Gigi's Blog

Easy Healthy Salad Dressings and 1000 Salad Combinations

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 Those of you who have read "Okay, So I Got Fat" understand the idea behind progressive recipes and the concept of the book's Basic dressing. For those of you who are new to the blog, here is some information that you might find helpful. 

Most of us have hectic lives and between kids, work, home and hopefully getting in some exercise let alone "me" time is near impossible. So how do we find the time to think through and cook healthy foods. The answer is we don't. Something has to give and unfortunately more often than not it's our nutrition. That's why I create recipes to provide today's meal plus recipes that use the same ingredients but that morph into completely different dishes a day or two later. And that's how Basic Dressing was born. 

Basic Dressing is the glue that introduces healthy anti-inflammatory olive oil, vitamin packed lemon and blood cleansing garlic to almost every recipe of "Okay, So I Got Fat".  I make enough to last a couple of weeks and to be used for the week's recipes. I also prefill containers to bring to work for lunch. A huge time saver!

Basic Dressing Recipe

2 cups extra virgin olive oil

3 large lemons, juiced, approximately ¾-cup

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons sea salt

Shake all the ingredients and store in an airtight container in the frig.

Avoid getting "salad boredom" by changing ingredients to produce new and exciting combinations. Add agave nector and dijon to make a classic French dressing or swirl in minced chive and some soy milk for an alternative to buttermilk. Add proteins like diced chicken, baby squid, or slices of leftover steak to turn a ho-hum salad into a complete meal. Garnish with seeds, nuts, and fruits for optimal nutrition and flavor.

13 Comment(s)

• March 5, 2012 12:45 PM
  Hi Gigi...how did your demonstration go? I love the book!
  Posted by jean johnson
• March 5, 2012 12:54 PM
  Hi Jean. I am so glad you like the book. Thanks for asking about the cooking show at Sunset Foods. 35 people attended when they were expecting only 10 and this was without any advertisements plus we all laughed a lot-very fun! I will have the video up on Utube and on the site this week and will keep you posted. Gig
  Posted by Gigi
• March 5, 2012 1:39 PM
  I'm going to try the recipe and I like the idea of adding dijon. I'm glad the cooking demo went well. Sorry I missed it. Tina
  Posted by Tina Farbelow
• March 5, 2012 2:10 PM
  Thanks Tina. I hope you like it. Keep me posted! Gigi
  Posted by Gigi
• March 5, 2012 4:12 PM
  Good blog Gigi, thanks for sharing with us.
  Posted by Sheila Munson
• March 5, 2012 9:36 PM
  Thanks Sheila!
  Posted by Gigi
• March 6, 2012 11:46 PM
  I need to get ur book soon
  Posted by Kp
• March 11, 2012 7:38 PM
  Hi Gigi, I couldn't find an email address to contact you so, here I am. My daughter Giovana came home on Friday with some information about your book (Joe and she are classmates at Bannockburn School). Well, it happens that I am food blogger/food photographer and thought it would be nice to contact you to share what I've been doing and say how I am enjoying your work. It is nice to "meet" you. Amanda Areias www.givemeflour.com
  Posted by Amanda
• March 15, 2012 10:43 PM
  Hi Amanda. Thanks for the kind words. Yes, let's talk! I would love to know what you are doing and will take a peek at your blog shortly. My email adress is gigi@gigiverrey.com I look forward to chatting with you. Gigi
  Posted by Gigi
• March 18, 2012 2:09 PM
  Gigi, I enjoyed meeting you last night. Your site is great. I'm heading to the grocery store to get lemons for Basic Dressing. Carol
  Posted by Carol S
• March 19, 2012 11:37 AM
  Hi Carol. It was terrific to meet you too! Feel free to ask questions on the blog if you'd like help or tips. I think you will love the BD. Happy eating, Gigi
  Posted by Gigi
• April 2, 2012 9:39 AM
  Hi ,we're having fun with all the recipes especially kale! Question:when I put the basic dressing in the fridge it solidified. Can I keep it on the counter?
  Posted by SUSI Goldstein & ARNIE
• April 2, 2012 6:03 PM
  Hi Susie (and Arnie). So glad you are enjoying the book and recipes! Yes, you can leave it out until the dressing loosens up. When I'm in a hurry (when am I not) I run the bottle of Basic Dressing uder hot water and then shake it vigorously, use what I need and then put it back in the frig. Also, when I make a new batch, I measure out 1/4 and 1/2 cup servings so I have set amount to spoon out and mix in recipes. Even though it is solidified it "melts" fast in the smaller quantities. I hope this helps. Happy eating, Gigi
  Posted by Gigi