16 Fresh, Flavorful Plant-Based Salad Dressing Recipes

Whether you're a salad enthusiast or a skeptic, the right dressing can transform your dish, influencing its taste, texture, and nutritional value. A superb dressing can elevate a salad to something luscious, flavorful, crave-worthy, and nutrient-rich. Conversely, a mediocre dressing can render it dull and even unhealthy. Choosing a healthy, plant-based salad dressing is crucial for enjoying salads, increasing your intake of fresh produce, and boosting your nutrient intake.

Why Homemade Salad Dressing is Superior

Opting for homemade dressings over store-bought versions offers numerous advantages. Many commercial dressings are laden with low-quality oils and excessive salt. Those marketed as "oil-free" often compensate with added sugar. Furthermore, store-bought dressings frequently contain preservatives for extended shelf life and stabilizers to enhance texture.

Creating your own plant-based salad dressing recipes at home empowers you to control the ingredients and their quality. It also allows for customized batch sizes. Instead of relying on a generic dressing until the bottle is empty, you can experiment with small-batch recipes, ensuring variety in every salad. Homemade dressings are fresher, more cost-effective, and minimize packaging waste.

Salad Dressings- For Salad and Beyond!

A great vegan dressing can really change a salad from boring to incredible. But you don’t need to limit your dressings to salad. A good dressing is essential for your Buddah bowls, and is fantastic on roasted vegetables. Throw some on pasta for a no-mayo needed pasta salad. Use it to marinade your tofu to add a little flavor there. Salad dressing is amazing on potatoes, of basically any kind- roasted, baked, wedges, fried, chips, and more. Use it to dress your sandwiches and wraps, or you can dip your wraps instead. In fact, they make a good dipping sauce for most things. And I know I’m not the only one who uses salad dressing on my pizza crusts.

Homemade Salad Dressing Basics

Core Components

While salad dressings offer infinite variations, many share these core ingredients:

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• Fat: Provides a luscious texture and helps the dressing adhere to vegetables. Excellent choices include blended avocado, tahini, high-quality oils, almond butter, yogurt, and blended nuts. Avoid fat-free dressings, as they tend to be thin and unsatisfying. Fat aids in nutrient absorption from vegetables and increases satiety.
• Acid: Essential for a vibrant dressing. Citrus juices and vinegars add brightness and flavor.
• Other Flavorings: These elements make dressings unique, ranging from herbs and spices to garlic and fruit. They enhance the salad's appeal, complement the meal, or evoke a specific cultural heritage.

Creating Your Own Dressing

Start by selecting a culture or season to guide your flavor profile. Choose a fat and acid that complement your theme, and then incorporate additional flavor powerhouses. Taste and adjust as you go.

Batch Sizes and Uses

Homemade dressings allow you to control batch sizes. Most recipes keep well in the refrigerator for several days. You might want to make a customized dressing every time you make a salad in order to match the flavor profile I'm working with. Vinaigrettes are especially friendly for micro-batches and take only a minute or two to whip up. Most of the ideas below can easily be scaled up or down as needed.

Salad dressings are versatile. Drizzle them over roasted or grilled vegetables, use them in bowl-style meals, or serve thicker dressings as dips for vegetables, chips, or crackers.

Plant-Based Salad Dressing Recipes

Here are numerous plant-based salad dressing recipes, categorized for your convenience.

Great Nut-Free Salad Dressings

These recipes are perfect for those with nut allergies, offering creamy textures without cashews, walnuts, peanuts, or pecans.

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• Homemade Ranch Dressing (NF): Creamy, rich, thick, savory, and mild.
• Whole30 Balsamic Mustard Dressing (NF): Sweet, deep, peppery, and fresh.
• Vegan Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe (NF): Tangy, sweet, maple-flavored, and creamy.

Creamy and Savory Umami-Bomb Recipes

These dressings emphasize the umami flavor, providing a bold and savory experience.

• Almond Butter Dressing (OF): Nutty, sweet, garlicky, thick, and creamy.
• Vegan Avocado Ranch Dressing (NF): Creamy, thick, herbed, rich, and savory.
• Next-Level Amazing Vegan Caesar Dressing (NF): Creamy, savory, bold, complex, and flavorful.
• Savory Garlic Dressing (OF): Garlicky, nutty, creamy, savory, and briny.
• Creamy Harissa Dressing (OF, NF): Smoky, thick, nutty, spicy, and creamy.

Pink and Fruity Vegan Salad Dressings

These dressings are fruity, colorful, and fun, offering a tart and sweet flavor profile.

• Raspberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing (OF, NF): Fruity, tangy, sweet, bright, and fresh.
• Creamy Pink Hibiscus Dressing (NF): Bright, tart, sour, fruity, and creamy.
• Oil-Free Strawberry Vinaigrette (OF, NF): Fruity, bright, sweet, summery, and fresh.
• Sweet Cherry Vinaigrette (NF): Sweet, fruity, bright, and acidic.

Cashew-Based Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes

Cashews create rich, thick, and creamy dressings.

• Nutritional Yeast Salad Dressing: Garlicky, cheesy, creamy, and savory.
• Creamy Vegan Italian Dressing (OF): Zesty, creamy, healthy, and citrusy.
• Asian Salad Dressing (OF): Creamy, savory, nutty, oil-free, and spicy.
• Jalapeño Ranch Dressing (OF): Spicy, thick, creamy, and tangy.
• Vegan Thousand Island Dressing (OF): Creamy, tangy, briny, and savory.

Vegetable-Based Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes

Vegetables add texture and flavor to these dressings.

• Sweet Onion Salad Dressing (NF): Savory, sweet, flavorful, and pungent.
• 24 Carrot Gold Dressing (OF, NF): Colorful, vibrant, fresh, and sweet.
• Green Onion and Miso Salad Dressing (NF): Savory, fresh, creamy, green, and oil-free.

Oil-Free, Nut-Free Salad Dressings

These dressings cater to those avoiding both oil and nuts.

Read also: Advantages of a Plant-Based Cleanse

• Blueberry Basil Salad Dressing (OF, NF): Fruity, herbed, zesty, bright, and summery.
• Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing (OF, NF): Creamy, tangy, healthy, and textured.
• Citrus Tahini Dressing (OF, NF): Nutty, sesame-flavored, citrusy, creamy, and complex.
• Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette (OF, NF): Fruity, oil-free, tart, sweet, and nutty.
• Papaya Seed Dressing (OF, NF): Fruity, peppery, spicy, and tart.

Specific Recipes

Light Thai Peanut Dressing

Blended eggplant and jarred roasted red pepper create a velvety, richly flavored low-fat peanut sauce suitable for any salad.

Vegan Mexican Crema Sauce

This easy-to-make vegan Mexican crema sauce offers a punch of salty and tangy flavors.

Indian-Inspired Salad

This vibrant salad takes taste buds on a flavorful journey with an Indian-inspired dressing.

Vegan Ranch Dressing

This flavorful ranch dressing recipe is wholesome and easy to make. Cashews provide a creamy base, while dill, chives, and parsley deliver the classic ranch flavor.

Beet Caesar Dressing

This beet Caesar dressing offers an explosion of color, flavor, and creamy goodness.

Blueberry Vinaigrette

This easy and delicious salad dressing is perfect for summer, highlighting the natural sweetness of blueberries.

Ginger Miso Dressing

This ginger miso dressing packs a ton of flavor and nutrition.

Thousand Island Dressing

Here’s a healthy, plant-based recipe for Thousand Island Dressing.

Tamari Vinaigrette and Sesame Umami Dressings

These dressings achieve a delicious mouthfeel from super savory, gluten-free Tamari sauce.

Agave Mustard, and Creamy Italian Dressings

These dressings utilize tofu as a main ingredient for a creamy texture without oil.

Easy Vegan Salad Dressing

This easy vegan salad dressing can be made in 5 minutes with pantry ingredients. It's zingy, bursting with umami from nutritional yeast, and deliciously addictive.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons water
• Nutritional yeast
• Oil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients except the oil to a small blender jar (or use an immersion blender).
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Slowly stream in the oil while the blender is running on low to emulsify.
4. Pour into a jar and store in the fridge.

Poppy Seed Dressing

Instructions

1. Add all the ingredients except for the poppy seeds into a food processor or blender.
2. Process until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more water if needed.

Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Process until smooth.

Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

Instructions

1. Whisk together.

Catalina Dressing

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients except the parsley into a food processor or blender.
2. Process until smooth.
3. Cover and refrigerate.

Pesto Dressing

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients plus 2 tablespoons of water to a food processor.
2. Blend until smooth.

Asian-Inspired Dressing

Instructions

1. Add everything to a clean jar with 1 tablespoon of water to start.
2. Screw on the lid and shake until mixed well.

Creamy Lemon Dressing

Instructions

1. *You can also use ½ cup of cashews instead of the non-dairy yogurt. Soak the cashews in water until tender (overnight works great, but no less than 4 hours). I found that you need to double the recipe if you use cashews, so that there is enough liquid to blend smoothly.

Almond Butter Dressing

• 3 tbsp almond butter
• 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1.5 tsp coconut sugar
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 3-4 tbsp water (as needed)

Combine all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk. Add the water incrementally until you achieve your preferred texture.

Asian Dressing

• 4 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp finely-grated fresh ginger
• 1-2 cloves of finely-diced garlic
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp honey (or substitute sugar if you don't eat honey)

Combine all the ingredients and stir well. Make sure to re-stir before using, since the dressing will separate as it sits.

Blueberry Vinaigrette

• 0.5 c fresh blueberries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Balsamic Dijon Dressing

• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Dash of water as needed

Mix the ingredients together well. If desired, use a dash of water to thin it out to your desired texture. This makes about a quarter cup of dressing.

Green Goddess Avocado Dressing

• One ripe avocado
• Juice of a lime
• 2 c fresh basil
• 1 c fresh cilantro
• 0.5 c fresh mint
• Generous pinch of sea salt
• Splash of water as needed

Combine all of the ingredients in a high-power blender and blend until smooth. Add a dash of water as needed to reach your desired consistency; you may want a thinner consistency for a salad dressing and a thicker one for a sauce.

Lemony Herb Dressing

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp fresh garlic, minced through a garlic press or very finely by hand
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.25 tsp sea salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Mix all of the ingredients until well-combined. If making this dressing ahead of time, re-mix before serving since it will separate.

Summery Yogurt Dressing

• 0.5 c thick, unflavored, unsweetened yogurt of choice (vegan if desired)
• Zest of a lime
• Juice of a lime
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp agave
• Big handful of fresh mint, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper

Combine all the ingredients and stir well.

Minty Herb Dressing

• Juice of a lemon
• 2 tbsp honey mustard (or regular mustard, for a fully vegan version)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Handful of chopped fresh mint
• Handful of chopped fresh parsley
• Leaves from a few sprigs of thyme, optional

Combine all the ingredients and stir well. If making this dressing ahead of time, re-mix before serving since it will separate.

Mango Cilantro Dressing

• Ripe mango
• Handful of fresh cilantro
• Juice of an orange, fresh-squeezed
• Juice of a lemon, fresh-squeezed
• 0.25 c olive oil
• 0.25 c maple syrup
• 1 tsp kelp salt or sea salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Combine all of the ingredients in a high-powder blender and blend until smooth. This makes about two thirds of a cup of dressing.

Maple Mustard Yogurt Dressing

• Juice of a lemon
• 0.25 c unsweetened, unflavored yogurt of choice (vegan if desired)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp coarse-grained mustard, ideally homemade
• Generous salt and pepper

Combine all the ingredients and stir well.

Walnut Red Pepper Dressing

• 1 c walnuts
• 1 roasted red bell pepper
• 0.5 c water
• 0.25 c olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1.5 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1 large garlic clove
• 1 tsp sea salt
• Half or less of a serrano pepper optional, if you like heat

Combine all of the ingredients in a high-power blender and blend until smooth. This makes about two cups of dressing.

Peach Dijon Vinaigrette

• 0.25 c peach-infused white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp good, robust olive oil
• 2 tbsp coarse-grained mustard, ideally homemade
• 0.25 tsp sea salt

Combine all the ingredients and stir well. Make sure to re-stir before using, since the dressing will separate as it sits.

Pomegranate Dressing

• Juice of half a lemon
• 2 tbsp pomegranate juice
• 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Combine all of the ingredients and whisk well to mix. If needed, re-mix before b…

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