Make RESTAURANT-LEVEL salads

Make RESTAURANT-LEVEL salads is a easy American Fusion recipe that serves 4. 100 calories per serving. Recipe by Pick Up Limes on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min

Cost: $34.19 total, $8.55 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar (high‑quality aged balsamic)
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (cold‑pressed, fruity)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 cloves Garlic (crushed)
  • 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (or agave syrup)
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/8 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2/3 cup Unsweetened Soy Yogurt (plain, no added sugar)
  • 1/3 cup Vegan Mayo
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (juice of about 1 lemon)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Chives (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Basil (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Dill (chopped)
  • 1/2 tbsp Capers (rinsed)
  • 1/2 tbsp Miso Paste (white or yellow miso)
  • 1 medium Shallot (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup White Wine Vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Golden Tahini (toasted‑seed variety, golden color)
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika Powder
  • 1 Lime (juiced (about 2 tbsp))
  • 3 tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce (regular or tamari for gluten‑free)
  • 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
  • 2 tbsp Grated Ginger (freshly grated)
  • 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
  • 1/8 tsp Salt

Instructions

  1. Balsamic Dijon Dressing

    Add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, maple (or agave) syrup, onion powder, and black pepper to a jar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Green Goddess Dressing

    Place unsweetened soy yogurt, vegan mayo, lemon juice, chopped chives, parsley, basil, dill, crushed garlic, maple syrup, capers, miso paste, and a pinch of salt into a blender. Blend on high until smooth and bright green.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Shallot Vinaigrette

    Thinly slice the shallot and place it in a jar with white wine vinegar. Let sit for 2‑3 minutes to mellow. Then add olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until combined.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Tahini Vinaigrette

    Combine golden tahini, water, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and salt in a jar. Whisk continuously; the mixture will appear thin at first but will thicken as you stir.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Sesame Ginger Dressing

    Juice one lime into a jar, then add rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, agave syrup, grated ginger, and toasted sesame seeds. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well mixed.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
100
Protein
1 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free, Gluten‑Free (use tamari for soy sauce)

Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Mustard, Garlic

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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Make RESTAURANT-LEVEL salads

Recipe by Pick Up Limes

A collection of five quick, wholesome, and completely vegan salad dressings that can be whipped up in just a few minutes each. Includes a tangy Balsamic Dijon, herb‑packed Green Goddess, sweet‑sharp Shallot Vinaigrette, creamy Tahini Vinaigrette, and zesty Sesame Ginger dressing. Perfect for mixed greens, grain bowls, roasted‑veggie salads, and more.

EasyAmerican FusionServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$34.19
Total cost
$8.55
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Whisk Balsamic Dijon dressing until fully emulsified.
  • Blend Green Goddess dressing until completely smooth.
  • Allow shallot to mellow in vinegar before adding oil.
  • Stir Tahini mixture continuously until it thickens.
  • Shake Sesame Ginger dressing thoroughly to combine oil and vinegar.

Safety Warnings

  • Use a sharp knife carefully when slicing shallots.
  • Handle hot oil with caution if you decide to warm any oil (not required in this recipe).
  • Wash hands after handling raw garlic to avoid irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade salad dressings in modern American cuisine?

A

Homemade salad dressings have become a staple of health‑focused American cooking, reflecting a shift toward whole‑food ingredients and away from processed store‑bought versions. They allow cooks to control flavor, sugar, and oil content while showcasing regional influences like Asian‑inspired sesame ginger or Mediterranean‑style tahini.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of a vinaigrette in American and European cuisine?

A

In classic French cuisine, vinaigrette is a simple mix of wine vinegar, oil, mustard, and herbs. American variations often add sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, while the Shallot Vinaigrette adds a pickled shallot twist. The Tahini Vinaigrette reflects Middle‑Eastern influences with sesame paste and cumin.

cultural
Q

How is the Balsamic Dijon dressing traditionally served in Mediterranean‑style salads?

A

The Balsamic Dijon dressing pairs beautifully with mixed greens, fresh fruit such as mango or strawberries, and toasted nuts, echoing Mediterranean flavor balances of sweet, tangy, and savory. It’s often drizzled over grain salads or roasted vegetable bowls.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Green Goddess dressing traditionally associated with in vegan cuisine?

A

Green Goddess is popular at brunches, potlucks, and summer picnics where vibrant, herb‑forward flavors shine. Its creamy texture makes it a favorite for topping vegan Buddha bowls and festive holiday salads.

cultural
Q

What other vegan dishes pair well with the Sesame Ginger dressing from Pick Up Limes?

A

The Sesame Ginger dressing complements Asian‑inspired cabbage slaws, cold noodle salads, tofu stir‑fry bowls, and sushi‑style rice salads. Its bright, tangy profile also works with avocado toast or grain‑based salads featuring quinoa or farro.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Tahini Vinaigrette?

A

A frequent error is stopping stirring too early; the mixture looks watery but will thicken with continued whisking. Also, using raw (pale) tahini results in a bland flavor—choose golden, toasted tahini for depth.

technical
Q

Why does the Pick Up Limes recipe use a brief pickling step for the shallot in the Shallot Vinaigrette?

A

The short soak in white wine vinegar mellows the sharp bite of raw shallots, creating a gentle onion flavor that integrates smoothly into the dressing without overwhelming the palate.

technical
Q

Can I make these dressings ahead of time and how should I store the Green Goddess dressing?

A

Yes, all five dressings keep well in the refrigerator for up to one week. Store the Green Goddess in a sealed jar; give it a quick shake or blend before serving to re‑emulsify any settled herbs.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Tahini Vinaigrette is finished?

A

The finished tahini vinaigrette should be creamy and smooth, resembling a thick sauce that coats a spoon. It may start thin but will thicken as you whisk; if it remains runny, keep stirring or add a touch more tahini.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Pick Up Limes specialize in?

A

Pick Up Limes, hosted by Sadia Badiei, specializes in plant‑based, wholesome recipes that emphasize nutrition, simplicity, and seasonal ingredients. The channel blends cooking tutorials with lifestyle and wellness content.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Pick Up Limes' approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

Pick Up Limes focuses on balanced nutrition, minimal waste, and accessible ingredients, often providing detailed macro breakdowns and meal‑planning tips. Unlike some channels that prioritize indulgent treats, Pick Up Limes emphasizes everyday meals that are both tasty and health‑forward.

channel
Q

What other vegan salad recipes is the YouTube channel Pick Up Limes known for?

A

Pick Up Limes is known for recipes like the Nourish Bowl, Rainbow Veggie Salad, Chickpea‑Tuna Salad (using chickpeas), and seasonal grain salads that pair perfectly with the dressings featured in this video.

channel

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