She Strengthens

Elevate Your Meals with These 37 Homemade Dressings, Marinades, and Spreads

A great meal is often elevated by the perfect accompaniment. Whether it’s a salad dressing, marinade, or spread, these additions can make all the difference in flavor and nutrition. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s really in those store-bought options? Empty calories, added sugars, and excessive sodium can quickly turn a healthy meal into a nutritional nightmare.

The good news is that making your own dressings, marinades, and spreads is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create delicious and healthy alternatives that will take your meals to the next level.

Dressings

1. Olive Oil Delight: A classic choice, olive oil is rich in omega-3s and pairs perfectly with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. Fruit and Nut Bliss: Blend chopped nuts, fresh fruit, and a splash of unsweetened almond milk for a creamy and refreshing dressing.
3. Avocado Power: Mash ripe avocados with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of garlic for a rich and healthy dressing.
4. Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette: Roast plum tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, then blend with red wine vinegar and Italian seasoning for a savory and tangy dressing.
5. Maple Mustard Magic: Combine coarse-grain mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy dressing perfect for mixed greens.

Spreads and Condiments

1. Yogurt Herb Dijon Spread: Mix non-fat Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard, chopped fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a creamy and flavorful spread.
2. Homemade Ketchup: Blend tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and a handful of spices for a healthier alternative to store-bought ketchup.
3. Horseradish Sauce: Combine horseradish root, water, vinegar, and salt for a spicy and nutritious condiment.
4. Avocado Spread: Mash ripe avocados with lemon juice and salt for a creamy and healthy spread perfect for sandwiches and toast.
5. Vanilla Almond Butter: Blend raw almonds, cashews, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and honey for a creamy and protein-packed spread.

Marinades

1. Coffee Rub: Mix coffee grounds, brown sugar, and chili powder for a savory and aromatic rub perfect for steak and chicken.
2. Mojito Marinade: Combine mint, rum, lime juice, and olive oil for a refreshing and flavorful marinade ideal for chicken and pork.
3. Chili Spice Rub: Blend cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano for a spicy and aromatic rub perfect for chicken and beef.
4. Garlic Rub: Mix garlic, olive oil, mustard, and lemon zest for a savory and aromatic rub ideal for chicken and pork.
5. Turkish Delight: Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, mint, garlic, and cinnamon for a refreshing and flavorful marinade perfect for lamb and chicken.

With these 37 homemade dressings, marinades, and spreads, you’ll never have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition again. So go ahead, get creative, and elevate your meals to new heights!