Sweetgreen Dressing Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Sweetgreen is renowned for its fresh, vibrant salads, but what truly elevates their creations is their signature dressings. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a simple green salad or add a burst of flavor to your grain bowls, making Sweetgreen-style dressing at home is easier than you think.

This dressing balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes to complement a wide range of salads and veggies. Plus, it’s fresh, wholesome, and free from any artificial preservatives—perfect for anyone seeking a healthy, homemade alternative to store-bought dressings.

In this post, I’ll share a detailed Sweetgreen dressing recipe that you can whip up in minutes using common pantry ingredients. I’ll also cover why this recipe is a must-try, the exact ingredients and equipment needed, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, nutrition facts, and some delicious serving ideas.

Let’s dive in and transform your salads with this delightful dressing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweetgreen dressing recipe is a game-changer for your homemade salads. Here’s why:

• Fresh and simple ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create a dressing bursting with flavor.
• Versatile flavor profile: The perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and umami complements everything from leafy greens to roasted veggies.
• Healthy and clean: This dressing is made without preservatives or artificial flavors, making it a wholesome choice for your meals.
• Easy to customize: Want it creamier or tangier? You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste.
• Great for meal prep: Make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week, so your salads are always ready to go.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil – adds a smooth, fruity base
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – gives a tangy kick
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup – for a touch of natural sweetness
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – brings depth and slight heat
• 1 small garlic clove, minced – adds aromatic flavor
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice – for extra brightness

Equipment

• Small mixing bowl or jar with lid
• Whisk or fork (or a small blender for quicker emulsification)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Garlic press or knife for mincing
• Storage container or glass bottle for dressing

Instructions

1. Prepare the garlic: Mince the garlic finely or press it using a garlic press. This will ensure the flavor disperses well throughout the dressing.
2. Combine vinegar and mustard: In your mixing bowl or jar, add the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and optional lemon juice. Whisk or stir well to combine these acidic ingredients.
3. Add sweetener: Add the honey or maple syrup to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Slowly add olive oil: While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This step helps emulsify the dressing, giving it a smooth and creamy texture.
5. Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, then adjust as needed.
6. Taste and adjust: Sample your dressing and tweak the ingredients if needed—add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or salt for seasoning.
7. Store: Transfer the dressing to a sealed container or jar and refrigerate for up to 7 days. Shake well before each use.

Tips & Variations

“Emulsifying slowly while whisking is the secret to a perfectly creamy dressing that clings to your salad!”

Here are a few ideas to customize your Sweetgreen dressing:

• Make it vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version.
• Add herbs: Finely chop fresh basil, parsley, or dill for an herby twist.
• Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it creamy: Whisk in a tablespoon of vegan mayonnaise or tahini for a richer texture.
• Use different vinegars: Try balsamic or white wine vinegar to adjust the flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands used.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweetgreen dressing pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

• Toss it with fresh baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a classic salad.
• Drizzle over roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added flavor.
• Use it as a marinade or finishing sauce for grilled tofu or tempeh.
• Mix into grain bowls featuring quinoa, farro, or brown rice with fresh veggies.
• Try it on a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a light, refreshing side.

For more fresh and easy salad ideas, check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas and explore Avocado Dressing Vegan Recipes for Fresh and Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

Making your own Sweetgreen-style dressing at home is a fantastic way to elevate everyday salads and dishes with fresh, vibrant flavors. This recipe is beautifully balanced, easy to prepare, and customizable to suit your personal taste preferences.

Plus, it uses wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or simply looking to brighten up a weekday dinner, this dressing is a delicious, healthy choice that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own. For more healthy and flavorful ideas, be sure to explore recipes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

With these recipes at your fingertips, you’re all set to enjoy a vibrant, nutritious, and tasty culinary journey!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Sweetgreen Dressing Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A tangy and fresh dressing perfect for salads. Easy to make with simple ingredients for a balanced flavor.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil”, “2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar”, “1 tablespoon honey”, “1 teaspoon Dijon mustard”, “1 clove garlic, minced”, “1/2 teaspoon sea salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice”, “2 tablespoons water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice in a bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Whisk all ingredients until well blended.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and black pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add water to adjust consistency and whisk again.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “80”, “proteinContent”: “0.2g”, “fatContent”: “8g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “2g”}}