People will criticize the work that goes into making a dressing or a sauce from scratch, but when you make your own, at least you know what goes in it, and it's not full of preservatives and high fructose corn syrup.

The first recipe here was distributed by a spice company, which might be why it calls for two kinds of pepper, black and white. If you have them, of course use them both, if not, use what you have. The second one is considered to have zero calories, and is popular with weight watching advisors. The third one starts with a mixture of dried herbs you make ahead, and use some at a time to mix with oil and vinegar for a dressing.

McCormick’s Balsamic Vinaigrette

1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons walnut oil
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon white pepper
3/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Use a large whisk or electric mixer on low speed. A food processor will mix it too fast, and cause it to become too thick. Mix together the oils. In another bowl, mix vinegar, mustard, sugar, garlic, salt, white and black pepper. Very gradually add oil to mustard mixture, mixing slowly until dressing is emulsified.

Zero Calorie Dressing

3/4 cup tomato or V8 juice
1/4 cup red-wine or sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped chives or scallions
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch dried savory or oregano
Pinch sugar
Pinch cayenne
Freshly ground black pepper

Use blender or food processor to make a smoother dressing.

Herbs for Salad Dressing

1/4 cup parsley flakes
2 tablespoons each dried oregano, basil and marjoram, crumbled
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon fennel seeds, crushed
1 tablespoons dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

Place all the ingredients in a 1 pint jar, cover tightly and shake well to
mix. Store in a cool, dark, dry place. Makes 1 cup.

To Make Herbal Vinaigrette Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1
tablespoon Herb Salad dressing mix, 3/4 cup warm water, 2 1/2 tablespoons
tarragon vinegar or white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoons olive oil and 1 crushed clove garlic. Taste and add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the Herb Salad Dressing Mix if you want a stronger flavor. Let Stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes before using, then whisk again. Makes about 1 cup. This doesn't have any salt, so good for low sodium diets, but you can add salt if you think it needs it.