DIY Salad Dressings & Pairings: Simple Creations Using Olive Oils & Balsamics

Making your own homemade salad dressing is one of the easiest ways to elevate everyday meals, and it only takes a few high-quality ingredients to bring fresh flavor to your table. At Texas Hill Country Olive Co., our premium oils and balsamics serve as the perfect base for pantry-friendly dressings you can shake up in minutes. Whether you're preparing crisp green salads, a hearty Greek salad, or simply drizzling over roasted leafy vegetables, creating your own dressing gives you complete control over flavor, ingredient amounts, and overall quality.

Better yet, DIY dressings help you skip preservatives while embracing wholesome ingredients you feel good about using for your personal consumption. And because much of the available nutrient data for dressings depends on the quality of each ingredient, starting with premium extra-virgin olive oil ensures a delicious and nutritious result.

In this guide, we’ll walk through simple ratios—like the classic “two parts oil, one part acid”—and show you how to create flavorful combinations using our extra virgin olive oil, infused oils, and balsamic vinegars. From bright vinaigrettes with lemon juice or lime juice, to bold blends inspired by Mediterranean favorites, each recipe can be shaken in a mason jar or jam jar, chilled, and served at room temperature for the best flavor.

Understanding the Basics: Oil, Acid & Flavor

The foundation of any great dressing starts with the right ratio. While you can adjust based on taste, most vinaigrettes use about two parts oil to one part acid. The “acid” may come from apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, citrus like lemon juice, or even our balsamic vinegars.

Using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil (or a bright infused oil like our Lemon, Garlic, or Jalapeño varieties) ensures a silky texture and rich flavor. Our oils make dressings shine because their fruity, peppery, or herbaceous notes enhance ingredients rather than overpower them. To help emulsify your mixture and create a creamy texture, many dressings benefit from a small spoonful of dijon mustard. This simple ingredient brings tanginess and stability without unnecessary additives.

As for seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, sea salt, and a handful of fresh herbs can transform a simple vinaigrette into something restaurant-worthy.

1. Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette

For a timeless dressing that works on everything from green salads to grilled vegetables, start with this easy mix:

• 2 parts THCOC extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 part THCOC Traditional Balsamic

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

• Pinch of salt & black pepper

• Optional: chopped fresh herbs

Shake everything in a mason jar until blended. This dressing tastes incredible at room temperature, letting the balsamic’s natural sweetness shine. It’s a simple upgrade that works on everything from dinner salads to hearty bowls piled high with leafy vegetables.

2. Mediterranean Red Wine Vinaigrette for a Greek Salad Moment

If you love a good Greek salad, this blend adds bright acidity and bold herbal notes:

• 2 parts THCOC Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 part red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Oregano or other fresh herbs

• Salt and black pepper

What makes this dressing special is the balance between the zesty vinegar and our bold oil. It complements tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta beautifully. Use it to toss your favorite veggies or drizzle over grilled chicken.

3. Apple Cider & Garlic Vinaigrette 

One of our most versatile dressings uses apple cider vinegar and our Garlic EVOO:

• 2 parts THCOC Garlic Olive Oil

• 1 part apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

• A few cracks of black pepper

The slight sweetness of the vinegar plus the savory garlic oil makes this the perfect companion for roasted veggie salads, grain bowls, or a fresh lunch made with crisp greens. You can also add a splash of lime juice or lemon juice for extra brightness.

4. Citrus Balsamic Dressing for Light, Fresh Flavors

This refreshing vinaigrette is ideal for summer salads, fruit-forward dishes, or anything needing a sweet-tart kick:

• 2 parts THCOC Lemon Infused Olive Oil

• 1 part THCOC White Lemon Balsamic

• 1 tablespoon lime juice or lemon juice

• Salt & black pepper

The citrus from both the oil and balsamic creates a sunny flavor that pairs beautifully with spinach, berries, and grilled seafood. It’s a perfect treat for those who prefer bright, crisp dressings without heaviness.

Pairing Dressings with the Right Salads

Creating dressings is just the beginning. Knowing how to pair flavor profiles with specific salads ensures your meals feel intentional and vibrant. Here are a few themes:

For Green Salads

Stick with lighter combinations—citrus, herbaceous oils, and mild balsamics. The natural flavors of leafy vegetablesshine when paired with something balanced and bright.

For Hearty Bowls or Roasted Veggies

Choose deeper, richer oils like our Robust EVOO or balsamics like Fig or Raspberry. The caramelized edges of cooked vegetables pair beautifully with aged vinegars.

For Greek Salad or Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes

Use red wine vinegar, oregano, and bold extra virgin olive oil. This combination mirrors the flavors found in classic Mediterranean dressings.

Customizing to Taste: A Few Helpful Tips

Every home cook prefers different levels of acidity, sweetness, and herbiness. Here’s how to adjust:

• Too tart? Add more extra-virgin olive oil.

• Too mild? Increase the acid or citrus.

• Not emulsifying? Add a bit more dijon mustard.

• Want more brightness? Use an extra splash of lemon juice or lime juice.

Since ingredient strength varies, experiment with ingredient amounts until you reach your perfect flavor. Always taste the dressing at room temperature, since cold oil can dull aromatics.

About Nutrient Information & Dietary Notes

If you're tracking nutrition, remember that available nutrient data and daily values can vary depending on your ingredients. We have no added preservatives or sugars in our products. While olive oil and balsamic vinegars can fit into a wide range of dietary lifestyles—even for those following a calorie diet—always consult your health provider if you're on a medically restrictive diet. This content is for culinary inspiration only; please refer to our privacy policy for how we handle data related to your purchases or personal consumption.

Enjoy the Original Yield—or Double It!

Each dressing recipe above can be adjusted based on your needs. The original yield will coat several servings of salad, but you can easily double the original recipe for meal prep or gatherings. These dressings store well in the fridge; simply shake your mason jar or jam jar to re-emulsify before serving.

Create Your Own DIY Dressing Today

With a few simple ratios, high-quality THCOC oils and balsamics, and ingredients like lemon juice, fresh herbs, and pantry-friendly vinegars, you can craft incredible dressings in minutes. Whether drizzled over vibrant green salads, bold bowls, or roasted leafy vegetables, these DIY blends are flavorful, fresh, and endlessly customizable.