While there are several mistakes you might make when whipping up your salad dressings, perhaps the most critical one is forgetting the rule surrounding your oil-to-vinegar ratio.

You need three parts oil to one part vinegar to properly emulsify your ingredients for the perfect flavor and texture as too much vinegar can result in a thin and acidic dressing.

On the other hand, too much oil creates a greasy, lifeless dressing. What you’re consuming in and alongside your salad also plays a huge role in how you make your dressing.

To cut through some richer, bolder flavors, consider bumping up the acidity in your dressing. Or, use a simple oil dressing if you’re making a salad with other acidic ingredients.