Jalapeno Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette

• 2 tbsp jalapeno pepper jelly
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• salt and pepper to taste

This vinaigrette was created to compliment cabbage for a spicy sweet cole slaw, but it can be adapted for other salads by reducing the amount of vinegar or mayonnaise.  The great thing about the jelly is that it is both sweet and spicy.  There are plenty of interesting jellies and jams that can be the base for a great salad dressing.

Spicy Thousand Island Salad Dressing

• 2 tbsp horseradish sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp relish
• salt and pepper to taste

This is a simple version of thousand island dressing with a little kick.  Ketchup and relish make this salad dressing sweet.  The horseradish sauce brings the creaminess as well as the spicy kick.  A fresh wedge of iceberg lettuce with this salad dressing is a great way to start a meal.

Pineapple Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, minced, with juice
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise
• 1 packet artificial sweetener
• salt and pepper to taste

The sweetness and the acidity of the pineapple juice will go far in your salad.  Hot sauce adds a little bite, and low-fat mayonnaise adds some nice creaminess.  The artificial sweetener is optional, especially if your pineapple is really sweet.

Creamy Red Curry Salad Dressing

• 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tbsp skim milk
• 1 tsp honey

The blender turns the cottage cheese into a smooth and creamy base for this salad dressing.  Red curry paste is packed with flavor.  It’s  a little bit spicy, but the honey will help balance it out.

Honey Mustard Salad Dressing

• 1 tbsp mustard (I used a chipotle mustard.)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp oil

Honey Mustard dressings are great, because they combine slightly spicy flavors with slightly sweet flavor.  The combination is great on many types of foods.

Creamy Pepper Salad Dressing

• 1 tbsp light mayonnaise
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 2 tsp cider vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste

Great as a cole slaw dressing.

Spicy Asian Salad Dressing

• 1 tbsp black bean garlic sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Steak Sauce Salad Dressing

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 tsp spicy steak sauce (A-1, Heinz 57, Pickapeppa)
• salt and pepper to taste

Spicy Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

• 2 tbsp low-fat sour cream
• 1 tsp roasted garlic puree
• 1 tsp Italian herb puree (or pesto paste)
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• salt to taste