Hello Foodies,
This week, I’m highlighting six sensational dressings and vinaigrettes; many doing double duty as marinades. We’ll explore real reader reviews and unforgettable dinner gatherings and cherish the simple joys of rainy days. And finally, browse this week’s curated weekly deals, items that caught my eye, irresistible chocolate chip cookies, and a couple of inspiring quotes.
So grab a cuppa (I love that term from our friends in the UK), and let’s jump in! Remember that the Table of Contents below is for easier navigation; read the entire thing from beginning to end or pop around according to what piques your interest.
What I’m Makin’ & Bakin’
I’ve had several friends and readers mention they would love to see more dressings and I listened! Below you will see 6 dressings and vinaigrettes, many of them doing double duty as a marinade as well.
Like my newest addition to the collection (below), this Zesty Italian Dressing recipe, just five minutes, and it’s incredibly versatile! I use it on Italian Chopped Salad and when making this Olive Garden Chicken (in a crock pot!!) along with marinating chicken, veggies, kebabs, and more!
Check out my salad archives, as many have grand dressings; so many salads, so little summer!
Best Homemade Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
This zesty Italian dressing recipe will become your new go-to Italian Vinaigrette. Packed with herbs, spices, and tangy vinegar. Use as a dressing, marinade, grilling, pasta, sandwiches and more.
Homemade Green Goddess Salad Dressing (Panera Copycat)
Light, bright and full of fresh herby flavor, this Green Goddess salad dressing is hard to resist. Fresh basil, zesty dijon and savory pesto combined with creamy Greek yogurt make this classic dressing a springtime favorite!
Best Homemade Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Making homemade blue cheese dressing is a breeze. Mix ingredients in a bowl, transfer to a jar, and refrigerate for a few hours to thicken and develop flavors. Easily make low carb too!
Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing {& Marinade}
A simple recipe for Apple Cider Vinaigrette dressing, 5 minutes is all it takes! Made with simple ingredients, yielding extraordinary flavor. With zest apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, a bright citrus flair with orange juice and lightly sweetened with maple syrup. What I love the most about this dressing is it also doubles as a marinade!
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
There is nothing better than a good restaurant buttermilk ranch dressing, but with this recipe for homemade buttermilk ranch dressing you can make your own, better! This creamy dressing is loaded with fresh ingredients and is perfect for salads and dips. Gluten free and low carb!
Maple Dijon Vinaigrette {Salad Dressing}
A light and delicious maple dijon vinaigrette, creamy and full of flavor. Dairy-free! Amazing on this Wild Rice arugula salad!
Real reader reviews
Check out what readers are saying about a few of our recipes, I think you will love them too!
Buttermilk Rhubarb Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Topping
Best Rhubarb Bread I have made in 50 years. So moist, it melts in your mouth. ~Pam
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe
One of the best tasting pastas I have ever eaten. And so quick and easy to make. Thank you for this, Our family will definitely be adding this pasta to the regular dinner rotation. ~Stef
In the here and now | Real life stories
Last weekend, we hosted several couples for dinner! One of the couples is moving closer to their recently widowed daughter and infant granddaughter, so we made sure to soak up every precious moment with them. The evening was an absolute delight, filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and maybe even a few bittersweet tears.
Coconut Lime Chicken
This was the chicken I served at our dinner party on Friday night, it’s one of my first posts and needs to be redone, however; the recipe is AMAZING! Always super tender and the best part it’s dairy-free, keto, gluten-free, and delicious!
The next evening, we had the pleasure of celebrating our dear friend’s 79th birthday! Our friends, who hosted the party, are incredible chefs, and I must confess, I sat back and enjoyed every mouthwatering dish they prepared. It was pure bliss!
As for the rest of the week, I’ve been happily cocooned at home, trying to catch up on things. We’ve been blessed with consistent rain and cool temperatures, rarely exceeding 75 degrees. I can’t help but adore this weather—it’s been absolutely perfect! I have relished spending some downtime snuggling on the couch with my hubby.
Weekly Deals Curated for You!
NEW! Every week, I’ll handpick a collection of my favorite Amazon deals just for you. I will update this post each week so you have a convenient go-to resource whenever you seek inspiration!
Go HERE to find the best deals on Amazon for you this week! No gimmick, I promise.
Favorite Finds
- I love this USB rechargeable lighter! No throw-aways, no butane; recharge it when it runs low! So cool!
- A fellow blogger reminded me that I needed to get refills for my Bluapple produce saver; it really works!
- And isn’t this eyelet sundress so feminine and cute?! Love that it has high neckline!
Did you know?
Did you know that 75% of Americans say the chocolate chip is their favorite cookie? Mine too! Ahem, the blog’s name is, The Fresh Cooky after all (p.s. check out my About page to see why I spelled Cooky with a “y” instead of ie!) 😉
We often make one of two favorite chocolate chip cookies, my Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies (a recipe I’ve been making for over 35 years!), they are my family’s favorite! And this newcomer, Crumbl Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie — both recipes are perfected at sea level and high altitude! Let me know if you try them, and do not forget the flaky sea salt! Mmmm!
Weekly Inspiration
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
I loved these quotes that I shared with my friend who is moving this week, I think you will too!
“Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow, the same everlasting Father will take of you tomorrow and every day.
Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations and say continually, ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me… but in me…and I in Him.'”
St. Francis de Sales
Prayer does not fit us for the greater work. Prayer IS the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
Stay tuned for exciting updates, recipes, and tips in our next Fresh Fridays newsletter. Until then, keep grilling, tossing your salads, and savoring every precious moment in this life. Happy summer, dear readers!
P.S. If you missed last week’s Fresh Fridays, recipes, sales, tips, ideas, and more!
Visit our Updated Amazon Shop
Rate & Comment