Old Metairie Olive Oils & Vinegars
5 Summer Salad Dressings to Make With Olive Oil in Metairie
Fresh, easy olive oil and balsamic pairings for salads, grilled shrimp, pasta salad, tomatoes, fruit, and Louisiana summer cookouts.
Summer salad dressings in Metairie should do more than make lettuce wet. A great dressing should brighten fresh vegetables, balance grilled shrimp or chicken, and still taste good when it is hot enough outside to make you rethink turning on the oven.
The easiest way to make a better salad is to start with fresh olive oil and pair it with the right balsamic vinegar. You do not need a complicated recipe. Instead, you need a few dependable combinations that work for weeknight dinners, pool days, cookouts, and summer gatherings around Metairie, New Orleans, Kenner, Lakeview, Mandeville, and the Northshore.
The easy vinaigrette formula
3 parts olive oil + 1 part balsamic vinegar, then add sea salt, black pepper, and one supporting ingredient such as Dijon, honey, garlic, herbs, or citrus zest.
Why Homemade Summer Salad Dressings Taste Better
Bottled dressing can be convenient. However, homemade dressing gives you more flavor and more control. You can make it tangier for tomatoes, sweeter for berries, bolder for grilled meat, or lighter for crisp greens.
Fresh extra virgin olive oil also brings real character to the bowl. It can taste grassy, buttery, peppery, fruity, or herbaceous. Therefore, one simple dressing can make an everyday salad feel like an actual meal.
Need help choosing a pairing?
Explore our guide to finding olive oils and balsamics that work beautifully together.
1. Everyday Garden Salad Dressing
2. Louisiana Tomato and Cucumber Dressing
3. Grilled Shrimp or Chicken Salad Dressing
4. Peach, Berry, and Goat Cheese Salad Dressing
5. Italian Pasta Salad Dressing
Ready to Find Your New Favorite Flavor?
Shop fresh olive oils and balsamics online, or visit us in Old Metairie to taste products before you bring them home.
Serving Summer Salads Outside in Louisiana Heat
Vinaigrette-based salads are ideal for summer. Still, ingredients such as cooked pasta, cheese, cut vegetables, shrimp, chicken, and creamy additions need to stay chilled. Serve cold dishes in smaller portions and keep the rest refrigerated or in a cooler.
The USDA recommends keeping cold foods at or below 40°F. Perishable food should not sit out longer than two hours, or longer than one hour when temperatures are above 90°F. Read the USDA outdoor food safety guidance here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Salad Dressings
What is the best olive oil for salad dressing?
Fresh extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice because it adds flavor as well as body. Mild oils are great for delicate greens, while more robust oils work beautifully with tomatoes, grilled vegetables, steak salads, and bold ingredients.
What is the right olive oil-to-vinegar ratio?
Start with three parts olive oil to one part vinegar. Then adjust based on your ingredients. Sweeter balsamics may need less oil, while sharper vinegars may need more oil or a touch of honey.
Can I make homemade salad dressing ahead of time?
Yes. Most oil-and-vinegar dressings can be made several days in advance and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Let the jar sit out briefly and shake well before serving.
Where can I buy olive oil and balsamic vinegar in Metairie?
Old Metairie Olive Oils & Vinegars is located at 103 Focis Street in Metairie, Louisiana. Stop in to taste products, get pairing ideas, and find flavors for salads, grilling, marinades, bread dipping, gifts, and more.
Make Summer Meals Taste Like You Tried
Start with fresh ingredients, choose an olive oil and balsamic pairing you love, and taste as you go.
