7 Amazing Dressings That Will Transform Your Salad

It's hard to think of a pair of foods -- aside from oil and vinegar (or lemon juice) -- that can transform greens, roasted vegetables or any protein, really, into something delicious, but Isa Chandra Moskowitz's new book Isa Does It: Amazingly Easy, Wildly Delicious Vegan Recipes for Every Day of the Week shows us something brand new. This recipe simply has you mix mustard and maple syrup, and warm them gently for a just-sweet-enough, incredibly versatile dressing.

Get the recipe:Warm Maple-Mustard Dressing

Avocados and ranch dressing are two foods that inspire cult-like devotion; together, they are pretty much perfection. This take on the popular combo from Isa Does It doesn't use any buttermilk or mayonnaise; instead, the recipe relies on the natural creaminess of a ripe avocado thinned out with vegetable broth to make a pourable dressing. Fresh dill adds an herby, almost lemony element; the overall effect is refreshing and an ideal complement to spicy food.

Get the recipe: Avocado-Ranch Dressing

Make this juice-based dressing in winter, when tangerines, oranges, lemons and limes are at their peak. The citrus flavors will remind you of warm weather, and the kick from ancho chili powder and cayenne will warm you up, too.

Get the recipe: Spicy Citrus Dressing

Honey mustard dressing is such a lovable combination of sweet, spicy and creamy. This five-ingredient version of the classic belongs in every cook's repertoire. It has one surprise addition: cumin, which adds a warm and toasty flavor.

Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Dressing

Yet another reason to love yogurt: It can thicken and brighten up the flavor of dressings without introducing loads of extra fat. This tangy and smooth salad go-with combines plain yogurt with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, mustard and honey.

Get the recipe:Balsamic Yogurt Dressing

Chances are, if you're making a salmon or a soba-noodle dish or chicken or beef teriyaki, you've got everything you need to whip up this quick Asian dressing. It includes garlic, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil, and will turn plain greens into a side that pairs perfectly with your main course.

Get the recipe: Ginger-Scallion Vinaigrette

This blend starts with the classic ingredients -- olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar -- but veers in a zippier direction with the addition of a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (dill pickle juice or soy sauce works, too).

Get the recipe: Gerri Hirshey's Salad Dressing