Sauces and Dips Recipes
Essential sauces, dressings, and dips—from creamy garlic to spicy guacamole—perfect for pairing, drizzling, or dipping any meal.
Creamy Jalapeño-Cilantro Dressing
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoM
Cucumber Ranch Dressing
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoM
Green 'N' Mean Salsa
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoM
Perfect Spicy Guacamole
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoM
Seared Cod with No-Cook Mustard-Caper Sauce
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoM
Intro
This category brings together all your go-to sauces, dressings, and dips—the finishing touch that makes every dish shine. From creamy garlic and tangy vinaigrettes to zesty guacamole and cool tzatziki, these recipes transform simple meals into something special. Whether you’re building a party platter, meal-prepping for the week, or layering flavour on your favourite mains, this is your one-stop guide to balanced, flavour-packed sauces. Expect both light and indulgent options suited to everyday cooking, salads, snacks, and grilled mains.
Quick Picks
- Classic Greek Tzatziki for grilled meats and wraps
- Fresh and vibrant Perfect Spicy Guacamole
- Sweet and fruity Fresh Fruit Coulis for desserts
- Easy Red Wine Vinaigrette for salads and grains
- Silky Creamy Garlic Dip for veggies or kebabs
Make-Ahead & Storage
| Item | Fridge | Freezer | Reheat/Serve Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creamy Garlic Dip | 3–4 days | Not suitable | Stir well before serving; add a splash of milk if thick. |
| Tzatziki | 2–3 days | Not suitable | Serve chilled; strain excess liquid if separated. |
| Perfect Spicy Guacamole | 1–2 days | Not ideal | Press cling film on surface to prevent browning. |
| Fresh Fruit Coulis | 4–5 days | 2 months | Thaw overnight; serve cold or slightly warm for desserts. |
| Red Wine Vinaigrette | 1 week | Not ideal | Shake or whisk before drizzling. |
| Dry Caramel Sauce | 1 month | 3 months | Warm gently in microwave or double boiler to liquefy. |
Compare Popular Options
| Dish/Item | Time | Skill | Make-ahead | Best with / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creamy Garlic Dip | 3 min | Easy | ★★★★☆ | Great with grilled chicken or vegetable crudités. |
| Tzatziki | 5–10 min | Easy | ★★★★☆ | Ideal for kebabs, falafel, or pita wraps. |
| Spicy Guacamole | 10 min | Easy | ★★☆☆☆ | Serve immediately; best with chips or tacos. |
| Red Wine Vinaigrette | 5 min | Easy | ★★★★★ | Pairs with green salads or roasted vegetables. |
| Fresh Fruit Coulis | 10 min | Easy | ★★★★★ | Perfect over pancakes, cheesecake, or yoghurt. |
| Dry Caramel | 15 min | Intermediate | ★★★☆☆ | Use for desserts or coffee drinks; avoid humidity. |
Techniques That Matter
- Balance acid and fat: Start with 1 part vinegar or citrus to 3 parts oil for dressings.
- Emulsify properly: Whisk slowly while drizzling oil into vinegar or lemon juice to stabilise.
- Use fresh herbs late: Mix chopped herbs just before serving for brighter colour and flavour.
- Control heat: For spicy dips, add chilli gradually; heat intensifies as flavours meld.
- Cool dairy sauces fast: Chill tzatziki and creamy dips quickly to preserve texture.
- Sweet sauces: Avoid crystallisation by not stirring caramel after sugar melts.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
- Split vinaigrette → Re-whisk or add a drop of mustard to rebind.
- Bitter garlic flavour → Use roasted or briefly blanched garlic for dips.
- Watery tzatziki → Strain yoghurt and squeeze cucumber well before mixing.
- Brown guacamole → Add lime and store airtight with cling film touching the surface.
- Crystallised caramel → Use clean utensils and dissolve sugar evenly before boiling.
Serving Ideas / Planner’s Notes
- For appetisers, serve 3–4 dips for every 6 guests; include creamy, spicy, and fresh varieties.
- Use small bowls or ramekins to portion sauces attractively.
- Mix and match: pair creamy dips with crunchy snacks, tangy vinaigrettes with fresh greens.
- Always offer a mild and a spicy option for balance.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly; avoid double-dipping to extend shelf life.
Featured Links
Round out your sauce lineup with savoury main dishes like Seared Cod with No-Cook Mustard-Caper Sauce or explore more Mediterranean pairings alongside Low-Fat Tzatziki and Green 'N' Mean Salsa for easy, flavour-forward meals.