the same for all. The recipes make small batches, so you might want to double or triple the quantities.

Oriental Dressing

  • Soy sauce - 3 tbs
  • Splenda - 2 packets (or 2 tsp)
  • Rice wine vinegar (or white vinegar) - 6 tbs
  • Sesame seed oil (dark) - 3 tbs
  • Garlic - 2 pieces
  • Fresh, ground black pepper to taste (if at all)

Balsamic Dressing

  • Olive oil - 1/2 cup
  • Splenda - 2 packets (or 2 tsp)
  • Balsamic vinegar - 2 or more tbs
  • Garlic - 2 pieces
  • Fresh, ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Other spices such as oregano, tarragon, thyme, whatever!

Ron's Greek Salad Dressing

  • Olive Oil - 1 cup
  • White wine vinegar (or any vinegar) 1/4th cup
  • Garlic cloves - 3 pieces
  • Dried oregano - 2 tsp
  • Dried basil - 1 tsp
  • Dried thyme - 1/2 tsp
  • Dried mint - 1/2 tsp
  • Salt - 1/2 tsp
  • Fresh ground pepper - 1 tsp
  • Splenda - 3 packets or three tsp
  • Fresh lemon juice - 1/2 lemon

Initial Preparation

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until the garlic is completely pureed. Be sure to mix it well just before serving, as it settles out.

NOTE: As with any recipe, adjust the ingredients to your liking. I always end up adjusting recipes as I go.

Salad

Most times when I prepare a salad at home, I'm preparing it as the complete meal. One of my favorites is to create your basic salad mix of greens, tomatoes, onions and whatever else you like, and to top it with baked chicken breasts. I use fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated with olive oil, then season them with salt, pepper or whatever spice I'm in the mood for. I bake them till they are done and a little brown. You could broil them, too. I slice them up and place them on top of the salad greens. Pour on the dressing and chow down! Serve with fresh, crispy French bread. If you have a bread maker, that would be really fresh!

You could try using steak slices instead of chicken.