14 Healthiest Salad Dressings To Try in 2025

Looking for the healthiest salad dressing that won’t load your salad with extra calories, sugar or salt? You’ve come to the right place. 

Pairing leafy greens with nutrient-dense protein-rich foods like chicken, tofu or legumes is a great way to boost both fiber and protein, but if you’re not careful with your dressing, you could be adding more sugar, fat and calories than you realize.

There are plenty of options on the shelf, but does this mean they’re the healthiest salad dressings? Most times, no. Luckily, we’re here to help you distinguish the best options from those you want to stay away from. 

Keep reading to discover which brands offer the healthiest dressings for salad, along with some helpful tips and recipes.

 Jump to Section

• How We Choose the Healthiest Salad Dressings
• The 14 Healthiest Salad Dressings To Buy
• What Is the Healthiest Salad Dressing?
• How To Choose a Healthy Salad Dressing

How We Choose the Healthiest Salad Dressings

The Cozymeal team has more than 10 years of experience connecting people with service providers for a wide range of food-related events and culinary experiences. Not only has this cemented our status as a go-to source for these types of experiences, but it has also enabled us to create informative guides on various culinary topics centered around health and nutrition. 

All the guides we create are factually accurate and as informative as possible, thanks to the extensive research our editorial team conducts. When creating this guide on the healthiest salad dressings, we ensured that it included the expert viewpoints of nutritionists. We also considered feedback from members of our team who frequently purchase healthier salad dressings.

Additionally, our list of the healthiest salad dressings is based on the following criteria:

• Nutritional Balance: We chose the healthiest salad dressings based on their nutritional profiles, prioritizing those that are low in calories, sodium, sugar and saturated fat. 
• Ingredient Quality: We found that the healthiest salad dressings are those with high-quality, minimally processed and natural ingredients.
• Healthy Fat Sources: As fats form an essential part of salad dressings, we include those that feature heart-healthy oils instead of those with refined varieties.
• Flavor Variety: While we understand that the healthiest salad dressings are those that benefit your health, flavors play a crucial role in helping people enjoy their healthy choices.

The 14 Healthiest Salad Dressings To Buy

1. Annie's Lite Goddess Dressing

When picking the healthiest salad dressing, you will want to choose one that will keep your greens delicious without sabotaging your goals, whether it’s just eating healthy or losing weight. This means considering the calories, fat content, sugar and sodium levels of the salad dressing. 

Annie’s Lite Goddess Dressing is a solid choice because one serving (two tablespoons) has 60 calories and only 6 grams of total fat; however, it does have a relatively high sodium count compared to some of the other options featured on this list of the healthiest salad dressings. 

This bold and creamy dressing is made with tahini and lemon for natural citrus flavor, sea salt for added tang and expeller-pressed canola oil. What makes this plant-based salad dressing a popular option and one of our favorites is that it has no artificial flavors or synthetic colors. 

Did we mention that it also tastes delicious? Pair this creamy and tangy dressing with a protein-packed kale chicken bowl for a meal that tastes delicious and doesn’t affect your dietary goals.

Pros

• Plant-based recipe
• Low in calories
• No sugar 

Cons

• Relatively high in sodium 
• Not suitable for those with a sesame or soy allergy

Annie's Lite Goddess Dressing Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 60
• Total Fat: 6 grams (7% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams (3% DV)
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Sodium: 250 milligrams (11% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 1 gram 

2. Bolthouse Farms Italian Vinaigrette

Here’s a simple yet valuable principle we always keep in mind: It’s a good idea to choose a salad dressing made from extra virgin olive oil due to its earthy flavor and added benefits. According to the Cleveland Clinic, extra virgin olive oil is full of antioxidants and healthy fats. These nutrients are beneficial to cardiovascular health and may aid in decreasing inflammation and reducing blood pressure. 

If you’re convinced to go the olive oil route, Bolthouse Farms Italian Vinaigrette is one of the healthiest salad dressings to try, especially for those on plant-based diets. It features a flavorful blend of extra virgin olive oil, tangy white wine vinegar and rich, juicy tomatoes, along with red peppers, aromatic basil, and other herbs and spices. 

The result? One of the healthiest salad dressings with no dairy, preservatives or artificial flavors. We recommend trying it in a zesty Italian pasta salad or simply drizzled over your favorite salad greens. 

If you’re searching for the lowest-calorie salad dressings, this one ranks second on this list, with one 30-gram serving containing only 25 calories. And with 1.5 grams of fat and 2 grams of sugar, it’s a great choice for those looking to lose weight while still enjoying flavorful foods.

Pros

• No saturated fat
• Low in calories
• Quite low in sugar
• Plant-based recipe

Cons

• Has more than 100 milligrams of sodium per serving

Bolthouse Farms Italian Vinaigrette Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 25
• Total Fat: 1.5 grams (2% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Sodium: 135 milligrams (6% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 2 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

3. Bragg Organic Oil-Free Apple Cider Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for one of the healthiest salad dressings that’s also oil-free, you’re going to want to try the Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Made with your health in mind, this vinaigrette is fat-free and made from organic ingredients. Plus, this is the lowest-calorie salad dressing on this list, and it’s vegan-friendly.

One serving (two tablespoons) contains 15 calories and 3 grams of sugar, along with no fat or sodium, making it one of the healthiest salad dressings for weight loss. Simply shake and pour over salads and pasta salads or use as a marinade for your proteins. Bragg also has another version of this salad dressing available in flavorful ginger and sesame if you’re looking for an alternative.

Pros

• Very low in calories
• No fat or sodium
• Plant-based recipe
• Uses Certified Organic ingredients

Cons

• Slightly higher in sugar than some of the healthiest salad dressings

Bragg Organic Oil-Free Apple Cider Vinaigrette Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 15
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams 
• Sodium: 0 milligrams 
• Carbohydrates: 4 grams (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 3 grams
• Protein: 0 grams 

4. Organicville No Added Salt Italian Vinaigrette & Marinade 

You’ll be surprised to learn how many brands that tout having the healthiest salad dressing come loaded with high levels of sodium. Consuming high levels of sodium can increase the risk of heart disease and other issues, such as kidney problems, according to the American Heart Association. To avoid those problems, choose a healthy salad dressing, such as Organicville's No Added Salt Italian Vinaigrette & Marinade.  

This plant-based salad dressing boasts a subtle herbal flavor with a zesty kick, thanks to the addition of apple cider vinegar. It’s also one of the healthiest salad dressings to try because it features organic sunflower oil, which, as WebMD explains, is rich in vitamin E and beneficial fatty acids. 

A two-tablespoon (30 milliliter) serving has 50 calories, 4 grams of total fat and only 5 milligrams of sodium, which is one of the lowest counts on this list. The added herbs and spices create a delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with salads like the popular Rachel’s green salad.

Pros

• Very low in sodium
• Low in calories
• Low in sugar
• No saturated fat
• Plant-based recipe

Cons

• Has a higher total fat content than some of the healthiest salad dressings

Organicville No Added Salt Italian Vinaigrette & Marinade Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 50
• Total Fat: 4 grams (5% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams 
• Sodium: 5 milligrams (<1% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 1 gram
• Protein: 0 grams

5. Whole Foods Organic Herbes de Provence Vinaigrette

The Whole Foods Organic Herbes de Provence Vinaigrette is one of the healthiest salad dressings with no added sugar or carbs. Despite its clean label, it’s one of the best Whole Foods products in the sauces and dressings category, delivering a bold taste that makes your salad stand out. 

Its richness comes from a blend of organic extra virgin olive oil and tangy apple cider vinegar. A classic mix of Italian herbs adds a fragrant, savory dimension that pairs well with salads, cold pastas, roasted vegetables and sandwiches. 

Along with being delicious, this healthy salad dressing is certified vegan, only contains organic ingredients and is soy-free. Additionally, each two-tablespoon serving contains 60 calories, and while it does have 7 grams of total fat, none of this is saturated. 

With its low-carb and relatively high-fat count, it’s one of the healthiest salad dressings for keto dieters, and it pairs well with dishes like grain bowls, which can be customized with ingredients suited to your diet. 

However, it’s important to note that with 240 milligrams of sodium per serving, it sits at the upper end of the salt range, so drizzle lightly if you’re limiting this micronutrient.

Pros

• No sugar or carbohydrates 
• Good for keto dieters
• Uses organic ingredients 
• Plant-based recipe

Cons

• Quite high in total fat
• High in sodium

Whole Foods Organic Herbes de Provence Vinaigrette Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 60
• Total Fat: 7 grams (9% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams 
• Sodium: 240 milligrams (10% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams 
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams 

6. Primal Kitchen Balsamic Dressing and Marinade 

If you’re aiming for one of the healthiest dressings for salad, those with a low-calorie balsamic vinegar base are a smart choice. Primal Kitchen’s Balsamic Dressing and Marinade blends some of the best balsamic vinegar with nutrient-rich avocado oil. 

A splash of lemon juice adds brightness, while garlic powder, onion powder and Italian herbs round out the flavor with a savory kick. We’ve tried it on a frisée salad, and trust us when we say that it’s a combination you’ll be tempted to indulge in regularly.

Additionally, this healthy salad dressing has no soy or canola oil, no cane sugar and is certified gluten-free. This option is a little higher in calories, fat and sodium than other dressings on this list, though. 

One two-tablespoon (30 milliliter) serving has 100 calories, 10 grams of total fat and 125 milligrams of sodium. The fact that it’s low in carbs (and high in fat) does make it a great choice for those on a keto diet, and it’s another healthy salad dressing that uses a plant-based recipe. 

Pros 

• Low in sugar, with no cane sugar
• Plant-based recipe
• Keto-friendly 
• Soy-free 

Cons

• Higher in calories per serving than many of the healthiest salad dressings
• Quite high in sodium
• High in total fat

Primal Kitchen Balsamic Dressing and Marinade Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 100
• Total Fat: 10 grams (13% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Sodium: 125 milligrams (5% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 1 gram
• Protein: 0 grams 

7. 365 Organic Raspberry Vinaigrette

Switch out your favorite savory salad dressing with a sweet and tangy plant-based variety made with fruit. 365 Organic Raspberry Vinaigrette is one of the healthiest salad dressings because it’s made with real raspberries, apple cider vinegar and organic soybean oil, as well as apple and lemon juice, organic Dijon mustard and spices like turmeric.    

With only 60 calories, 3 grams of sugar and 110 milligrams of sodium, this is one of the healthiest salad dressings that uses real fruit. If you’re wondering how to start eating healthy, choosing a salad dressing that actually tastes delicious is a good start, so this is a safe pick. We recommend drizzling this over a wilted spinach salad for some added tangy flavor.

Pros

• Uses real fruit and organic ingredients
• Plant-based recipe
• Quite low in calories

Cons

• Relatively high in sodium 
• Somewhat high in fat

365 Organic Raspberry Vinaigrette Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 60 
• Total Fat: 5 grams (8% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams 
• Sodium: 110 milligrams (5% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 3 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

8. Brianna’s Champagne Vinaigrette 

Champagne and salad dressing? Yes, you read that correctly. Brianna’s Champagne Vinaigrette is one of the healthiest salad dressings to try if you enjoy a fun twist. While there is no alcohol in this salad dressing, it does pop with flavor. It features a fun and lively blend of crisp Champagne vinegar, sweet honey and heart-healthy canola oil, together with crushed capers and Dijon mustard.

There are no added sugars, and it has about a third of the sodium compared to most other store-bought salad dressings without compromising on flavor. Not only is this zesty product relatively low in sodium, but it also ranks among the healthiest salad dressings because it contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. 

One two-tablespoon serving has 120 calories and 10 grams of total fat, which is a lot higher than many others on this list. However, if you’re not focusing on weight loss, this salad dressing can still fit into a balanced diet, especially when paired with healthy dishes like a cucumber, tomato and feta salad.

Pros

• Has a unique flavor profile
• No added sugar
• Has some dietary fiber, which many of the healthiest salad dressings lack

Cons

• High in calories
• High in total fat
• Relatively high in sodium
• Somewhat high in total sugar (although none of this is added) 

Brianna’s Champagne Vinaigrette Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 10 grams (13% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams (3% DV)
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams 
• Sodium: 140 milligrams (6% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 6 grams (2% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3 grams (11% DV)
• Total Sugar: 5 grams
• Protein: 0 grams 

9. Primal Kitchen Greek Dressing & Marinade

Although Greek salad dressings are typically high in saturated fat and calories, we had to include at least one on our list. The Primal Kitchen Greek Dressing & Marinade is a popular choice because it features some of the best avocado oil with red wine vinegar. 

The result? One of the healthiest salad dressings that’s rich in healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants. Its inclusion of avocado oil also greatly adds to its health-boosting benefits because, according to LifeMD, this healthy ingredient can lower inflammation, promote healthier skin and improve heart health. 

This vegan dressing features apple cider vinegar, dried herbs and spices, as well as sea salt and lemon for that classic Greek salad dressing flavor. As you’d expect, it’s a great addition to a Greek salad, but it also works well on a tuna pasta salad.

Each two-tablespoon serving has 110 calories, 12 grams of total fat and 190 milligrams of sodium. Plus, aside from it being one of the healthiest salad dressings on the market, it’s also gluten-free, keto and sugar-free.

Pros

• Made with avocado oil
• No added sugar
• Plant-based recipe

Cons

• Somewhat high in calories
• High in total fat
• High in sodium

Primal Kitchen Greek Dressing & Marinade Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 12 grams (15% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams (8% DV)
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Sodium: 190 milligrams (8% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram 
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

10. Bolthouse Farms Cilantro Avocado Yogurt Dressing 

If you’re not a fan of vinegar or oil-based products and are instead looking for something creamier on this list of the healthiest salad dressings, you’re going to want to add Bolthouse Farms Cilantro Avocado Yogurt Dressing to your shopping list. This salad dressing is a delightful combination of creamy avocado with a mild citrusy spice of cilantro.

To get that extra creaminess, this dressing is made with real yogurt and cotija cheese. It also features garlic and poblano pepper for added flavor. Because the added milk is nonfat, this salad dressing has only 40 calories per serving and 3.5 grams of total fat, making it a great option for those trying to lose weight. 

Although it has a relatively high count of 160 milligrams of sodium per serving, it’s still one of the healthiest salad dressings to fit into a balanced diet. This creamy dressing is perfect in a BBQ chicken salad or used as a dip.

Pros

• Low in calories
• Has a little protein, which many of the healthiest salad dressings lack
• Relatively low in fat

Cons

• Quite high in sodium 
• Has some cholesterol 
• Not dairy-free

Bolthouse Farms Cilantro Avocado Yogurt Dressing Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 40
• Total Fat: 3.5 grams (4% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 5 milligrams (2% DV)
• Sodium: 160 milligrams (7% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 1 gram
• Protein: 1 gram 

11. Annie's Organic Caesar Salad Dressing 

If you love Annie’s, you’ll be delighted to know that the brand also makes creamy salad dressings as an alternative to the tangy vinaigrettes. One of our favorites, which is both delicious and one of the healthiest salad dressings on the market, is the Organic Caesar Salad Dressing. 

Caesar salad dressings are usually loaded with sodium and saturated fats, but Annie’s variety isn’t. While this salad dressing's total fat count is higher than most of the other healthiest salad dressings featured in this guide, most of this comes from canola oil, which is naturally low in saturated fats. Notably, if you’re on a keto diet, this high-fat (and low-carb) count will appeal to you.

One two-tablespoon serving additionally has 100 calories, 11 grams of fat and 150 milligrams of sodium. While these are somewhat high compared to other options on this list, they are low for a Caesar salad dressing, and this healthier salad dressing can fit into a balanced diet as long as you stick to the recommended serving size. 

This option is also tasty, despite being a healthier variety of an indulgent dressing. It comes with a good kick of black pepper that pairs well with the subtle Parmesan flavor that Caesar dressing is loved for. We recommend using this healthy salad dressing on top of a delicious grilled chicken Caesar salad with crunchy croutons for a quick and easy meal.

Pros 

• Offers a classic Caesar salad dressing taste with a healthier nutritional profile
• Has a little protein 
• Low in carbohydrates 

Cons

• Somewhat high in calories
• High in total fat
• Relatively high in sodium 

Annie's Organic Caesar Salad Dressing Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 100
• Total Fat: 11 grams (14% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams (6% DV)
• Cholesterol: <5 milligrams (1% DV)
• Sodium: 150 milligrams (7% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 1 gram 

12. Marie's Lite Chunky Blue Cheese 

Whether it’s served on a charcuterie board, made into a spread or used in a salad dressing, blue cheese is an excellent accompaniment to your meal. Marie's Lite Chunky Blue Cheese is the best and healthiest salad dressing if you enjoy that strong blue cheese flavor without all the calories typically found in creamy dressings.

What makes this product deliciously creamy yet still lower in fat than standard blue cheese dressings is that it is made from cultured nonfat buttermilk. It also features distilled vinegar and garlic for an extra zest of flavor. 

One two-tablespoon serving has 70 calories and 6 grams of total fat, which is great if you’re watching your daily calorie intake. However, it has the highest sodium count of all the products on this list of the healthiest salad dressings, so keep that in mind. 

Despite this, the brand states that this salad dressing “contains 60% less fat and 50% fewer calories compared to the leading brand.” Therefore, while this isn’t the healthiest salad dressing, it’s the best choice if you’re set on a blue cheese dressing. 

Pros

• One of the healthiest blue cheese dressings on the market
• Low in calories
• Low in cholesterol for a creamy dressing 
• Has minimal sugar
• Good for keto dieters due to being high-fat and low-carb

Cons

• Has quite a high amount of fat
• Is high in sodium for a salad dressing

Marie's Lite Chunky Blue Cheese Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 70
• Total Fat: 6 grams (8% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams (8% DV)
• Cholesterol: 5 milligrams (2% DV)
• Sodium: 300 milligrams (13% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram (<1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 1 gram
• Protein: 1 gram

13. Litehouse Citrus Poppyseed Yogurt Dressing & Dip

If you’re looking for the most unique pick among the healthiest salad dressings, we recommend the Litehouse Poppyseed Dressing & Dip. This creamy salad dressing has a refreshing and sweet flavor that’s not too acidic or salty. 

It also boasts a slight tangy aftertaste from blood orange to cut through the sweetness. This fresh citrus dressing is made with nonfat yogurt for creaminess, combined with added vegetable oil, distilled vinegar and pomegranate juice for a delicious flavor profile. 

The best part about this product? It only has 40 calories per two-tablespoon serving and a low 3 grams of total fat. This means that it’s one of the healthiest salad dressings to try if you’re hoping to shed some weight. We’ve found that it’s the perfect addition to light and vibrant salads, such as a harvest salad. 

Pros

• Features a unique blend of ingredients
• Low in calories
• Low in saturated fat and quite low in total fat
• Has a little protein

Cons

• Has more cholesterol than many of the healthiest salad dressings
• Relatively high in sodium

Litehouse Citrus Poppyseed Yogurt Dressing & Dip Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 40
• Total Fat: 3 grams (4% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams (3% DV)
• Cholesterol: 10 milligrams (3% DV)
• Sodium: 210 milligrams (9% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 2 grams
• Protein: 1 gram

14. Drew's Organics Vegan Ranch 

We cannot talk about the healthiest salad dressings without mentioning ranch dressing. Drew's Organics Vegan Ranch is a healthier version of the classic ranch dressing, while still keeping that creamy and savory flavor that we all love.

Sunflower oil, distilled vinegar, white miso and lemon create the base flavor profile, with added spices and herbs such as dill, celery seed and rosemary. Trust us when we say that, salads aside, it’s the perfect addition to vegan pasta recipes, such as a bow tie pasta salad. 

This salad dressing does have a higher calorie count than some others on this list, at 130 calories per serving, along with a fat content of 13 grams (although only 1 gram is saturated fat). 

However, what makes it one of the best ranch dressings, aside from its delicious flavors, is its low sugar and carb count, so it’s great for keto dieters. While it’s one of the healthiest salad dressings in the ranch category, we must point out that its sodium count is worth keeping an eye on.

Pros

• One of the healthiest ranch dressings available
• Low in carbs
• Cholesterol-free
• Quite low in saturated fat

Cons

• High in total fat
• High in sodium

Drew's Organics Vegan Ranch Nutritional Info (per 2-tablespoon serving)

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 13 grams (17% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams 
• Sodium: 270 milligrams (12% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams 
• Total Sugar: 1 gram
• Protein: 0 grams 

What Is the Healthiest Salad Dressing? 

Organicville No Added Salt Italian Vinaigrette & Marinade is the healthiest dressing for salad in this lineup, with just 5 milligrams of sodium, 50 calories and 4 grams of fat per two-tablespoon (30-gram) serving. It also supplies heart-healthy unsaturated fats from sunflower oil and contains no added sugar. 

If you’re having trouble finding any of the brands that feature among the healthiest salad dressings, homemade varieties are a great alternative.  Interested? We’ve got a guide on how to make vinaigrette dressings from scratch.

Healthiest Salad Dressings To Make at Home

If you’re having trouble finding healthy dressing brands, maybe that’s a sign to try your hand at a few homemade versions? This is a great idea for health fanatics who want to know exactly what’s going into their bodies. 

When you’re ready to experiment with homemade versions of the healthiest salad dressings, here are some ingredients worth keeping in mind:

• Yogurt or Buttermilk: Use these as a base for probiotic benefits and added protein.
• Emulsifiers: These help keep the ingredients in oil-based dressings from separating. Egg yolks, tahini and mustard are effective emulsifiers.
• Honey: Aside from also working well to hold oils and acids together, honey (or maple syrup or agave for vegan dressings) is a tasty sweetener.
• Vinegars: Using balsamic or apple cider vinegar adds a richness that contrasts with the bitterness of oils and greens.
• Oils: Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, contains high amounts of polyphenols, antioxidants and monounsaturated fats.

These essential ingredients are good baselines for homemade versions of the most healthy dressings, but as you’d expect, the key to enjoyment is a combination of flavors. Here are eight salad dressings that are tasty, easy to make and the perfect healthy addition for a wide variety of meals:

Greek Dressing

Combine two tablespoons of red wine vinegar, six tablespoons of olive oil, and ½ of a finely chopped garlic clove with one teaspoon of dried oregano and freshly ground black pepper. It’s the perfect topping for a Greek salad.

French Dressing

Mix together two tablespoons of white wine vinegar, six tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of Dijon mustard and freshly ground black pepper for one of the healthiest salad dressings that pairs well with leafy greens.

Caesar Dressing

Of all the healthiest salad dressings we’ve made, this creamy variety is one of our favorites. This healthy twist on the classic recipe is made with 85 grams of low-fat yogurt (plain), one tablespoon each of lemon juice and olive oil, and one teaspoon of mustard, combined with freshly ground black pepper and ½ of a finely chopped garlic clove. 

Lemon Vinaigrette

If you’re a fan of citrus flavors, you’ll love this light dressing that’s the perfect addition to various salads or broccoli pasta. Combine three tablespoons of lemon juice, six tablespoons of olive oil and the zest of ½ of a lemon with one teaspoon of thyme and freshly ground black pepper.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

This classic is one of the healthiest salad dressings that has also become a popular dipping sauce for fresh bread. All you need is three simple ingredients to make it: two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, six tablespoons of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.

Tahini Dressing

Tahini is a versatile condiment that pairs well with many foods, but we guarantee you’ll love it most in this dressing that pairs well with leafy salads, falafel sandwiches and Mediterranean roast vegetables. To make it, mix together two tablespoons of tahini paste, six tablespoons of water, the juice of one lemon and freshly ground black pepper.

Orange Vinaigrette

Trading lemon for orange, this sweeter variety is one of the healthiest salad dressings to add to vegan bowls and salads that highlight seasonal produce. Combine three tablespoons of orange juice, the zest of ½ of an orange and six tablespoons of olive oil with one tablespoon of white wine (or apple cider vinegar) and one teaspoon of herbs.

Herb Dressing

With herbs as the star of the show, this dressing is the ideal addition to almost any salad, pasta or roasted vegetable dish. Whip it together with two tablespoons of orange or lemon juice, six tablespoons of olive or sesame oil and two teaspoons of fresh herbs, chopped.

How To Choose a Healthy Salad Dressing

If we’ve inspired you to stick to healthy store-bought salad dressing brands, choosing one is not rocket science (we promise). Yes, you could look out for the names we’ve listed above, but you may want to go in a different direction. If that’s the case, there are a few ingredients you’ll want to look out for.

Firstly, the healthiest salad dressings have little to no added sugars. Check for high-fructose corn syrup as well and avoid any salad dressings that use it. Regarding nutrition, you’ll also want to check the levels of total fat, saturated fat and sodium in each dressing. 

If the total fat and saturated fat are higher than 14 grams and 1.5 grams per serving, respectively, it’s best to go for another option. For sodium, avoid dressings with more than 300 milligrams per serving.

Secondly, the base is a great determinant of the most healthy salad dressing to buy. More specifically, you’ll want to opt for those with olive and avocado oil bases. Both are rich in healthy fats, and olive oil also contains small traces of omega-3 fatty acids.

Sticking with the topic of oils, the healthiest salad dressings are also made with seed oils. Look out for those made from canola, grapeseed or safflower oils, as these are rich in antioxidants and also have healthy fats. 

Another ingredient found in the most healthy dressings is vinegar, specifically apple cider and balsamic. They are rich in antioxidants that could possibly help regulate your blood sugar levels, according to The Nutrition Source.

Finally, keep an eye out for brands that include buttermilk or yogurt in their dressings. If they contain live and active cultures, they’ll offer probiotic benefits and improve your gut health.

Using a salad dressing can make your salad brighter and bursting with more flavor, but if you’re not reading the ingredients carefully, you may also be adding more sugar, fat and salt to your once healthy meal. With this list of the healthiest salad dressings, you can enjoy your greens with added flavor and none of the unnecessary calories. 

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.