Recipes

34 Healthy Sauces So You Never Have to Eat Boring Food Again

Make one great sauce, eat well all week long. 
Image may contain Plant Food Lunch and Meal
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: The secret's in the sauce. The right dip or dressing anchors a grain bowl or crudité platter, transforming a bunch of ingredients into an actual dish. Whether you're working with a fully-stocked fridge or just a handful of pantry staples, making one powerhouse sauce can guide a full week of flavorful meals. Got a dip? Thin it out with a splash of warm water to make salad dressing. Have extra chutney? Smear it on the sandwich. These condiments aren't just worth making at home—they deserve a permanent spot in your fridge door.

  • Chimichurri sauce in a bowl on a marble counter.
    Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich
    1/34

    Chimichurri

    This colorful chimichurri recipe doubles as a marinade and works as an accompaniment to all cuts of beef—or anything else you want to gussy up.

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  • Image may contain Jar and Food
    Photo by Chelsie Craig
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    New-Standard Vinaigrette

    No more excuses for store-bought salad dressing.

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  • Image may contain Food Pizza Egg and Breakfast
    Photo by Alex Lau
    3/34

    Chili Crisp

    This all-purpose chili crisp—which is tangy, spicy, and crunchy—will give your other condiments an inferiority complex.

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  • Image may contain Dish Food and Meal
    Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Emily Eisen
    4/34

    Tahini-Ranch Dressing

    We would never ask you to use your blender if it didn’t make a smoother and better dressing. The effort is worth it; you’ll have enough sauce to get you through a week of lunches.

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  • This image may contain Plant and Food
    Photo by Marcus Nilsson, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Amy Wilson
    5/34

    Fiery Green Tahini Sauce

    This is the condiment version of those summer sandals you want to wear with everything.

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  • Desk dip with eggs and sweet potatoes curried peanut dip
    Photo by Chelsie Craig, food styling by Kat Boytsova
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    Curried Peanut Dip

    This creamy, spicy-sweet dip pairs with leftover rotisserie chicken, jammy eggs, cucumber spears, and roasted sweet potatoes for the perfect desk-friendly lunch.

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  • miso pesto ramen noodles
    Photo by Alex Lau
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    Ramen Noodles With Miso Pesto

    This cilantro-miso sauce bring a welcome twist to a classic pesto recipe. Put it on springy ramen noodles, grain bowls, or sturdy salads.

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  • Image may contain Coffee Cup Cup Drink Latte Beverage Food and Egg
    Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kate Buckens
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    Spicy Cashew Dressing

    Inspired by the nut-based Caesar dressings at NYC’s Lalito and Scarr’s Pizza, our version starts with roasted cashews.

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  • Image may contain Plant Food Lunch and Meal
    Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova
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    Cashew Nam Prik

    Nam prik is a delicious chile-based dip found all over Thailand. Here's our healthyish take on it.

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  • This image may contain Food Dish Meal Stew Plant Bowl Animal Seafood Sea Life Lobster and Produce
    Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski
    10/34

    Salsa Macha

    Think of this as a chile-laced peanut butter you’ll want to put on everything, from tacos to fried eggs. It’s delicious and not at all as intimidating as it sounds.

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  • Image may contain Dish Food Meal and Plant
    Photo by Chelsie Craig, food styling by Alison Attenborough
    11/34

    Cilantro Chutney

    This herby bright green chutney comes together in minutes and can be drizzled on rice, roasted veggies, eggs.

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  • This image may contain Dish Food Meal Plant Platter and Bowl
    Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Emily Eisen
    12/34

    Roasted Broccoli and Tofu With Creamy Miso Dressing

    This hemp-based creamy dressing is free of dairy and nuts. Drizzle it on tofu, charred veggies, or sandwiches.

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  • This image may contain Drink Juice Beverage Plant Smoothie and Food
    Photo by TED+CHELSEA CAVANAUGH, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou
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    Sesame-Scallion Sauce

    This fresh green sauce is more than versatile: drizzle it over eggs, toss it with salad greens, or use it as a marinade for shrimp.

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  • All Day Every Day Sauce Carrots
    Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski
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    All Day Every Day Sauce

    Once you’ve paired this sauce with all sorts of vegetables and proteins, reinvent it.

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