Healthy eating is often associated with blandness and lack of flavor, especially if processed foods and sugary foods are consumed regularly.   But in reality, you do not need to sacrifice flavor for better health.

Dressings are a great way to enhance the flavor of foods or even mask the ones we least desire, but not all dressings are created equal.  

Store-bought sauces and dressings are usually loaded with unfavorable ingredients, preservatives and chemical additives, which is why I prefer to make my own.

The following are three simple and healthy dressings that can add a delicious twist to any dish and will guarantee to impress your guests as well!

B’s Favorite Dressing

I use this dressing on almost everything and it makes every dish absolutely delicious. 

I use it for green salads, baked eggplants, steamed beets & potato salad, steamed spinach, chick pea & bean salad, quinoa salads, dandelion salads, and just about any vegetable imaginable. 

It’s extremely versatile and very tasty.

Ingredients:

1 clove garlic, crushed (a little less than ½ tsp of crushed garlic)*

½ lemon, juiced (two thirds of a ¼ cup of lemon juice)

2-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/8 tsp salt, or to taste

Dash of pepper, or to taste

Fresh or dried mint (optional – I like to use mint in my green salads)

Directions:

1 Mix all of the ingredients together.

2 Adjust seasoning to taste.  Extra dressing can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

*Note:  If you don’t like the strong taste of garlic, use half the amount instead.

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Balsamic Vinaigrette

I find this dressing goes really well with dark greens like green beans, spinach, kale, etc.

Ingredients:

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red vinegar)

3-4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1 In a jar, mix the mustard and vinegar until well blended.

2 Add in the oil, salt & pepper. Close the lid and shake well until smooth and creamy.

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Tahini Sauce

I like to use Tahini sauce on baked fish or as a dip or dressing on a variety of vegetables. 

I especially love a little drizzle of tahini sauce on top of lightly baked cauliflower.  It is extremely delicious and very nutritious. 

You can find tahini (100% sesame seed paste) in most of the supermarkets in the UAE or in any Middle Eastern store.

Ingredients:

1 clove garlic, crushed (a little less than ½ tsp of crushed garlic)*

½ lemon, juiced (two thirds of a ¼ cup of lemon juice)

¼ C tahini (Note: shake the bottle very well before pouring)

Salt to taste

Water

Directions:

1 Mix the garlic, lemon juice, tahini and salt.

2 Add enough water to achieve the desired consistency when you stir. The sauce should be thick but runny.

*Note:  If you don’t like the strong taste of garlic, use half the amount instead.  And for those who are calorie-conscious, you can reduce the calorie count by reducing the amount of tahini in half and adding fresh yogurt instead.

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Enjoy and please feel free to share your own healthy dressings.