Homemade salad dressing is so much better than bottled dressings. It is healthier--no excess sodium and preservatives; and the taste is simply superior. I found one tool that ensures a successful dressing--a wire whisk. I am fond of the Kuhn Rikon Whisk-in-a_Cruet. It contains a steel wire whisking ball in a vase container that completely mixes and emulsifies the dressing. This can also be used for marinades, drinks and cocktails. 
Below are a few Salad Recipes to get you started:

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Makes 3/4 cup

Ingredients:
    * 1/3 cup (3 oz) lite mayonnaise
    * 1/4 cup (2 oz) buttermilk
    * 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
    * 2 tsp. vinegar
    * 1/2 tsp. dried parsley
    * 1/2 tsp. sugar
    * 1/4 tsp dried basil
    * 1/8 tsp. pepper

Directions:
   1. Combine all ingredients in Vase Whisk.
   2. Mix (whisk) until blended.

Italian Dressing
Makes 3/4 cup

Ingredients:
    * 1/4 cup (2 oz) white balsamic vinegar
    * 1 tsp. sugar
    * 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
    * 1 small pressed garlic clove
    * 1/2 cup (4 oz) extra-virgin olive oil
    * Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
   1. Combine all ingredients in Vase Whisk,
   2. Mix (whisk) until blended.

Citrus Vinaigrette
Makes 3/4 cup

Ingredients:
    * 1/3 cup (3 oz) white wine vinegar
    * 1/4 cup (2 oz) fresh orange juice
    * 1 Tbsp. honey
    * 2 tsp. grated orange peel
    * 2 Tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
    * Pepper to taste

Directions:
   1. Combine all ingredients in Vase Whisk.
   2. Mix (whisk) until blended.