Hi
Can any one recommend an easy to make and low cal homemade salad dressing? Im on the second week of the diet, and I am thinking that salad every lunch is a good way to go. Also how many calories/carbs would you say is in an average salad? A good size, containing mixed leaves, cucumber, red onion and red pepper. I have tried to estimate it and think about 30cal, does anyone think that is about right or not? Trying to get back on the saddle after completely falling off the wagon on Saturday night. Feeling determined but disappointed that i mucked it up. One word, Guiness and lots of it

Hi Mactuan12 – I always stick to a basic vinaigrette made with 1 tspn olive oil, vinegar and salt. You can then add any flavour you like to it such as herbs or spices such as chilli or mustard depending on your own taste. I use my fitness pal (mfp) to work out calories and carbs – my basic salad is 80 calories with 3.6 g of carbs made up of sweet gem lettuce, cucumber celery and salad dressing. I add extra veg or a protein and just add that in mfp to get the calorie and carb totals.
If you do a search for salad dressings on this site there are a few recipes scattered in old posts which might be helpful. Good luck, enjoy your salad lunch and watch that guiness 🙂

Hey Mactuan, a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt can be amazingly effective.

If you have a blender you could make mayonnaise. For a change add crushed garlic.

Full fat yoghurt blended with blue cheese would be a tangy dressing, or for less calories use chopped herbs instead of the cheese.