Other bases, such as vegetable juices and fruit juice concentrates, however, can take the place of oil in many vinaigrette recipes and add flavors that complement any salad. An Oriental-style dressing, for example, might include rice vinegar, peeled and chopped fresh gingerroot, minced garlic, apple juice concentrate, soy sauce, cornstarch and water. It's delicious on a spinach and citrus salad. Move beyond traditional vinegars to try some of the popular fruit or herb flavored vinegars. Balsamic vinegar is made from special grapes and is aged in oak for its distinctive flavor and color.
Creamy dressings can be light as well, made with lowfat yogurt, buttermilk or lowfat sour cream.
Fruits and vegetables can be ingredients for your dressings as well. Make a chunky dressing, much like a salsa, with chopped or sliced fresh berries, red wine vinegar, fresh orange juice and freshly ground black pepper. It's great on slices of melon or a cabbage slaw. Or, in a blender combine water, vinegar, dried tomatoes, olive oil, snipped fresh oregano, sugar and a dash of salt. Blend, chill and serve over a green salad.