Pickle Up Your Dressings & Sauces with 19 Recipes for Dill Pickle Juice

In search of some unique dressings and sauces recipes to add to your repertoire?

Why not try something a little out-of-the-box and whip up a batch of pickle juice infused salad dressing or dipping sauce?

Did you know that store-bought dressings are some of the least healthy things you may have in your fridge? That's because they are made with inflammatory seed oils and contain artificial preservatives, have high sodium content and list dubious ingredients like 'natural flavors.' 

If the store bought dressings in your fridge are of the "better" variety (perhaps they are avocado oil based), there is still reason to make your own: the taste.

There simply is no substitute for fresh dressing. 

Making the switch to creating your own dressings is one of the easiest and most effective health hacks you can make. When you control the ingredients, making sure the oil used is higher quality, you'll be be floored when you taste the quality difference between shelf dressings and those that are made fresh. 

The best part? Making your own is EASY (we'll show you how) and you can probably make them with ingredients you already have. If you do need to purchase a couple ingredients, consider these to great investments. A little goes a long way and items like higher quality oils and vinegars have long shelf lives.  

We created our 19 Dressings and Sauces with our LiveBrine Probiotic Pickle Juice. These creations are not only delicious but also good for your gut. That's because LiveBrine is pickle juice from fermented pickles that's packed with live cultures, promoting microbiome health. Use LiveBrine in dressing recipes you already love, or discover some new favorites. Either way, you'll make LiveBrine the most powerful ingredient in your fridge. 

Many people only drink pickle juice a shot at a time.

There are so many other tasty and creative ways to use pickle juice beyond simply taking a morning or evening shot (although we recommend doing that, for sure.)

Dressing and sauce recipes that call for salt, vinegar or lemon juice are ideal to substitute with pickle juice instead. LiveBrine will give your dish a new and unique flavor, not to mention a probiotic boost. 

We're here to show you how easy it is to make your favorite dressing or sauce recipe with pickle juice. With our simple tips and tricks you'll read about here, you'll create meals topped with pickle juice dressings and sauces that everyone will love.

Probiotic Pickle Brine from Real Probiotic Fermented Pickles

People have different opinions about drinking pickle juice. Some people like it, some people don't, but what's important to realize is that not all pickle juices are created equal.

There is healthy, fermented pickle juice and then there's "dump it" pickle juice. LiveBrine by Olive My Pickle isn't your ordinary store bought brine straight from the jar of pickles. Our healthy pickle juice has live, good-guy probiotic bacteria while "dump it" pickle juice has been pasteurized and contains no benefits of live cultures.

Some reasons to opt for the live, healthy kind of pickle juice include:

• You'll omit yellow #5 food dyes often found in dump it brands. 
• You can drink pickle juice for its electrolytes and replace sugary sports drinks.
• Fermented pickles and their juice are known to reduce sugar cravings. 
• Pickle juice is scientifically researched to aid and reduce muscle cramps.

There's truly a wide array of benefits, you can read more about them in our article, Drink it or Dump It, it's our ultimate guide to healthy pickle juice.

 

Best Way to Use Pickle Juice in Recipes:

Let it be your go-to Salt Substitute

If you're looking for a way to reduce refined table salt and add quality, high mineral sea salt into your diet without sacrificing flavor, pickle juice can be the perfect solution. To understand more about salt, check out our article The Truth About Sodium and Fermented Foods.

Pickle juice is a tart and tangy liquid that is perfectly suited as a salt or kosher salt substitute in many recipes, adding a boost of flavor without all the extra processed salt.

Here's a few easy ways to use pickle juice:

• Simply swap out the amount of salt called for in the recipe with an equal amount of pickle juice. Adjust taste to preference. 
• Replace pickle juice in marinades, dressings, and sauces for a subtle salty flavor.
• Use pickle juice to season meat or vegetables before cooking, but to save the probiotic benefits, brush on after cooking.
• Toss in pickle juice to soups and stews for extra flavor.

With a little creativity, you can use pickle juice to reduce the table salt content of any recipe. So don't throw out that juice – put it to good use and enjoy the delicious results.

Creative & tasty dill pickle juice recipes:

50/50 EVOO + LiveBrine Pickle Juice

 Basic Dressing Using Your Favorite LiveBrine

This fresh and zesty salad dressing is sure to wake up your taste buds! All you need is equal parts extra virgin olive oil and LiveBrine Pickle Juice for a flavor that's out of this world. This is the #1 easiest dressing we suggest. 

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup LiveBrine pickle juice

Pour over your salad, toss and enjoy,  If you prefer, whisk or shake in mason jar until combined. 

Italian Dressing

Classic Kosher Dill LiveBrine 

This is a basic dressing recipe that everyone needs in their back pocket. It goes well with crisp greens, tomatoes, onion and cucumber and can also be used as a dip for warm bread and even dress up a pasta salad! Have all three for a complete meal!

Who needs a restaurant? Plus, your gut will be happier too.

• ¼ cup LiveBrine Classic Kosher Dill
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup EVOO
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 Tbsp parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• ¼ tsp fresh black pepper
• 2 fermented garlic cloves- finely chopped/ minced

Whisk together in a bowl or shake in a mason jar.

Caesar Dressing 

Classic Kosher Dill LiveBrine 

Ah, the beloved Caesar. This version is gut friendly and bursting with flavor. It may take a little bit of extra prep and ingredients (if you don’t have anchovy paste and capers on hand at all times) but it’s worth it, we promise!

One of THE MOST traditional recipes around, probably served at every restaurant as a dressing option, this Caesar dressing recipe may force you to give up on all your faves and never go back - it's that good.

• 2 Tbsp LiveBrine: Classic Kosher Dill
• 2 cloves garlic - finely chopped/ minced.  *we prefer fermented garlic! 
• 1.5 tsp anchovy paste
• 1 tsp chopped capers
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tbsp mayo *we recommend avocado oil based mayo
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Whisk together in a bowl or shake in a mason jar. If you'd like it extra blended, give it a pulse or two in a mini blender or food processor.

Ranch Dressing 

Classic Kosher Dill LiveBrine Pickle Juice

Who doesn’t love ranch dressing? We decided to make a flavor packed, gut healthy version that is seriously delightful. Kids and adults alike will go crazy over this one!

The best part about this is you can make it thick for a crunchy raw veggie dip, or thin it out to drizzle on a salad. Our favorite salad pairing with this one? A BLT avocado ranch salad. It’s lunch in a bowl!

• 2 oz LiveBrine: Chlorella & Ginger or Classic Kosher Dill 
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dill
• 1 tsp dried chives
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1/2 cup mayo *we recommend avocado oil based mayo
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Salt to taste 

Stir all of the herbs and spices with the brine and lemon juice first, to hydrate them. Add the mayo & greek yogurt. Stir to combine.  Let sit in the fridge to chill and develop flavors.

Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette 

Blue Spirulina & Lemon LiveBrine

Lemon, garlic, cheese - delicious! This dressing gives us serious scampi vibes and tastes amazing tossed on a salad, grain bowl or even a shrimp pasta salad. Yeah, we said shrimp pasta salad. Dare to try it? It won’t disappoint!

• 2 oz LiveBrine: Blue Spirulina & Lemon
• 1 juiced lemon 
• 2 oz extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium pressed / minced fermented garlic clove
• pepper to taste 
• *optional 1 Tbsp Parmesan- grated or shredded 

Whisk together in a bowl or shake in a mason jar.

Curry Vinaigrette 

Turmeric & Cracked Black Pepper LiveBrine

We love a nice piping hot bowl of curry over rice, but sometimes you just want a lighter option. You can still enjoy all of the amazing flavors of a curry with this vinaigrette! It’s tangy and spiced with a brightness from the turmeric. Try it with a slaw, or even a curry chicken salad. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!

• ¼ cup LiveBrine: Turmeric & Cracked Back Pepper 
• 1 garlic clove - finely chopped/ minced *we like to use fermented garlic. 
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp avocado oil
• Pinch black pepper 

Blend together or shake in a small glass jar!

Strawberry Dragonfruit White Balsamic 

Dragon Fruit & Strawberry LiveBrine

We often forget there is another option when it comes to Balsamic Vinegar, the white variety! This has some of the same flavor profiles but is lighter and brighter! This makes for a great pairing with fresh strawberries and our beautiful pink LiveBrine. Try it on a spinach salad with fruit, nuts and cheese added in. It really takes your salad to a whole new level!

• 2 Tbsp LiveBrine: Dragon Fruit & Strawberry
• 4 medium sized fresh strawberries - finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Whisk together in a bowl or shake in a mason jar or blend in a mini food processor for a smooth consistency.

Blueberry Balsamic 

Elderberry & Date LiveBrine

Simple, antioxidant rich and full of flavor! This is another fruity balsamic option that pairs really well with a mixed green protein salad. It only takes a second to whip this up and you don’t need a ton of ingredients on hand!

• ¼ cup LiveBrine: Elderberry & Date
• ¼ cup fresh blueberries
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch black pepper

Blend together in a mini food processor.

Chimichurri 

Blue Spirulina & Lemon or Classic Kosher Dill LiveBrine

Chimichurri is a traditional Argentinian sauce used as a table condiment for grilled meat. It is an uncooked sauce full of fresh herbs and bright flavors! It pairs so nicely with the warmth of grilled meats, vegetables and even pizza. Once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s always on the table come dinner time!

• ½ cup LiveBrine: Blue Spirulina & Lemon/ Classic Kosher Dill
• 5 fermented garlic cloves - finely chopped/ minced
• ½ white onion - small, diced
• 1 bunch fresh basil - finely chopped
• ½ bunch fresh mint - finely chopped
• ½ bunch fresh parsley - finely chopped
• ¼ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ⅛ tsp chili flake
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, stir together.  Let sit for 15-30 minutes before serving for the best flavor. 

Spicy Mango Vinaigrette 

Aji Amarillo Pepper & Mango LiveBrine

Tropical, spicy, sweet - this dressing has it all! We’re absolutely loving this dressing on everything and it packs a serious flavor punch. Drizzle this dressing on fish, chicken or veggies. We promise your dish won’t be bland!

• ½ cup LiveBrine - Aji Amarillo Pepper & Mango
• ¼ cup chopped mango
• 1 fermented garlic clove
• 1 Tbsp sriracha or favorite hot sauce
• 1 Tbsp avocado oil

Blend together in a mini food processor until smooth.

Sweet and Tangy Cilantro Honey Dressing 

Pomegranate, Beet & Tangerine LiveBrine

Sweet + tangy: either you love it or ya don’t! We happen to be in the camp that loves it, so we dreamed up this dressing straight from our herb garden. It’s a great dressing for warm grilled vegetables or meat on a bed of fresh greens. Do you love cilantro too? Go ahead and make this one, it's so fresh and tasty! 

• ½ cup LiveBrine: Pomegranate, Beet & Tangerine
• ½ cup fresh cilantro - very finely chopped
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp honey - local & raw, if possible
• ½ tsp cumin 

Mix well or blend up in a small food processor until smooth.

Maple Horseradish Vinaigrette 

Elderberry & Date LiveBrine

No more boring salads for us! This slightly sweet and tangy dressing is so versatile, it can be used with green salads and even give a nice kick to fruit salads! Trust us and give it a try!

• 1/4 cup LiveBrine: Elderberry & Date
• 1 Tbsp minced shallot
• 1 garlic clove, finely diced/ minced. *We like to use fermented garlic.
• 1 Tbsp horseradish
• 1 tsp coarse Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp cracked pepper
• salt and pepper to taste

Whisk together in a bowl or shake in a mason jar.

Tahini Dressing 

Classic Kosher Dill / Chlorella & Ginger LiveBrine

This is an easy one to whip up in a pinch. It's simple, healthy and the nutty flavor of sesame tahini provides nuance to any dish. Top your salad bowl with this flavorful dressing and it’ll be sure to excite your tastebuds!

• 3-4 Tbsp LiveBrine: Classic Kosher Dill, *add more to desired taste and consistency
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1 juice of lemon
• 1 clove garlic, minced - *fermented works best in this recipe
• ⅛ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp honey / maple syrup *optional

Blend well in a mini food processor or blender.

Miso Tahini Dressing 

Classic Kosher Dill / Chlorella & Ginger LiveBrine

This is a great dressing or marinade for protein and veggies too. It’s fantastic with a piece of fish or a beautiful chopped asian salad. We love the depth of flavor and umami that miso adds to any dish!

• 3-5 Tbsp LiveBrine: Classic Kosher Dill or Chlorella & Ginger
• ⅓ cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp white miso paste
• 2 tsp maple syrup *optional

Blend well in a mini food processor or blender.

Tzatziki 

Blue Spirulina & Lemon LiveBrine

Whether you serve this as an appetizer dip with pita bread and fresh veggies or complete your meal, this dressing shines! This creamy classic Greek dressing is fabulous with a nice piece of lamb, potatoes and vegetables for a complete nutrient packed meal. Plop a nice dollop right in the middle of your plate and dip away! Seriously, it goes with everything!

• 1-2 tbsp LiveBrine: Blue Spirulina & Lemon *to desired consistency
•  2 Garlic Pickles from Olive My Pickle- finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic- minced *we like the fermented kind that we make best.
• 3 sprigs dill, chopped *you can also use dried
• 1 cup Greek yogurt 
• pinch pepper
• squeeze of lemon

Chop garlic, pickles and dill and add to yogurt. Stir in pickle juice and pepper to taste, add salt if needed. Chill at least one hour to overnight before serving for flavors to come together

Note: Could use food processor or blender but we found it becomes very watery that way. 

 

Avocado Crema 

Aji Amarillo Pepper & Mango

This rich and creamy sauce pairs really well with spicy foods! It’s nice and cool, and the healthy fat content is really satiating. We love to top our tacos, use it as a dip for chips & veggies or poured over a burrito bowl!

Avocado Crema will last up to about 3 days in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container. 

• 2 Tablespoon LiveBrine - Aji Amarillo Pepper and Mango
• 1 large avocado ripe
• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 fermented garlic cloves
• ¼ cup flat parsley / cilantro
• ⅛ tsp. black pepper
• ⅛ tsp cumin *optional

Place avocados, Greek yogurt/sour cream, garlic powder and lime juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth in a small blender or mini food processor. 

Buffalo Vinaigrette 

Aji Amarillo Pepper & Mango

This is our take on hot wings but lightened up a bit. You get all of the delicious flavors as a platter of wings but don’t have to do so much work. Perfect for a chicken or mixed veggie salad. Spicy, tangy, sweet, delicious!

• ½ cup LiveBrine: Aji Amarillo Pepper & Mango
• 3 cloves garlic, diced *we like using fermented garlic
• 2 Tbsp buffalo hot sauce *We like Siete Hot Sauce
• 2 Tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp honey
• Pinch pepper 

Blend together in small blender or food processor.. Great for a buffalo sauce sauce replacement and on a protein salad with crunchy greens. 

Taco Salad Dressing 

Aji Amarillo Pepper & Mango

Taco Tuesday, or any day! We love a giant bowl of taco fixins we can shovel in with a fork, or try a spoon! It’s the new way to enjoy chopped salads without stabbing away trying to get that perfect bite. Give it a try and you’ll never go back!

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup LiveBrine: Aji Amarillo Pepper & Mango
• 1 Tbsp favorite salsa
• 1 Tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp chopped cilantro

If you like spicy, add chopped jalapeños. Blend well in a mini food processor or blender to desired consistency. 

Greens Pesto 

Classic Kosher Dill / Chlorella Ginger LiveBrine

Pesto is a super easy no fuss sauce that comes together in seconds. Plus it tastes good on everything! Try it on a grilled cheese, top your favorite pasta or even drizzle on a caprese salad - now that’s delicious!

• 2 Tbsp LiveBrine: Classic Kosher Dill / Chlorella & Ginger
• 1 cup Greens- Basil, Avocado, Frozen Peas, Kale, Spinach, Arugula, even Avocado works
• ½ cup Nuts- Pine Nuts, Cashews, Pistachios, Walnuts, Almonds
• 1-2 Tbsp Olive Oil for desired consistency
• 1-2 fermented garlic cloves
• Salt & Pepper - to taste

Blend in a mini food processor or blender to desired consistency.

Wrap Up:

You're set with a list of delicious recipes for turning our LiveBrine into homemade dressings and sauces! Give one (or all!) of these creations a try and let us know what you think. We promise – your taste buds and your gut will thank you!

Not sure about which LiveBrine flavors may be for you? Check out our LiveBrine Buying Guide for some easy guidance on flavors, superfoods and their health benefits.  Read the blog here.