Simple Dressings & Sauces

Even if you eat a healthy diet, hidden toxins can easily sneak in through store-bought salad dressings, sauces, and condiments. A little jam at breakfast, dressing on your salad at lunch, and BBQ sauce or ketchup at dinner can quickly add up to a surprising amount of added sugar, salt, preservatives, artificial flavours, and hydrogenated oils—all without you even realising it.

These quick, wholesome recipes make it easy to take control of what you’re eating. By swapping out store-bought options for these simple homemade versions, you can dramatically reduce your exposure to hidden additives and toxins. Over time, these small, effortless changes can lead to big improvements in your health and well-being.

Simple Everyday Vinaigrette

A quick, light and versatile salad dressing perfect for dressing your greens. Made with olive oil and apple cider vinegar to support digestion and blood sugar balance, this dressing is free from hydrogenated oils and artificial additives found in many store-bought versions - and tastes even better!

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil 

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 

  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup

  • 1 small clove garlic, finely minced or grated (optional)

  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a small jar, combine the mustard, vinegar, oil and maple syrup. Mix well until smooth.

  2. Shake the jar vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.

  3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.

  4. Serve immediately over your favorite salad or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

Garlic Tahini Dressing

A rich, creamy dressing with a nutty, garlicky flavour that pairs perfectly with salads, roasted veggies, grain bowls, or even as a dip.

This dressing is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like tahini, which is rich in healthy fats, calcium, and protein, and apple cider vinegar, known for its gut-supporting and detoxifying properties. Cold-pressed olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while fresh herbs provide a burst of antioxidants. Free from preservatives and additives, this homemade dressing is a flavourful alternative to store-bought options. 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup filtered water
  • 1/2 cup raw tahini 
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp tamari
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tbsp sea salt
  • 1 medium garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
  • 2/3 cup cold-pressed olive oil
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley 
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped chives 

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except for the oil, parsley and chives in a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth. 
  2. Turn blender down to medium and slowly pour in the olive oil until fully incorporated. Remove dressing from blender and fold in chives and parsley 
  3. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks. 

Go-To Easy BBQ Sauce

A smoky, tangy BBQ sauce perfect for marinades, dips, or grilling. Unlike store-bought versions, our BBQ Sauce is free from refined sugars and artificial flavours, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and rich in flavor from real spices. 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup tomato passata

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or date syrup)

  • 1 tablespoon tamari 

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.

  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.

  3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (e.g., more maple syrup for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne for heat).

  5. Let it cool before using as a marinade, dip, or sauce for grilling. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Creamy Ranch Dressing

A creamy, dairy-free ranch dressing made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and fresh chives for that real ranch flavour. Many store-bought ranch dressings are filled with hydrogenated oils and artificial thickeners. This homemade version is packed with healthy fats from cashews and plant-based nutrients, making it a delicious and healthy addition to salads and snacks. 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cashews, soaked for 2-4 hours

  • 1/2 cup filted water

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • 1 tsp nutritional yeast 

  • 1 small garlic clove 

  • 1/4 cup chives, fined chopped 

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the cashews thoroughly, then place in a high speed blender with all other ingredients (except chives). Blend until completed smooth.

  2. Transfer to a jar, gently fold in chopped chives and leave in the fridge for 3 hours before using.

  3. This will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. 

Chia Berry Jam

A naturally sweet, thick berry jam made with chia seeds, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to porridge and yoghurt bowls. Store-bought jams are often loaded with refined sugars and preservatives. This homemade version uses natural sweetness from berries and maple syrup, while chia seeds provide fibre and omega-3s. An easy way to cut hidden sugars while enjoying a wholesome treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups frozen strawberries or raspberries

  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds

  • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Place the strawberries or raspberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Gently heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit breaks down and becomes juicy. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the fruit to your desired texture (chunky or smooth).

  2. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chia seeds. Mix well to combine. Add maple syrup and vanilla extract.

  3. Allow the mixture to cool for 5–10 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and thicken the jam.

  4. Transfer the jam to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set further. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week or store in the freezer for up to 1 month.