I have recently been learning the importance of essential fatty acids from plants (EFAs.) These should be incorporated in every day diets. If you’re on GAPS, these are introduced on Introduction Stage 4.
When making real food, quality matters! This is especially true of cold pressed plant oils. For that reason, I recommend getting and using a high quality olive oil is very important. I am lucky to have a local shop, Rocky Mountain Olive Oil Company, that sources their oils from small family farms around the world who know the importance of good quality oils. You can even taste test the different oils so you know exactly what you’re getting. Before I discovered the shop, I had no idea that olive oils can taste so differently from each other. If you’re not in Northern Colorado, try to find a olive oil store near you. There are even a few high quality olive oils available online, including Jovial and Olea. If none of these are an option for you, get an organic olive oil from your local health food store.
This is a simple base salad dressing but once you understand the ratios, the possibilities are endless! This recipe is a triple batch but the basic ratio is 3 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp of vinegar. For a cream based dressing, add sour cream. Find a salad dressing that your family loves but don’t forget to mix it up from time to time. Variety is key!
Add this dressing cold to any salad that makes sense. Never heat any olive oil or other plant pressed oils because heat will oxidize the molecules of the oil, creating rancidity and changing it from the health food that it is.
Letting this dressing meld overnight is important. The dressing becomes more flavorful and delicious as it sets longer.
Ingredients for Homemade Salad Dressing:
9 tbsp Olive Oil
8 tbsp Vinegar
1 tbsp Honey
4 Cloves Freshly Chopped Garlic
Freshly Chopped Herbs of Your Choice (I used 3 sprigs thyme and 1 sprig of rosemary.)
Directions for Homemade Salad Dressing
Mince garlic finely.
Strip the thyme from the stem.
Add olive oil, vinegar and honey to jar.
Add garlic, thyme and rosemary or other herbs.
Shake to mix.
Store at room temperature.
Homemade Salad Dressing
ingredients:
- 9 tbsp Olive Oil
- 8 tbsp Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 4 Cloves Freshly Chopped Garlic
- Freshly Chopped Herbs of Your Choice (I used 3 sprigs thyme and 1 sprig of rosemary.)
instructions:
How to cook Homemade Salad Dressing
- Mince garlic finely.
- Strip the thyme from the stem.
- Add olive oil, vinegar and honey to jar.
- Add garlic, thyme and rosemary or other herbs.
- Shake to mix.
- Store at room temperature.
