What’s the healthiest dressing for salad : Salads can be a good option for a healthy lunch that helps us reach our 5-a-day. A simple dish can be transformed into something delicious by adding a dressing. Shop-bought salad dressings are often laden with sugar and salt. Why not make your own healthy dressing with ingredients that you already have? You can easily adapt the taste of our recipes to your liking.
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Caesar dressing
This creamy dressing is made with low-fat yogurt, which gives it a velvety texture without adding any saturated fat. Lemon juice, garlic and mustard are used to add flavour instead of the salty anchovies and cheese found in many store-bought dressings. Use it in a healthier Caesar Salad, on roasted veggies or as a dressing to Potato salad.
- 85g plain low fat yogurt (live, natural and Greek style all work fine).
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon juice, 1 tbsp
- 1 tsp of mustard
- Half a clove of garlic, finely minced (or half a teaspoon powdered garlic).
- Black pepper freshly ground to taste
Greek Dress
It is a great addition to a classic Greek salad made with tomato, cucumber, feta and fresh mint leaves. This dressing goes well with classic Greek salads made with tomato and cucumber with some crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves or with green leaves.
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar
- Oregano or dried mixed herbs (or 1 tsp)
- Half a clove of garlic, finely minced (or half a teaspoon powdered garlic).
- Black pepper freshly ground to taste
Tahini dressing
Tahini, a thick paste of sesame seeds blended together, is made. It has a mildly nutty taste and a creamy, smooth texture. It is important to remember that a small amount of tahini will go a long way. However, different products may vary in consistency so you might need to adjust how much water you add. This creamy, lemony sauce goes well with Mediterranean veggies like grilled courgettes and aubergines .
- 2 tbsp tahini paste
- Juice of one lemon
- 6 tbsp of water
- Black pepper freshly ground to taste
French dressing
This dressing gets a kick from mustard. This healthy version is made with three simple ingredients, and does not contain the sugar that’s often added to French dressing sold in shops. This dressing is easy to make, and it will add a little zest to any leafy salad.
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp of white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Black pepper freshly ground to taste
Balsamic Vinaigrette
This is a simple dressing to make. The dressing is made with only two ingredients and has a classic balance of sweet-sharp flavours that goes well on many salads. Try it on your favorite green salad or with fresh tomatoes.
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Black pepper freshly ground to taste
Lemon vinaigrette
This is a good option for a new twist on a classic dressing. This dressing adds a fresh citrus taste to any salad. Try it in a pasta, or bulgur-wheat salad for a taste of summer.
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp of lemon juice
- Use 1/2 lemon zest (if you are using waxed Lemons, wash them thoroughly first).
- Fresh or dried thyme, 1 tsp
- Black pepper freshly ground to taste
Orange vinaigrette
Use orange juice instead of lemon in vinaigrettes to give them a sweeter taste while still maintaining the sharpness. It goes well with fruity salads and roasted squash, as does couscous.
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 Orange
- Use 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Fresh or dried herbs, 1 tsp
Herb dressing
Herbs are a great way to add fresh flavours to your meals. They also allow you to include more plants in your diet. This dressing is made by mixing fresh herbs and a simple oil. It can be altered to suit different tastes. This is a great way to use any leftover fresh herbs.
- 6 tbsp of olive, peanut or sesame oils
- Lemon, lime or orange juice 2 tablespoons
- Fresh herbs chopped to 2 tsp
Healthy Salad Dressings
Annie’s Organic Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Total fat: 6g
- Saturated fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 170mg
This is a delicious alternative to ranch or Caesar dressing! This creamy vinaigrette contains Dijon mustard for a natural sweetness, sea salted and expeller-pressed oil. Expeller-pressed vegetable oil is made by mechanically pressing the oil out of nuts or seeds. This method is more effective than chemical extraction. For a quick dinner, serve the dressing along with grilled chicken.
Lite house OPA Strawberry Poppy seed Greek Yogurt Dressing
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Total fat: 3g
- Saturated fat: 0g
- Sodium: 135mg
You’re looking for something sweeter? This yogurt-based salad dressing will add a little sweetness to your salad, without adding too much sugar. Even the most ardent salad critics will be won over by its creamy texture and sweet strawberries flavor. This salad pairs well with nutritious strawberry salads.
Bolthouse Farms Italian Vinaigrette
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 25
- Total fat: 1.5g
- Saturated fat: 0g
- Sodium: 140mg
This salad dressing is full of flavor and only 25 calories per portion. This salad dressing is made from a combination of delicious ingredients, including garlic, white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oils. There’s also no sugar added! You won’t even realize you’re eating a low-fat dressing…especially when it’s drizzled on top of roasted vegetables.
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 80
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Sodium: 20mg
This vinaigrette can be used as a salad dressing or marinade. This dressing contains only the ingredients you love: apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Honey, garlic and coconut aminos are also included. This dressing is salt-free because the coconut aminos give it a salty taste. This is a low-sodium dressing!
Brianna’s Champagne Vinaigrette
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Total fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 140mg
This tangy dressing, which has no sugar added, combines Dijon mustard with honey, canola oil for heart health, capers, and white wine vinegar. You won’t notice the difference. This vinaigrette is about one-third less sodium than most dressings. This would go well with a spicy Arugula Salad.
Newman’s Own Avocado Oil & Extra Virgin Olive Oil Greek Dressing
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Total fat: 16g
- Saturated fat: 2.5g
- Sodium: 230mg
It’s not necessary to use vinaigrettes for healthy dressings! This creamy vegan dressing is dairy-free, so you won’t even miss it. This creamy dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, vinegar and spices. Pair with your favorite Greek salad ingredients, a grilled protein and some whole wheat pita bread for a perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal.