Simple Cooking

A very cheesy and filling dressing. Good for meals.

This is what you need

1 cup mayonnaise1 tablespoon lemon juice1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste

This is how to make it

Combine all ingredients together and mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Great as a salad dressing or dip for vegetable crudites or chips.

Makes 1 1/2 cups dressing.

The fish sauce gives it a distinct smell. Some may not like it, especially the vegetarians. Works for me though!

This is what is needed

1/2 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped unsalted roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons fish sauce*
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
4 garlic cloves, finely minced

This is how to make it

Stir together all ingredients until blended.

Makes 1 cup.

Like the Honey-Mustard dressing, but has that bit of crunchiness!

This is what you need

6 tablespoons vegetable oil2 tablespoons cider vinegar2 tablespoons honey2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard2 tablespoons toasted sesame seed1 garlic clove, mincedSalt and freshly ground pepper to taste

This is how to make it

Combine ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Store in refrigerator.Makes about 1 cup

This is my favourite dressing, light and flavourful. Even the kids dont mind it!

This is what you need

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt or taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
1/2 cup vegetable oil

This is how to make it

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. While continuing to whisk mixture, slowly pour in vegetable oil in a small stream, whisking constantly until fully incorporated and slightly thickened. (Place the bowl on a damp tea towel to prevent it from slipping.)

Store any unused portion in the refrigerator.Makes about 1 cup.

This is what you need

3 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup soy sauce
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon sesame seed oil

This is how to make it

In mixing bowl whisk together all ingredients until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a few drops of water at a time.
Cover and refrigerate.

Makes about 3 1/2 cups salad dressing.

This dressing is great for turning a simple salad of mixed greens into a scrumptious salad.

This is how to make it

6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
Pinch of dried oregano

This is what you need

Combine all ingredients in small bowl and whisk to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes about 1/2 cup.

A very common and classic salad dressing. Goes well all seasons.

This is what you need

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons honey
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 small shallots, finely minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup extra virgin olive oil

This is how to make it

Whisk together first 7 ingredients until blended. Gradually whisk in olive oil.
Makes 2 cups.

Apple juice and honey add sweetness to this pretty vinaigrette, flecked with parsley and basil. Dry mustard and black pepper give a touch of heat. This dressing blends well with fruit salads as well as green salads.

Here's what you need

1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup apple juice
3 whole fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon honey
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Here's how to make it

Combine parsley, vinegar, olive oil, apple juice, basil, honey, salt, dry mustard and pepper in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth.

Makes about 1 cup.

Aniseed offers a hint of licorice flavor to this vinaigrette. Delightful when tossed with a simple mixture of fresh baby greens.

Here's what you need

1 shallot,
quartered
2 garlic cloves, halved
1 teaspoon dried or canned green peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon aniseed
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)

Here's how to make it

Place the shallot, garlic, peppercorns, and aniseed in a blender and run on medium speed for a few seconds until mixture is chopped. Add the vinegar and blend well. With motor running, add oil in a stream and blend dressing until emulsified. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Store in refrigerator until ready to use. Keeps well for 1 week.
Makes scant 1/2 cup dressing.

Very simple and in minutes ready salad. Now dont go nuts about the poached chicken part. Poched chicken is basically boiled chicken but it is boiled in just enough water to submerge and for the flavour, you can either simply add stock cubes or herbs or just salt or if you like it basic, just keep it plain water. But having a flavour always helps. Once the water boils, reduce the heat and let it just heat without bubbling over for about 10 minutes. After that keep the chicken in the water for 10-15 minutes to cool down and soak in the water and its flavours. The rest is below.


This is what you need:

1/2 kilo poached chicken breast
1 celery stalk, chopped
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
roughly shredded lettuce leaves

This is how to make it:

Cut chicken into 1/2 cubes. Mix celery, lettuce, mayonnaise, mustard, and parsley in a bowl. Add chicken; toss to coat. Done!