I was planning to call this post “Is this salad dressing good for your skin?” but then I changed my mind and decided to tell you instead about how this recipe changed my life. Having said that, this salad dressing is also good for your skin!

I was not very good at it

A few years back I was not very good at making salad dressings. I had tried many recipes, some I liked a little but many not that much. One day I thought, this is silly, I like salad dressings when I eat somewhere else. I need to learn how to make a good salad dressing. So I decided to google the best salad dressing. I stumbled upon a recipe by Ottolenghi, the famous Israeli chef.

But I learned fast

Not only did I find the best salad dressing recipe, it has actually had a profound effect on my life. I didn’t know Ottolenghi but started following him on Instagram. And soon enough I immersed myself in the great food culture of the Middle East. One thing led to another and I started to follow NGOs dedicated to helping refugees. And that let to empowering refugees, all because I wanted to make the best salad dressing!

The Best Salad Dressing from Ottolenghi

  • juice from half a lemon
  • grated zest from half a lemon (organic)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • ½ shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp mustard (dijon)
  • ½ dl (8 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Mix all the ingredients except the olive oil into a bowl. Add the oil little by little while whisking constantly. I often add a handful of basil leaves (or coriander or mint leaves) to this salad dressing and mix it in a blender. That takes it to the next level without doubts. I often don’t have organic lemons so then I don’t add the zest and it it still the best salad dressing ever!

    This salad dressing recipe is originally from Yotam Ottolenghi. Here is the original recipe, but I have changed the ratios a little.

    About the Author

    Anna Rósa is a medical herbalist and author of the bestselling book Icelandic Herbs and Their Medicinal Uses. She’s the CEO and founder of Anna Rósa Skincare and a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists in UK. It’s the oldest herbalist institute in the world, founded in 1894.

    Anna Rósa CEO and Founder of Anna Rósa Skincare