Bye Boring: the easiest way to add variety to your meals

*a perfect lunch dressed with my herby yogurt dressing*

As we embark on week 7 of social isolation (can you freaking believe it ?!), I am really starting to notice my own kitchen fatigue. While cooking every meal, every day was once a novelty, it’s just become tough to come up with inspiration every day. Does this sounds like you too? If you don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to mastering a new cooking skill or recipe, try changing up your salad dressing!

This is a simple swap that I do often when I’m feeling uninspired. It’s an easy way to introduce different flavours to meals without much fuss, additional meal prep or an extensive grocery list. I know I said salad dressing but if you follow me on instagram, you know I use dressing on everything: from grain bowls, chicken, fish, roasted or steamed veggies and of course salads too. Continue below for the basics of how I make my dressing and 3 of my favourite recipes to try at home.

*big grain bowl dressed with my miso tahini dressing*

Every dressing needs: Salt Fat Acid

Salt: seasons your food and enhances the flavours of your dish. Think sea salt, bacon, miso or capers or parmesan cheese

Fat: coats your mouth and extends the flavourful sensation of eating. Fat adds depth and extra nutrients to your meal. Fat can also help improve the absorption of nutrients. Think: olive oil, nut butter, tahini, avocado

Acid: brightens your dish and makes your dish feel lighter and fresher. Acid adds contrast and interest to your meal. Think lemon or lime juice, vinegars, yogurt, pickles

Optional additions

Sweetness: I find this helps to marry strong flavours like bitter radicchio or arugula or spicy jalapeño and chilies. Adding a bit of sweetness to a savoury meal adds contrast, interest and helps mediate sugar cravings. Think maple syrup, honey, orange juice or coconut sugar.

Spices: adding additional spices create a new depth of flavour. Just use a small pinch of spice to get the desired effect. Think cumin, curry powder, chili flakes, lemon zest, harissa or chili paste.

If you want to freestyle a dressing go for the golden ratio is: 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. I personally prefer something a bit more tangy so I usually do 2 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. Taste throughout the process and have fun experimenting. Here are my 3 favourite go-to dressings below:

Miso Tahini Dressing

Makes about ½ cup of dressing

2 heaping tablespoons of runny Tahini * I love parallel brothers

1 tsp miso paste

½ tsp fresh grated ginger

1 tablespoons rice wine vinegar* you could swap for apple cider vinegar if you like

Optional ½ tsp of chili paste

To make things a bit easier, add a drop or two of water to the miso paste to loosen it up before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. Then combine everything together in a small bowl. Slowly add more water to the paste until it reaches desired consistency.

Use on: grain bowls, cold noodles, salmon or tofu, stir frys, roasted sweet potatoes

Maple Dijon dressing

Makes about ½ cup of dressing

3 Tablespoons of olive oil

1 Tablespoon vinegar ( I use red wine or apple cider vinegar)

½ Tablespoon grainy mustard ( I love kozlik's)

1 tsp maple syrup ( I use Rainbo Forest Juice)

Salt and pepper

Add all ingredients into a small jar.

Shake up until emulsified, taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Use on: leafy green salads, grilled chicken, marinated kale, roasted cabbage

Herby Yogurt Dressing

Makes about ½ cup of dressing

2 Tablespoons of yogurt ( I’ve used regular and coconut, both work well)

2 Tablespoons of lemon juice

3 Tablespoons of olive oil

Small handful of fresh herbs like dill, parsley or chives chopped very fine

Zest of a lemon

Lots of salt and pepper

Combine everything in a small bowl, taste for seasoning and add some water if needed for desired consistency.

Use on: boiled potatoes, crunchy lettuce, grain bowls, roasted veggies

I hope you find these recipes helpful, share what you make with me!

Simply tag @hello.franallen with your creations, I can’t wait to see them!