Nutrition Products Food and Beverages The Best Salad Dressings, According to a Dietitian Tessemae’s Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing has great ingredients and versatility By Novella Lui RD, MHSc Novella Lui RD, MHSc Facebook Novella Lui is a dietitian, writer, and editor who combines her passion for providing nutrition and health education with food and culture through creating consumer-focused content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 23, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN LinkedIn Twitter Kristy is a licensed registered dietitian nutritionist and trained culinary professional. She has worked in a variety of settings, including MSKCC and Rouge Tomate. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Autumn Rauchwerk, MS, RDN, E-RYT Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Getty Images / VeselovaElena Finding the right salad dressing can be key to helping you add flavor to vegetables. Whether you use salad dressing to mix in a salad, marinate veggies for the grill, or drizzle over cooked dishes, a tasty dressing can help you include more vegetables in your diet. Increasing your vegetable consumption helps you get a range of essential nutrients, which supports bowel movements, helps stabilize your blood sugar levels, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Reviewed & Approved Our top pick is Tessemae’s Organic Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing, which is made from simple ingredients. It is free from added sugar, and it can also be used as a marinade. We also love Momo Dressing Ginger Flavor, which uses traditional Japanese ingredients, combined with whole foods, to create a dressing that complements a wide range of dishes. Drizzling your salad with salad dressings not only adds flavor and color to your vegetables but may also add additional nutritional value, such as healthy fats, which help provide energy, support vitamin absorption, and are essential for other processes in the body. When looking for a new salad dressing to try, consider flavor, ingredients and nutritional profile, and what you are using the salad dressing for. In order to find the best salad dressings, our dietitian researched dozens of options and received recommendations from well-respected dietitians with culinary expertise. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Tesseemae Organic Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing at Target Jump to Review Best Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing: The New Primal Classic Ranch Dressing at Thenewprimal.com Jump to Review Best Italian Dressing: Newman's Own Avocado Oil Italian Dressing at Newmansown.com Jump to Review Best Dressing and Marinade: Trader Joe's Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing at Amazon Jump to Review Best Caesar Dressing: Primal Kitchen Caesar Dressing at Amazon Jump to Review Best Vinaigrette: Whole 30 ElderBerry Vinaigrette at Thrive Market Jump to Review Best Balsamic Dressing: Primal Kitchen Balsamic Vinaigrette at Amazon Jump to Review Best Unique Flavor: Momo Dressing Ginger Flavor at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Best Overall Tesseemae Organic Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing 4.8 Tessemae's View On Target View On Tessemaes.com View On Wholefoodsmarket.com Pros Organic, non-GMO No added sugar Dairy- and gluten-free Kosher Cons Contains mustard seeds, which some people are allergic to Tessemae's organic lemon garlic takes our top pick, because it’s made with six simple ingredients—sunflower oil, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, mustard seeds, sea salt, and garlic oil. It serves as both a dressing and marinade, pairing well with salads, poultry, and fish. If you top this Mediterranean chopped salad with this lemon garlic dressing, you can make preparation super-simple and skip the dressing-making step of the recipe entirely. Culinary dietitian Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN says, "It is light [and] fresh and doesn't contain any added sugar." Moreover, it is low in sodium, offering 65 milligrams per serving, about three percent of many people’s daily recommended sodium intake. That may be an important factor if you are watching your salt intake. Price at time of publication: $5 Protein per serving: 0 gram | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Total Fat: 9 grams (12% Daily Value) | Saturated fat per serving: 0.5 grams (3% Daily Value) | Sodium per serving: 65 milligrams (3% Daily Value) | Added Sugar per serving: 0 gram | Calories per serving: 80 Best Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing The New Primal Classic Ranch Dressing The New Primal View On Thenewprimal.com Pros Made with avocado oil No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors Gluten- and dairy-free No added sugar Cons Not vegan (contains egg whites) Contains coconut, a potential allergen Contains 280 milligrams of sodium per serving Dairy-free and craving ranch dressing? We’ve got you covered. Recipe and meal-planning expert Lara Harris, MS, RD, LD recommends The New Primal Classic Ranch Dressing. According to Harris, some salad dressings have a long list of ingredients, and many do not resemble food you would recognize. She recommends choosing a dressing “where you recognize most or all of the ingredients as whole foods or spices, versus fillers, thickeners, or something made in the lab!” The base of a typical ranch dressing contains sour cream and buttermilk, so it’s rich in dairy. The New Primal Classic Ranch Dressing uses a creative approach to dairy-free cooking, using avocado oil, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and egg whites to create the base. While many ranch dressings are seasoned using ambiguous natural (and artificial) flavors, this one is seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dill weed. Instead of using fillers, it uses tapioca starch as a thickener. This option contains 280 milligrams of sodium per serving, which adds flavor but may not be ideal if you are watching your salt intake. Protein per serving: 0 gram | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Total Fat: 11 grams (15% Daily Value) | Saturated fat per serving: 2 grams (9% Daily Value) | Sodium per serving: 280 milligrams (12% Daily Value) | Added Sugar per serving: 0 grams | Calories per serving: 100 Best Italian Dressing Newman's Own Avocado Oil Italian Dressing Newman's Own View On Newmansown.com Pros Gluten-free No added sugar Company donates 100% of profits Cons Not vegan (contains eggs and milk) Contains 270 milligrams of sodium per serving Newman’s Own Avocado Oil ranks as one of the best dressings, because it uses avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil—two nutritious oils that are not found in many Italian dressings on the market. Avocado oil and olive oil include unsaturated fats that may reduce the LDL (bad cholesterol levels), in turn decreasing the risk of heart disease.Leah Johnston, RDN, LDN mentions that this dressing includes authentic Italian spices, such as garlic, oregano, red pepper, and onions, adding the depth of flavor. Try it on top of this chicken, bacon, and apple chopped salad. As an added bonus, Newman’s Own is dedicated to donating 100% of company profits to organizations that support children facing adversity. Since 1982, it has donated over $570 million. Keep in mind that this option contains 270 milligrams of sodium per serving, which may not be preferable if you are watching your salt intake. Protein per serving: 0 gram | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Saturated fat per serving: 1 gram | Sodium per serving: 270 milligrams (12% Daily Value) | Added Sugar per serving: 0 grams | Calories per serving: 50 The Best Salad Ingredients Best Dressing and Marinade Trader Joe's Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing Amazon View On Amazon View On Traderjoes.com Pros Organic, non-GMO, kosher Dairy- and gluten-free Versatile Cons Contains mustard and sesame, which some people are allergic to Contains a small amount of added sugar Trader Joe’s Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing offers a blend of umami and sweetness. Umami refers to the savory or “meaty” flavor of certain foods, such as mushrooms, beef, soy sauce, and cheese. When umami is present, your perception of sweetness, sourness, and bitterness may change. Trader Joe’s ensures a rich sesame flavor by using three forms of sesame—roasted sesame seeds, whole black sesame seeds, and sesame oil. This dressing has other uses beyond the typical salads and slaws. It pairs well with protein like chicken, fish, and tofu, making it a perfect marinade. It could also be used as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables, or you can drizzle it over pasta salads. Save time on preparing this chopped salad with garlic-ginger chicken recipe by using this dressing to marinate the chicken and as the dressing for the salad. Price at time of publication: $21 Protein per serving: less than 1 gram | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Total Fat: 13 grams (17% Daily Value) | Saturated fat per serving: 1.5 grams (8% Daily Value) | Sodium per serving: 200 milligrams (9% Daily Value) | Added Sugar per serving: 3 grams (6% Daily Value) | Calories per serving: 130 Best Caesar Dressing Primal Kitchen Caesar Dressing Primal Kitchen View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Primalkitchen.com Pros Made with avocado oil Dairy-, sugar-, soy-, and gluten-free Cons Not vegan (contains eggs) Contains coconut A traditional Caesar dressing has three prime ingredients: anchovies, eggs, and parmesan cheese. Since not everyone eats all of these ingredients, Primal Kitchen has created a Caesar dressing that is dairy- and fish-free. Not only that, it is also gluten and soy-free, making this dressing a great option for a variety of dietary restrictions. The brand prides itself on using primarily organic ingredients. This dressing is versatile, but we especially love it with a homemade chicken Caesar salad. With this dressing on hand, you can make the preparation even simpler. Price at time of publication: $8 Protein per serving: 0 gram | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Total Fat: 14 grams (18% Daily Value) | Saturated fat per serving: 1.5 grams (8% Daily Value) | Sodium per serving: 210 milligrams (9% Daily Value) | Added Sugar per serving: 0 gram | Calories per serving: 130 The 8 Best Protein Powders for Women, According to a Dietitian Best Vinaigrette Whole 30 ElderBerry Vinaigrette Whole 30 View On Thrive Market View On Whole30.com Pros Made with sunflower oil Dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free No vegetable gums, fillers, or artificial flavors Cons Contains eggs (not vegan) Contains mustard, which some people are allergic to Many raspberry vinaigrettes are overly sweet, which is why we like how well the Whole 30 Elderberry Vinaigrette balances the sweet and the savory. Unlike other brands that may use corn syrup, sugar, or honey to sweeten a tart fruit-flavored dressing, Whole 30 uses pineapple juice concentrate to balance the earthiness and tartness of elderberries. The combination of elderberry and pineapple juice concentrates also tones down the sourness that a vinaigrette offers. We like how the dressing’s deep magenta color brightens up salads. It is light, sweet, and tangy, and it also pairs well with meat, vegetables, and slaws. To top it off, it offers a simple, minimally processed ingredient deck. Price at time of publication: $9 Protein per serving: 0 gram | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Total Fat: 11 grams (14% Daily Value) | Saturated fat per serving: 1 gram (5% Daily Value) | Sodium per serving: 240 miligrams (10% Daily Value) | Added Sugar per serving: 0-1 grams | Calories per serving: 100 Best Balsamic Dressing Primal Kitchen Balsamic Vinaigrette Primal Kitchen View On Amazon View On Primalkitchen.com Pros Made with avocado oil Dairy-, sugar-, soy-, and gluten-free No artificial flavors No added sugar Cons Expensive for a dressing that’s easy to make Primal Kitchen Balsamic Vinaigrette is a gem in the balsamic vinaigrette category. This balsamic vinaigrette offers a relatively short list of simple ingredients—avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice concentrate, and konjac root as a thickener. Konjac root is a root vegetable that is commonly grown in some parts of Asia and is best known for its soluble fiber, glucomannan. However, this dressing uses a small amount of konjac root and does not include any of the soluble fiber. Johnston notes that this dressing is unique in comparison with other store-bought balsamic vinaigrette options. “No added sugar is also a rare find in quality balsamic vinaigrette, and Primal Kitchen delivers one that does not lack in flavor.” You might enjoy using this dressing to mix into salads and also to marinate vegetables or chicken breasts. Price at time of publication: $8 Protein per serving: 0 gram | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Total Fat: 11 grams (14% Daily Value) | Saturated fat per serving: 1.5 grams (8% Daily Value) | Sodium per serving: 125 miligrams (5% Daily Value) | Added Sugar per serving: 0 grams | Calories per serving: 100 Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services of 2022, According to a Dietitian Best Unique Flavor Momo Dressing Ginger Flavor Amazon View On Amazon View On Wholefoodsmarket.com Pros Dairy-free No added sugar Made in small batches using ingredients sourced from local farms Cons Contains soy, which some people are allergic to Hailing from Brooklyn, Momo Dressing was first introduced in the farmer's markets of New York State by Masaki and Yukimi Momose, a couple who wanted to explore and share their Japanese cuisine. Using ingredients from local farms, each bottle is prepared and handled manually and locally, with the brand making small batches weekly for quality and freshness. What makes this dressing unique is its use of traditional Japanese ingredients—rice vinegar and white miso—combined with whole foods, such as carrots and apples, to create a dressing that complements a wide range of both Japanese and non-Japanese dishes. Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, CDN recommends this dressing and applauds its versatility. She says, "The unique flavors of Momo Ginger Dressing also make a perfect marinade." Price at time of publication: $9 Protein per serving: 1 gram | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Total Fat: 6 grams (8% Daily Value) | Saturated fat per serving: 0 gram (0% Daily Value) | Sodium per serving: 220 miligrams (10% Daily Value) | Added Sugar per serving: 0 grams | Calories per serving: 100 Final Verdict Our top pick is Tessemae’s Organic Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing, since it is made from simple ingredients, is free from added sugar, and can also be used as a marinade. We also love Momo Dressing Ginger Flavor, which uses traditional Japanese ingredients combined with whole foods to create a dressing that complements a wide range of dishes. How We Selected the Best Salad Dressings We reviewed a wide variety of salad dressings and consulted dietitians with culinary expertise to learn which dressings they use and recommend to their clients. Our registered dietitian reviewed the nutritional information for each product during the selection process. We also considered the types of ingredients, sodium content, added sugar content, flavor, versatility, and price. What to Look for in Salad Dressings Flavor Profile Flavor matters when choosing a salad dressing. Some dressings are savory, while others offer sweet and slightly sour notes. The flavor profile also dictates how you use the dressing—you may use a savory dressing to marinate meats, and a sweeter dressing to balance the earthiness of leafy greens. Ingredients The ingredients included in the salad dressing will also help you decide whether it is a good option. By reading the ingredient list, you can identify what ingredients are used—the type of oil used, whether there is added sodium, added sugar, and more. Ingredients are listed in the order of weight—there is the most, by weight, of the first ingredient, and the least, by weight, of the last ingredient. You may consider choosing a salad dressing with recognizable ingredients so you will know what you will be consuming. Added Sodium Salt or sodium enhances the salad dressing's flavor. For some people, eating too much food with added sodium may increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease (5). Some salad dressings may use yeast extract instead of table salt, which is also high in sodium. If you are watching your salt intake, read the percent daily value (% DV) on the nutrition facts, and look for a salad dressing with the smallest value. Added Sugars Salad dressings may be a source of hidden added sugars, so you may prefer to choose salad dressings with minimal added sugars, which can contribute excess calories without adding nutritional benefits. You can always refer to the ingredients list to find where the sweetness comes from. Some dressings may be sweetened using 100% fruit juice, which is not considered a form of added sugar, and the nutrition facts may display "0 grams of added sugar." If you are watching your blood sugar, please keep in mind that carbohydrates, including both added sugar and sugar from ingredients like fruit juice, impact blood sugar levels. Allergens Reading the ingredients list and noting whether the salad dressing is manufactured in an allergen-free facility are essential if you are allergic or sensitive to a specific food. Price Depending on your budget, price may be a factor to consider when choosing salad dressings. Many options are priced in the mid-range, and some offer a subscription, which can be a way to save money. You may consider participating in a subscription when you are confident that you want to have that specific dressing as one of your kitchen staples. Frequently Asked Questions Is salad dressing gluten-free? Some salad dressings are gluten-free. One of the key ingredients in salad dressings is vinegar. Non-distilled vinegars, such as those made with barley, malt, wheat, and rye, are not gluten-free, whereas gluten is not found in apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or wine vinegar. Since soy sauce is typically made using wheat, dressing that contains soy sauce must be made with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in order to be gluten-free. In addition to reading the ingredient list, check whether the product is certified gluten-free with the seal of approval from one of the three certification organizations. We have also compiled a list of gluten-free salad dressings for your reference. Does salad dressing go bad? Yes, salad dressing can go bad. Some dressings are shelf-stable in the pantry for somewhere between six and twelve months. Once a dressing is opened, most companies recommend keeping it in the refrigerator, where it will last from three to four weeks for creamy salad dressings, to four weeks for vinaigrettes, and up to three months for commercially bottled salad dressings. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some recommend keeping the dressing refrigerated before opening.Homemade salad dressing has a shorter shelf life—up to two weeks in the fridge. Homemade vinaigrette, on the other hand, can be stored for up to three weeks, according to the USDA FoodKeeperapp. How do I make my own salad dressing? Salad dressing usually includes these essential ingredients: oil or fat, such as yogurt or mayonnaise; an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice; and herbs and spices. The salad dressing combinations are endless—try making your own dressing with one of these recipes. What is the healthiest salad dressing? This depends on your individual body and health goals. You may want to choose an oil-based salad dressing, such as one with olive oil, nut oil, avocado oil, or canola oil, because these mostly unsaturated fats are considered to be heart-healthy. Take note of ingredients such as added sugar if you are watching your sugar intake, and of sour cream if you are watching your saturated fat intake. If you have high blood pressure or are salt-sensitive, you may want to prioritize lower-sodium dressing options. It may also be beneficial to choose dressings with fewer and simpler ingredients, so you can better understand what each of them is and how each may impact your body. 5 Food Nutrients to Supercharge Your Immune System 9 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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Practical Guidance for Food Consumption to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease. Heart, Lung and Circulation. 2021; 30(2): 163-179. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2020.08.022 Wang, W., Zhou, X. and Liu, Y. Characterization and evaluation of umami taste: A review. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry. 2020; 127, p.115876. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2020.115876 Devaraj, R., Reddy, C. and Xu, B. Health-promoting effects of konjac glucomannan and its practical applications: A critical review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2019; 126: 273-281.doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.203 Bohn, K., Amberg, M., Meier, T., Forner, F., Stangl, G. and Mäder, P. Estimating food ingredient compositions based on mandatory product labeling. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. 2022; 110: 104508. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2022.104508 Get to Know Carbs. American Diabetes Association. 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