Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (2024)

The 11 Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes. Learn how to make healthy salad dressings at home in under 5 minutes! Delicious and easy to make!

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Healthy Dressing for Salad

If you think salads are boring, these healthy salad dressing recipes will change your mind!

Unlike other salad dressings that are high in sugar and made with lots of preservatives – these homemade salad dressing recipes are made with simple ingredients that you have in your pantry and fridge!

We’ve perfected the art of making healthy homemade salad dressings and this post will show you just how easy they are to make.

If you’ve never made dressing before, don’t worry-even the most novice cooks can follow these healthy dressing recipes!

Say bye to boring salads forever, and make one of these easy healthy dressings!

Why we love these healthy salad dressing recipes

There is a lot to love about healthy homemade salad dressings:

  • Easy to make – It only takes 5 minutes to make a homemade dressing!
  • Great on salads or as a marinade – This tastes delicious on basically any salad especially a spinach salad! You can also use them as a marinade for chicken breasts or marinade for salmon!
  • Tastes so delicious – Homemade salad dressings are ALWAYS better tasting than store bought!

Healthy Salad Dressing Ingredients

The best salad dressing are made with the following combination:

  • Fat: A fat source is a necessity for good dressings. Our favorite thing to use in dressing is olive oil. It gives dressings a rich taste and the perfect texture.
  • Acid: All good healthy dressings have some sort of acid. You can use balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or citrus juice.
  • Flavorful add ins: Something sweet like honey/maple syrup, fresh or dried herbs, or condiments like mustard are all delicious add ins for homemade dressing.

You can find substitutions for all of these ingredients below in the green shaded box.

How to make healthy dressing for salad

Making healthy salad dressings is not hard at all! Typically this is how they’re made:

  1. Gather all you ingredients.
  2. Whisk together in a bowl or blend together depending on the recipe
  3. Store in a mason jar for 4-7 days.

Now let’s get into the best homemade dressing recipes

Lemon Dressing

This Easy Honey Lemon Dressing is so delicious and quick to make! Blend together a few ingredients for the best honey mustard lemon dressing.

To make this recipe you’ll need:

Serve it with:

  • Easy Kale Salad
  • Chicken Marinade
  • As a dressing on Healthy Pasta Salad

Healthy Blue Cheese Dressing

This Healthy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe is SO easy to make. A Greek yogurt blue cheese that tastes just like the real thing!

To make greek yogurt blue cheese you’ll need:

Serve it with: Crockpot Wings, Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (5)

Healthy Basil Vinaigrette

The Best Basil Vinaigrette Recipe! This easy Basil Salad Dressing can be made in under 5 minutes with only 5 ingredients. So delicious!

To make Basil Dressing you’ll need:

Serve it with: Caprese Pasta Salad, Italian Salad, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Caprese Meatballs

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (6)

Healthy Ranch Dressing

This Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe is SO easy to make. A simple Greek yogurt Ranch dressing that tastes just like the real thing!

To make healthy ranch dressing you’ll need:

Serve it with: Slow Cooker Chicken Wings, Avocado Ranch Salad, Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (7)

Citrus Salad Dressing

This Easy Citrus Salad Dressing Recipe is so delicious and quick to make. A Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing that is great on any healthy homemade salad!

To make this citrus vinaigrette you’ll need:

Serve it with: Blueberry Salad, Spinach Strawberry Salad, As a marinade on chicken

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (8)

Honey Mustard Dressing

The Best Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe that is delicious! Made with only 6 ingredients, this honey mustard dressing is quick & easy to make!

To make honey mustard vinaigrette you’ll need:

Serve it with: Honey Mustard Chicken Salad, Blueberry Feta Salad, on Vegetable Kebabs, as a marinade for chicken

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (9)

Healthy Caesar Dressing

The Best Healthy Caesar Dressing Recipe! Easy to make with only a few ingredients, it’s made without anchovies, delicious & low calorie!

To make this creamy healthy caesar dressing you’ll need:

Serve it with: Caesar Salad, Grilled Chicken, Drizzled on top of Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (10)

Italian Dressing

A Healthy Italian Dressing Recipe that is so easy to make! This delicious Italian Dressing Recipe is perfect on a healthy homemade salad or as a marinade.

Here’s what you need to make homemade Italian dressing:

Serve it with: Blueberry Salad, Grilled Vegetables in Foil, as a dressing on Healthy Pasta Salad

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (11)

Greek Dressing

This Homemade Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is easy to make and delicious! Done in under 5 minutes – it’s the best Greek dressing recipe!

To make Greek Dressing you’ll need:

Serve it with: Strawberry Spinach Salad, Burger Salad, Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad, Mixed in with Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or Greek Salad

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (12)

Creamy Balsamic Dressing

This Creamy Balsamic Dressing Recipe is SO delicious! Made with NO mayo, it’s vegan, keto, healthy and easy to make. Perfect on a healthy homemade salad!

To make thiscreamy balsamic dressing you’ll need:

Serve it with: Spinach Strawberry Salad, In place of the dressing on this Traditional Greek Salad, As a marinade on Balsamic Grilled Chicken or drizzled on Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (13)

Avocado Ranch Dressing

This Avocado Ranch Dressing Recipe is better than any store bought dressing! A healthy avocado dressing that is so delicious and easy to make!

To make Avocado Dressing you’ll need:

Serve it with: Spinach Strawberry Salad, Honey Mustard Chicken Salad, Corn Tomato Avocado Salad, Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad, Greek Salad, on top of Avocado Ranch Salad

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (14)

Healthy Homemade Salad Dressing Substitutions

Olive Oil: You can substitute avocado oil, butter, or ghee.

Honey: Honey and maple syrup can be used interchangeably

Vinegar: White wine vinegar, red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar can usually be used interchangeably but if you swap them it will change the flavor of the dressing

How to Serve Healthy Salad Dressing

These healthy salad dressing recipes can be used in so many ways! Here are some of our favorites:

  • As a marinade on chicken, steak or seafood
  • Spinach Strawberry Salad
  • Blueberry Salad
  • Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

How to Store Homemade Healthy Salad Dressing

Storing: Most homemade dressings will last in the refrigerator for 4-5 days in an airtight container. I like to store them in glass mason jars. Store bought dressings have a lot of preservatives which allow them to last a long time in the refrigerator, but homemade dressings will not last for more than a week!

Freezing: We don’t recommend freezing homemade dressings. They’re best if eaten fresh!

Separating: Dressings will separate as they sit in the fridge. If your dressing separates you can whisk it together, shake vigorously or blend again to reconstitute the dressing.

Solidifying: Your dressing might get a bit solidified in the refrigerator – don’t worry! Simply set it on the counter for 20 minutes or pop in the microwave for 5-10 seconds and stir.

Healthiest Salad Dressing FAQs

What is the healthiest salad dressing?

The healthiest dressing for a salad is a mix of good quality olive oil (like extra virgin olive oil), vinegar and dried or fresh herbs.

Is dressing healthy?

Salad dressing are usually high in calories, so if you’re looking to lose weight, enjoy them in moderation! The best salad dressings are those made with high quality oils like olive or avocado oil, and organic vinegars and spices.

What is the best vinegar for salads?

You can use almost any vinegars you like on salads! Balsamic, white wine and red wine vinegars are the most common vinegars used on salads. Apple cider vinegar can also be used, but it has a pungent taste. It’s best to mix vinegars with oils to create a balanced dressing for your salads.

Healthy Salad Dressing to buy:

If you don’t want to make your own dressing I totally get it! Here are some of my favorite healthy store bought dressings:

We try to look for dressings that are made with olive oil (not canola oil) when buying store bought dressings!

More like these Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes

Looking for salads to serve these dressings on? Try these healthy salad recipes!

  • Blueberry Salad
  • Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
  • Healthy Pasta Salad
  • Spinach Strawberry Salad
  • Easy Kale Salad

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (16)

Healthy Dressing for Salad

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Learn how to make the best healthy salad dressing recipe – a basil vinaigrette that anyone can enjoy!

Prep Time : 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time : 0 minutes minutes

Total Time : 5 minutes minutes

Serves : 6 2 tablespoon servings (makes 3/4 cup dressing)

(hover over # to adjust)

PRINTPINRATE

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a food processor or small blender, combine all ingredients until smooth.

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Video

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (17)

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Dressing for Salad

Amount Per Serving (2 tablespoons)

Calories 172Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 13g

Sodium 1mg0%

Potassium 8mg0%

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 1IU0%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 1mg0%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. This is an estimate and can vary pending your ingredients

Tried this recipe?Share it! Make sure to tag @thecleaneatingcouple or use #thecleaneatingcouple!

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the number one healthiest salad dressing? ›

Generally speaking, the healthiest salad dressing will be a vinaigrette like balsamic or oil and vinegar, while Caesar, ranch or anything with the word “creamy” will be the unhealthiest. The exception? We like products made with healthy swaps—think Greek yogurt in place of mayo or heavy cream.

What is the number 1 salad dressing? ›

Ranch Dressing

The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper. A creamier and richer version often features sour cream or yogurt for enhanced taste.

What is the healthiest salad you can eat? ›

Best: Black Bean-and-Avocado Salad

The beans are a good source of disease-fighting antioxidants, and they have protein and fiber, as well as energy-boosting iron. Avocado adds creaminess and fiber. Plus, its fats help your body take in nutrients, including heart-healthy lycopene.

What salad dressing is the least fattening? ›

When it comes to low-calorie and high-nutrient salad dressing options for weight loss, here are three choices:
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette: Balsamic vinegar is naturally low in calories and can add a tangy flavor to your salad. ...
  • Greek Yogurt Dressing: Greek yogurt is a nutritious and protein-rich ing.
Jun 5, 2023

What is the most unhealthy salad dressing? ›

Caesar dressing. Made up of mayonnaise, cheese, salt and oil (and all too often, anchovies), Caesar tends to be one of the least healthy options out there. Those ingredients cause it to be high in both saturated fats and sodium.

What to avoid in salad for weight loss? ›

Crunchy Noodles, Wontons, and Tortilla Strips

“Crunchy noodles are like eating chips,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D.N., creator of BetterThanDieting.com and author of Read It Before You Eat It. All they add to your salad are calories (around 120 per half cup) and fat (half of those calories, at around 60 grams).

What is the oldest salad dressing? ›

French dressing is the oldest one on our list, but vinegar and oil dressing goes back nearly two-thousand years to ancient Babylonia.

What are the top five salad dressings in the United States? ›

According to a study by The Association for Dressings and Sauces, the top five most popular salad dressings in the USA are Ranch Dressing, Caesar Dressing, Italian Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Thousand Island Dressing.

What salad is good to eat everyday? ›

Two cups of romaine fulfill about 30 percent of your daily vitamin A, and nearly three-quarters of your vitamin K, per the USDA. To boost the nutritional value of your salad, mix romaine with some spinach or kale to pack in more antioxidants, or opt for a premixed blend.

What is the least healthy vegetable? ›

Veggie: Celery

In fact, this vegetable doesn't contribute much to your body at all. The long, green stalks lacks many of the nutrients often found in other green vegetables, like vitamins C and A. Your body relies on vitamin C to help grow and repair cells, and vitamin A to promote eye, skin and bone health.

Can you eat unlimited salad on a diet? ›

The short answer is that it depends on your gut and regular eating habits. According to Food Fix founder Heather Bauer, RD, CND, eating more salad than you're used to can cause slight digestive side effects due to the high fiber content.

What kind of salad dressing is good for lowering cholesterol? ›

Vinaigrette-style dressings are easy to make by mixing vinegar (such as balsamic, white or red wine vinegars) with oil. Switching from saturated fats to unsaturated fats like vegetable oils (including olive or rapeseed oils) can help lower cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Is olive Garden's Italian dressing bad for you? ›

Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing

"It also contains several artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Lastly, it contains 520 milligrams of sodium per two-tablespoon serving which makes up 22% of your daily intake. Excess sodium intake is a concern for blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke," George adds.

Is ranch or Caesar dressing healthier? ›

While ranch dressing is the clear winner, Caesar, buttermilk, elderberry vinaigrette and bleu cheese dressing also appear in the top five. Are you a salad dressing fanatic? Here's everything you need to know about its impact on your health.

Is mayo or ranch healthier? ›

Ranch dressing is popular in the US, where it is frequently served with fried foods and in creamy salads, so it may come as a surprise to hear that the mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice and a range of herbs and spices is lower in fat than mayonnaise, which makes ranch a lighter, creamy salad dressing option.

Is Italian dressing healthier than ranch? ›

Lower-Calorie Alternative to Creamy Dressings

Italian dressing makes a better alternative than many other higher-calorie options. It adds taste to salad and offers good fat. Though many calories come from fats, it is better than primarily cream-based dressings like ranch, a thousand island, or blue cheese.

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