Let’s talk about salad dressings. No, not the bottle type – those days are long gone. Although, in a pinch, there’s no shame in using a good bottle of clothing, delicious salads deserves an even tastier garment. So how do you get from point A to point B? These 15 healthy salad dressing recipes are the answer for you.
Which sounds like a dry topic at first but is whatever. IMO, the best salad dressing consists of squeezing fresh lemon juice, sprinkling your own salt and pepper, and whisking it all together with a little good olive oil to pour over a worthy salad. Seriously guys – it’s so much better. And a lot better for you *bonus! Being able to see what’s going into your clothes, without all the additives and stuff you can’t pronounce? Must to.
For me, there are four main types of salad dressings: a classic vinaigrette, something creamy and nutty, ones that are a little sweeter, and those that are slightly sweeter. packed with citrus. That’s why I’ve broken down today’s picks for healthy salad recipes into categories you can find for whatever dressing your salad needs. Read on to discover 15 easy, healthy salad dressing recipes for your next salad.
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
Vinaigrette’s Classic Recipes
Lemon Vinaigrette from Love & Lemons
Why we love it: The basics are always the way to start, and you can never go wrong with a jar of lemon vinegar. This is my go-to dressing for salads and is probably the easiest to make. And it’s safe to say you’ve got all the ingredients. It really is a no-brainer.
Hero composition: Dijon brings out the aroma, the honey tastes sweet, and the good quality olive oil blends it all in. Tried, true and delicious.
Get the recipe for Lemon Vinaigrette.
Italian Costume DIY from Whole
Why we love it: Wearing Italian clothes is another option for me when I have a lot vegetables in my fridge that need to be used up. I’ll mix them together over some crispy romaine for an easy garden salad. It goes equally well with grilled chicken as a main course or paired with protein as a side dish. And where there is a garden salad, there must be this Italian dressing.
Hero composition: Fresh herbs and your own dried oregano and basil mix take things up a notch.
Get the recipe for Homemade Italian Sauce.
Turmeric-Citrus Vinaigrette
Why we love it: Gingery, mustard and vine, this vibrant garment embodies everything we love about our warmer weather months. I mean, just look at that color! It’s like sunshine in a jar. Pro tip: Stock up on extra stock in your fridge to dip your veggies in then hungry before dinner access times.
Hero composition: turmeric is as radiant as it is sane. Its Anti-inflammatory, Helps boost metabolismand has even been associated with improve memory.
Get the recipe for Turmeric-Citrus Vinaigrette.
Sunshine Sauce 5 minutes from Pinch of Yum
Why we love it: This “sunshine sauce” is basically a sauce that can be used on anything. It goes great with salads, raw veggies, and would go perfectly with some tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
Hero composition: Dried basil and oregano give everything a unique flavor.
Get the recipe for Sunshine Sauce 5 minutes.
Healthy creamy salad recipes
Easy Tzatziki from Half-Naked Harvest
Why we love it: Tzatziki is possibly one of the most popular sauces to ever grace your plate. And with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have, it’s easy to whip. Combine that ease with its delicious taste and usability, and you’re set for success. Be sure to try this Greek favorite with salad, pita and veggies, or these shrimp skewers.
Hero composition: Full-fat Greek yogurt is key. It’s the creaminess of the yogurt that makes it.
Get the recipe for Easy Tzatziki.
Whole30 Caesar Salad Dressing from The Defined Dish
Why we love it: I know Caesar salad may not be the healthiest, but when a certain, specific salty craving hits, there are few dishes – if any – that can cure it. Enter: healthy Caesar salad dressing. Alex offers a Whole30 approved garment that tastes great and is completely guilt-free.
Hero composition: Don’t be afraid of anchovies. While you can certainly use anchovy meal, I recommend buying the actual one.
Get the recipe for Whole30 Caesar Salad Dressing.
Dress in Orange-Tahini
Why we love it: With Easter just around the corner, this orange-tahini ensemble reflects all the medical spring joy the holiday has to offer. It is creamy, zesty, sweet and a little grainy. Pour it over here Carrot Ribbon Salad with Raisins and Golden Feta and you’ve got a bright and flavorful Easter that everyone at your table will love.
Hero composition: The orange peel keeps it very fresh.
Get the recipe for Dress in Orange-Tahini.
Green Goddess costume from plating + grafts
Why we love it: Some things I love about the green goddess outfit: It’s personality, lime, and gray. And again, it is very useful for meats, vegetables and skins. You’ll want to be sure to make extra money to have on hand.
Hero composition: Jalapeño gives this green goddess a nice kick.
Get the recipe for Green Goddess Costume.
On the sweeter side (But still healthy!)
Strawberry basil sauce
Why we love it: Strawberry dress calls spring. It’s light, fruity, floral, and sure to brighten up any salad. It also has a beautiful pink color. Who can’t love?
Hero composition: Fresh basil keeps it all balanced and gives a really pleasant goby flavor and freshness.
Get the recipe for Strawberry basil sauce.
DIY poppy seed outfit from Fit Foodie Finds
Why we love it: Dressing in poppy seeds is the perfect companion in warm weather. The salads, fresh fruits and vegetables are also delicious. But because it’s sweet, it’s often high in sugar, which this recipe fixes. With honey as a sweetener to support the combination of Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and — of course — poppy seeds, you’ve got a healthier classic.
Hero composition: A little greek yogurt makes it look like ice cream. Generous drizzle.
Get the recipe for DIY poppy seed costume.
Maple Balsamic Dressing from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Why we love it: Just five ingredients and five minutes to make this creamy balsamic sauce. It’s just oil, balsamic, dijon, maple syrup, a pinch of salt and voila! You have a delicious dressing that goes well with any dynamic salad.
Hero composition: Of course, pure maple syrup is a necessity.
Get the recipe for Maple Balsamic Dressing.
Dress up honey in modern style
Why we love it: This honey mustard sauce is another popular choice. It shines into salads, enhances baked goods or raw vegetables, and can even be used as a marinade or chicken marinade. Be sure to earn extra to have on hand throughout the week!
Hero composition: The stone-ground mustard will give it a little texture and a lot of flavor.
Get the recipe for Honey Mustard Sauce.
Healthy salad recipes with citrus
Lemon coriander costume from love and lemon
Why we love it: A delicious cilantro and lemon combo that’s hard to beat. Especially in the case of this sauce, it goes well with salads (of course), tacos, burrito bowls, and more. Basically anything you think could use a bit of freshness.
Hero composition: Give me all the garlic.
Get the recipe for Passion fruit sauce.
Citrus Salad Dressing from A Couple Cooks
Why we love it: This is a pretty basic one, but definitely delicious and very easy! It’s just orange and lemon juice, dijon, maple syrup, olive oil and s+p, so you can make it with what you have in your kitchen now. Use it for everything you want to create a little bit of deliciousness.
Hero composition: Hence the name, the hero ingredients here are citrus fruits. It would be a mistake to choose something else.
Get the recipe for Citrus salad dressing.
Citrus-Ginger Sauce
Why we love it: Once again, ginger has become an anti-inflammatory superfood. This sauce is crisp, zingy, and absolutely delicious thanks to the combination of vegetables and citrus. There’s also some soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and honey to round out the taste.
Hero Ingredients: A clove of garlic a day helps prevent bland foods.
Get the recipe for Citrus-Ginger Sauce.
