Cowboy Week Recipes: 3 Bold & Flavorful Salad Dressings Inspired by 1923
It’s the last day of my Cowboy theme week, during which I’m channeling rustic, hearty flavors inspired by the Wild West! If you’re as excited as I am for the return of 1923, the hit prequel to Yellowstone, then you know it’s the perfect time to bring a little cowboy charm to your kitchen.
This week, I’m sharing a full lineup of Western-inspired recipes, from smokey burgers to cast-iron steaks to the perfect wine pairing. And, of course, no meal is complete without a bold, flavor-packed salad dressing to tie it all together. These three dressings bring smokey, spicy, and tangy flavors to your salads while pairing perfectly with hearty cowboy meals and—because this is The Happy Lush—great wine. 🍷
So grab your favorite greens, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s whip up some cowboy-approved salad dressings that even the Duttons would love.
🔥 Smokey Maple Bourbon Vinaigrette
Sweet & Smokey – Pairs Perfectly with Everything!
This sweet and smokey vinaigrette brings a touch of bourbon, smoked paprika, and maple syrup together for a flavor that’s rustic and bold. It’s perfect for hearty greens like Romaine, especially when topped with toasted pecans, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan.
🛒 Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or bourbon for a bolder kick!)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp maple syrup (balances out the smoky flavors)
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 small clove garlic, minced
🔥 Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together until emulsified.
Drizzle over your favorite salad ingredients and enjoy!
🍷 Wine Pairing: Syrah or Zinfandel (Both wines have smokey and spicy notes that complement the dressing!)
🤠 Spicy Cowboy Ranch
Bold, Creamy, & Slightly Smokey
Ranch dressing, but make it cowboy-style! This kicked-up ranch is smokey and creamy and has a touch of heat that makes it irresistible. It’s perfect for salads with grilled corn, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
🛒 Ingredients:
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
¼ cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk)
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tbsp fresh cilantro or chives, finely chopped
Salt & black pepper to taste
🔥 Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
Drizzle over your favorite salad and enjoy!
🍷 Wine Pairing: Carménère or Cabernet Franc (Both wines have green, herbal notes that complement the spices in the dressing!)
🍯 Honey-Bourbon Mustard Dressing
Tangy, Slightly Sweet & Balanced
A tangy mustard-based dressing with just the right balance of honey and bourbon to keep things interesting. This pairs beautifully with candied pecans, blue cheese, and dried cranberries.
🛒 Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey (adds sweetness to balance smoky flavors)
1 tbsp bourbon (optional but ties into your meal perfectly!)
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
🔥 Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together until emulsified.
Serve over a crisp salad with all the fixings.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Malbec or Tannat (Both have bold flavors that stand up to the tangy mustard and bourbon!)
🥗 More Cowboy-Inspired Recipes to Try
These dressings are just part of the 1923-inspired Cowboy Week! Try them with these recipes:
🥂 Final Thoughts: Bringing the Flavors of the Wild West to Your Table
If you’re looking to bring the rustic flavors of the West into your kitchen, these salad dressings are the perfect way to do it! Whether you prefer sweet and smoky, bold and spicy, or tangy and balanced, there’s a dressing here that will make your salads shine.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Which dressing are you trying first? Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @thehappylush with your cowboy-inspired meal.
And if you haven’t already, subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss a delicious recipe.
🤠 Cheers! 🥂