6 Simple Dressings And Sauces You Can Make for Pennies

At the grocery store, it’s hard to miss the endless shelves of dressings, marinades, and specialty sauces. They're convenient, but they can be expensive — and often full of ingredients you don’t recognize.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a lot of money or sacrifice flavor. Some of the best dressings and sauces are super simple to make at home — and they cost just pennies using pantry staples, many of which you probably already have on hand.

I've found that making your own dressings and sauces is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your grocery bill without sacrificing flavor. In fact, homemade versions often taste far superior and allow you to control the quality of ingredients.

Say goodbye to store-bought and hello to fresh, flavorful savings with these 6 simple recipes!

Jump to:

• 1. Vinaigrette: Your Salad's Best Friend
• 2. 'Ranch-ish' Dressing: Ditch the Packet
• 3. Peanut Sauce: Asian-Inspired Flavor
• 4. Marinara/Tomato Sauce: Better Than a Jar
• 5. Honey Mustard: Sweet & Tangy Perfection
• 6. Tzatziki-Inspired Sauce: Fresh & Creamy
• 💬 Reviews and Comments

1. Vinaigrette: Your Salad's Best Friend

A good vinaigrette is the backbone of almost any salad, and it's shockingly simple to make. Once you master the basic formula, you can customize it endlessly.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or other neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white wine, red wine, apple cider, or balsamic)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (helps emulsify and adds tang)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of sugar or maple syrup for balance, minced garlic or shallots, fresh or dried herbs

How I Make It:

In a small bowl or jar with a lid, I combine the vinegar, Dijon, salt, and pepper. I whisk or shake vigorously until well combined. Then, I slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking or shaking until the dressing is emulsified and creamy. If I'm using garlic or herbs, I add them at the beginning with the vinegar.

Penny-Pinching Tip: Store any extra in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week. If it separates, just give it a good shake before using—it's that easy!

2. 'Ranch-ish' Dressing: Ditch the Packet

Love the creamy tang of ranch but want to skip the processed ingredients and high cost? My homemade 'ranch-ish' dressing is a healthier, cheaper alternative that's delicious on salads, as dips, or as a spread for sandwiches. It also can be a star in my wholesome tuna salad recipe, adding a creamy, savory kick.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for a lighter option, use more yogurt)
• ¼ cup milk (any kind, to thin)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried dill
• ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: a tiny pinch of cayenne for a kick, fresh chives or dill if you have them

How I Make It:

In a bowl, I whisk together the yogurt/sour cream, milk, and all the seasonings until smooth and well combined. I add more milk if I prefer a thinner consistency. Then, I taste and adjust seasonings as needed—perfection!

Penny-Pinching Tip: This is a great way to use up those last few tablespoons of yogurt or sour cream before they expire, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

If you want to make a ranch dressing that's a little closer to the packaged version, I also have a fantastic recipe for homemade ranch seasoning that you can use!

3. Peanut Sauce: Asian-Inspired Flavor

Craving takeout? This simple peanut sauce can elevate everything from stir-fries and noodle dishes to grilled chicken or veggie skewers, all without the takeout price tag. Get ready for incredible flavor!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (or brown sugar)
• ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, but recommended)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
• 2-4 tablespoons warm water (to thin to desired consistency)
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

How I Make It:

In a small bowl, I whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sweetener until smooth. I then stir in ginger and garlic if using. Gradually, I add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until I reach my desired consistency.

Penny-Pinching Tip: Peanut butter is often on sale – stock up and you'll always have the base for this versatile sauce, ready whenever you need it!

4. Marinara/Tomato Sauce: Better Than a Jar

While jarred marinara is convenient, making a simple tomato sauce from canned tomatoes is incredibly economical and tastes infinitely fresher. This basic recipe can be a base for pasta, pizza, or even dipping — it's a game-changer!

Once you've mastered this sauce, you'll find it's the perfect base for so many dishes instead of jarred sauce, including my super easy one pot rigatoni. It's also delicious in other weeknight pasta meals like my hearty ravioli casserole!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, but adds flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled, then crushed by hand)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of sugar to cut acidity

How I Make It:

I heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. If I'm using the onion, I add it and saute until softened (about 5-7 minutes). I then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. I stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). I bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Penny-Pinching Tip: Buy large cans of crushed tomatoes when they're on sale. They have a long shelf life and are a fantastic, versatile base for countless budget-friendly meals.

5. Honey Mustard: Sweet & Tangy Perfection

This classic dressing or dipping sauce is a favorite for good reason – and it's ridiculously simple to make at home with just a few ingredients. You'll be amazed!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• Salt to taste

How I Make It:

In a small bowl, I whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Then, I taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to my preference. If I like it thinner, I add a tiny bit of water or milk.

Penny-Pinching Tip: This recipe is fantastic for using up those last bits of mustard and honey in your pantry before they crystallize or run out, making sure you get every last drop of value!

6. Tzatziki-Inspired Sauce: Fresh & Creamy

While traditional tzatziki involves straining yogurt, a quick 'inspired' version can be made in minutes and adds a fresh, creamy element to grilled meats or roasted vegetables, or as a dip. It’s a burst of freshness!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup finely grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water if possible, but not critical for this quick version)
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How I Make It:

In a small bowl, I combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. I stir well to combine. Finally, I taste and adjust seasonings to perfection.

Penny-Pinching Tip: Use a vegetable peeler to get thin cucumber ribbons for wraps or salads, then grate the remaining ends for this sauce – zero waste and maximum flavor!

By taking just a few minutes to whip up these simple dressings and sauces, you'll not only save a significant amount of money at the grocery store, but you'll also infuse your meals with fresher, more vibrant flavors. Embrace homemade goodness and watch your savings grow!