If you’re looking for the best healthy salad dressings, you’re in the right place. Making your own dressing at home is simple, cost-effective, and so much healthier than bottled versions loaded with preservatives, sugars, and cheap oils. With a few basic ingredients from your pantry—like extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic, or even avocado—you can create dressings that are packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and amazing flavor.
These homemade salad dressings are versatile enough to use on green salads, grain bowls, roasted veggies, pasta salads, or even as a marinade or dipping sauce. Whether you’re craving a light lemon vinaigrette, a creamy Greek yogurt base, or a classic balsamic vinaigrette, this list has you covered.
Here are our go-to healthy homemade salad dressings you’ll want to make again and again (and check out the FAQs below for even more ideas!).
Healthy Homemade Salad Dressings
Delicious Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
Homemade ranch dressing is good on everything! Making your own homemade ranch dressing at home is healthier and tastier than any store-bought dressing. This recipe is vegan and dairy-free, but feel free to use any mayo that works for you.
3-Ingredient Balsamic Dressing Recipe
This homemade balsamic dressing recipe is a top Google search for a reason—it goes with just about everything! It’s super simple to whip up a batch and makes any salad or veggie taste amazing.
If you love it, please leave a star rating in the comments below to help other readers in our community.
Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette Recipe
Who knew that making your own vinaigrette could be so easy? This Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette is super fresh and easy to make!
Easy Coleslaw Dressing Recipe
You only need 4 ingredients plus a little salt and pepper to make this easy and incredibly delicious coleslaw dressing recipe! It’s even on the healthy side. This classic homemade coleslaw dressing recipe comes together in a snap and pairs with just about any slaw out there. I use it both on shredded cabbage and
Sweet Italian Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe
Sweet Italian red wine vinaigrette elevates the flavor of just about any salad, and it’s also perfect on a sandwich (or loaded veggie hummus wraps), or even drizzled on roasted veggies. If you love it, please leave a star rating in the comments below to help other readers in our community.
Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe
We love this homemade honey mustard dressing on just about everything, especially a green salad with chicken, carrots, and tomatoes. It’s also fantastic as a veggie dip, and kids love to dip chicken strips in it. If you love it, please leave a star rating in the comments below to help other readers in our community.
Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
This anti-inflammatory, super-nutritious apple cider vinegar salad dressing is not only healthy, but it’s also delicious.
Summer Chicken Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Enjoy this easy summer chicken salad recipe with 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Easy Yogurt Sauce (with Garlic & Lemon)
This creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce is tangy, fresh, and full of flavor. Made with Greek yogurt, lemon, and garlic, it’s perfect as a dip, drizzle, or dressing for everything from grain bowls to grilled veggies. Ready in less than 5 minutes!
Quick Combos for Easy Healthy Salad Dressings
Mix and match these simple ingredient pairs (plus olive oil, salt, and pepper) to create endless variations:
- Miso Paste + Rice Vinegar: Creamy, savory dressing with umami depth
- Greek Yogurt + Lemon Juice: Tangy, protein-packed ranch-style base
- Avocado + Lime Juice: Smooth, creamy, and loaded with healthy fats
- Tahini + Apple Cider Vinegar: Nutty, tangy, Middle Eastern–inspired flavor
- Balsamic Vinegar + Dijon Mustard: Classic balsamic vinaigrette with a kick
- Maple Syrup + Red Wine Vinegar: Sweet and tangy with antioxidant boost
- Fresh Basil + Olive Oil: Herb-forward dressing, perfect for pasta or Caprese salad
- Garlic + Oregano + Olive Oil: Mediterranean-style vinaigrette with bold flavor
Pro Tip: Start with about 1 part acid (vinegar or citrus) to 2–3 parts oil, then add your combo ingredients. Adjust to taste!FAQs About Healthy Salad Dressings
What is the healthiest salad dressing to eat?
The healthiest salad dressings are made with whole, fresh ingredients—think extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or garlic. These add healthy fats, antioxidants, and flavor without unnecessary preservatives or sugars. Mashed or blended avocado and tahini paste (blended sesame seeds) can also make wonderful additions to homemade dressings.
What are the tastiest healthy homemade salad dressings?
Taste is subjective, but some of the most-loved options include a zesty lemon vinaigrette, creamy Greek yogurt ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, and avocado lime dressing. These balance bright flavors with creamy or tangy notes and work on everything from salads to roasted veggies.
How long does homemade salad dressing last in the fridge?
Most homemade salad dressings last about 1 week in the fridge, especially those made with fresh garlic or herbs. Oil- and vinegar-based dressings (like a balsamic vinaigrette or apple cider vinegar dressing) can last up to 2 weeks. Always store them in a sealed jar and shake before using.
Can healthy salad dressings double as a marinade or dipping sauce?
Yes! A lemon vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette, or even a Greek yogurt–based dressing makes a fantastic marinade for chicken, fish, or veggies. They also work as a flavorful dipping sauce for roasted veggies or even sweet potato fries.
What ingredients should I keep in my pantry for easy vinaigrettes?
Stock your pantry with extra virgin olive oil, vinegars (balsamic, apple cider, red wine), Dijon mustard, maple syrup, oregano, and garlic. With these basics, you can mix and match to make dozens of healthy, homemade dressings in minutes.
What’s the best oil to use in salad dressing?
The best oil for healthy salad dressings is cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil—it’s rich in flavor and loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants. For a lighter flavor, you can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Each brings its own taste and nutritional benefits, so choose based on your recipe and personal preference.
The beauty of making your own salad dressing is that you can customize it to your taste while knowing exactly what’s in it. Each of these recipes highlights healthy fats, fresh herbs, and clean pantry staples—no fillers, no mystery ingredients.
Try keeping one or two dressings in the fridge each week so you always have a quick way to elevate salads, roasted vegetables, or even a simple bowl of pasta. Once you get into the habit, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought.
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