Lunch Box Series 14: 3 Fool-Proof Dressings & How To Avoid Soggy Salads

In this Lunch Box Series edition, we’re sharing three of our go-to, tried and tested homemade salad dressings! A universal classic that goes with everything, a creamy tangy number that adds serious flavour, and a honey mustard that balances sweet and sharp just right. 

They’re all quick to make, easy to store, and most importantly - guaranteed to make your salad something to look forward to.

Plus, stick around to the end for our number one tip to keep your salad fresh and crisp until lunchtime.

Universal Elixir

This is the one to keep on repeat! A perfectly balanced blend of tangy, savoury, and just a hint of sweetness, it works with pretty much any salad - whether it's a last-minute desk lunch or a packed-ahead salad bowl. 

It's light enough to let your ingredients shine, but still brings enough punch to tie everything together. We love it on everything from classic garden salads to roast veg and even pasta salads - it’s called “universal” for a reason!

Tip: This dressing is beautifully simple on its own, but also makes the perfect base to build on. Add herbs, a spoonful of tahini - whatever you love. It’s easy to customise and make your own.

Ingredients: 

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice 

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt & pepper 

Method: 

1. Mince the garlic clove 

2. Juice half a lemon

3. Add all ingredients to a jar and shake until well combined

Creamy & Tangy

This one’s for the flavour lovers! It’s creamy (without being heavy), tangy (without being sharp), and adds a velvety richness that can take a simple salad to the next level. 

Think Greek yogurt meets lemon, garlic, and herbs - all blended into a smooth dressing that clings beautifully to greens and veggies. It’s especially good with chopped salads, slaws, or anything with a bit of crunch!

Tip: Add 2 tsp of basil pesto for a ‘Green Goddess’ salad dressing and thank us later. YUM!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp olive oil 

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 2 tsp honey

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp dried italian herbs 

• ½ tsp onion powder 

Method:

1. Mince the garlic clove

2. Juice half a lemon

3. Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake until well combined

4. For a smooth, silky dressing - add all ingredients to a blender and blend until combined

Honey Mustard

An iconic, forever favourite! This one hits that sweet-and-tangy spot just right. The natural sweetness of honey combined with the boldness of mustard makes for a dressing that’s both kid-friendly and grown-up approved. 

It’s delicious over leafy greens, tossed through a warm potato salad, or served as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders or falafel. If you’re someone who likes a dressing with a little personality, this one won’t disappoint!

Tip: If you like your dressing extra smooth and glossy, give it a quick blitz with a stick blender or in a nutri-bullet. It helps emulsify the honey and mustard for a creamy, pourable finish that won’t separate in your lunch box.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp vinegar

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper 

Method:

1. Add all the ingredients to a jar and shake until well combined

How To Avoid Soggy Salads

If you’ve ever packed a salad for lunch and found yourself disappointed by the time you opened the lid - either thanks to a sad, soggy mess or a dressing that just didn’t hit the mark - you’re not alone. 

Fortunately, the fix is simple: keep your dressing separate until you’re ready to eat (crowd goes wild)! Pop your dressing into the smallest container from our 4-piece Nesting Container Set, or use one of the handy containers from our Set of 3 small Stainless Steel Containers. 

Both sets feature leakproof, silicone lids to prevent spills, and they’re compact enough to tuck neatly into any lunch bag or cooler. Plus, they nest together for easy storage and are 100% dishwasher-safe - making cleanup a breeze. Just pour your dressing over at lunchtime, toss, and enjoy a salad that’s still full of crunch! 

So there you have it - three fool-proof dressings, one soggy-salad-saving tip, and a whole lot of lunchbox potential. Whether you’re team tangy, creamy, or sweet and zingy, a good dressing really does make ALL the difference. Now go forth and salad with confidence! See you next time on the Lunch Box Series.