Sauces!

The simple upgrade that makes everything taste better.

Recipe 14 of 100

Somewhere along the way, I realized that the difference between a good meal and a great one is often just… a sauce.

For a long time, I thought sauces were complicated or something you only made for special occasions. But lately, I’ve been in a different mindset, why not? Most of them come together in minutes, and once you start making them, it’s hard to go back.

Now it’s become part of how I cook. A simple grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even leftovers can feel completely different depending on what you serve with it.

Some of these are fresh and herby, others are the kind my kids will happily dip anything into, and honestly, those are just as important.

This is a collection of go-to sauces I keep coming back to...nothing fussy, just fresh, flavorful, and easy to make.

Herby & Fresh

Chimichurri

Bright, herby, and perfect with grilled meats

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• ½ cup olive oil

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes

• Salt + pepper

Instructions: Stir everything together and let sit for at least 10–15 minutes before serving.

Lemon-Basil Pesto

Fresh, bright, and perfect for pasta, chicken, or sandwiches

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh basil

• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)

• 1 garlic clove

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ⅓–½ cup olive oil

• Salt + pepper

Instructions: Blend until smooth, adding olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.

Creamy & Classic

Simple Homemade Aioli

Creamy, garlicky, and endlessly adaptable

Ingredients

• ½ cup mayo

• 1 garlic clove, finely grated

• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt + pepper

Instructions: Mix and taste. Adjust lemon and salt until it’s balanced.

Fresh Herby Ranch Dressing

Cool, creamy, and full of fresh herbs

(Linked separately on the blog)

Simple Yogurt Dip

Light, creamy, and perfect with veggies

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Pinch of garlic powder

• Salt + pepper

Dippable Favorites

Smoky Honey Barbecue Sauce

Sweet, smoky, and better than store-bought

Ingredients

• ¾ cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt + pepper

Instructions: Whisk together and simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Buffalo Sauce (Easy Version)

Buttery, tangy, and just the right amount of heat

Ingredients

• ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s)

• 3 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp honey (optional)

Instructions: Whisk together until smooth.

Creamy Buffalo Dip

All the flavor, easy to adjust for kids

Ingredients

• ½ cup buffalo sauce

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup mayo

Instructions: Mix and adjust heat level to taste.

Honey Mustard (Kid Favorite)

Sweet, tangy, and great for dipping

Ingredients

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• 2–3 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp mayo (optional)

• Splash of lemon juice

Garlic Parmesan Dip

Savory, creamy, and very addictive

Ingredients

• ½ cup mayo

• ¼ cup grated parmesan

• 1 garlic clove, grated

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Black pepper

Simple Ketchup Upgrade

Familiar, but better

Mix:

• ketchup

• splash of apple cider vinegar

• drizzle of honey

• pinch of smoked paprika

Franklin Kitchen Notes

• A sauce can turn leftovers into a completely new meal

• Most of these keep well in the fridge for a few days

• If something tastes flat, it almost always needs more salt or acid

• Once you start making your own sauces, it’s hard to go back

I’ve started thinking less about “what’s for dinner” and more about “what sauce goes with this?”

Recipe #14 of my 100 Recipe Project

From My Franklin Kitchen, Alexis