10 Easy Vegan Salad Dressing Ideas
Fresh garden salads are only as good as the dressing you put on them, and that’s why these 10 homemade Vegan Salad Dressings are so important. They are completely oil-free, vegan, absolutely delicious, and some are even gluten-free. Get ready to take those healthy salads to a new level!
I happen to absolutely love fresh salad. Whether it is a Spinach Citrus Salad or a Masaged Kale Salad, I’m all in, any time of the year or day!
One thing I’ve found is that switching out the dressing regularly is one way to keep me craving those fresh colorful bowls that are packed with nutrition and plenty of fiber. One day I might have a simple 3-2-1 Vinaigrette and the next I may be feeling a little more like having my Creamy Vegan Ranch Dressing.
I’m betting you’ll discover some new favorite oil-free salad dressings from this list to drizzle over your garden salads. Get ready to elevate your greens with these flavorful, healthy options!
Reasons you will love these dressings
- Healthy and Oil-Free: These vegan salad dressings are made with wholesome ingredients, offering a guilt-free way to add flavor without the extra oil.
- Simple to Make: With minimal ingredients and easy steps, these dressings can be whipped up in no time for quick meal prep.
- Bursting with Flavor: From tangy to creamy, these dressings are packed with bold, delicious flavors that will elevate any salad.
- Versatile and Customizable: Perfect for all types of salads, bowls, and even as dips, these oil-free dressings can be tailored to suit your taste preferences.
What is in a healthy salad?
Salads can be filled with disease-fighting phytonutrients, antioxidants, and loads of fiber. The fact is, it’s not just all about leafy greens and vegetables either.
- Veggies– Some of my favorite things to put in a salad are greens like spinach, romaine, kale, and arugula. Other great veggie options include tomatoes, shredded carrots, diced celery, cucumber slices, broccoli florets, cauliflower, and so much more!
- Grains– A great salad can be piled high with grains like brown rice, millet, or bulgur.
- Beans- Whether it’s chickpeas, baby lima beans, or some other variety, beans add fiber that helps to keep you full for longer.
- Fruit- Some of the fruits that I love to add to my salad are canteloupe, honeydew melon, strawberries, mango, and mandarin orange slices.
- Nuts & Seeds- Sunflower seeds, almond slivers, and crushed walnuts are some of my favorites.
Choosing the right salad dressing
The downfall of many seeking these healthy benefits is what’s on top of their salad. Unfortunately, most salad dressings are loaded with lots of sugar and artery-clogging saturated fat.
Luckily, oil-free and dairy-free salad dressing options can provide a powerful punch of flavor for these culinary masterpieces without all the processed high-calorie junk.
Be sure to check out our Salad Dressings Recipe page for more great recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Homemade vegan salad dressings are often lower in sugar, free from preservatives, and made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, making them a healthier choice than many store-bought varieties.
Absolutely! You can make flavorful oil-free dressings by using ingredients like avocado, tahini, or blended nuts to create creamy textures, or citrus and vinegar for tangy, light options.
Most homemade vegan salad dressings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days, depending on the ingredients used.
Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes
To keep things healthy and simple, here are ten oil-free and dairy-free salad dressings that will surprise you with how delicious they are, and they're so easy to make.
Easy vegan ranch dressing recipe. Creamy and cool, this is an excellent salad dressing or dip for piles of veggies!
This recipe is great on pasta and bean salads, as well as regular garden salads. With only three ingredients required, it's likely you've already got everything needed on-hand.
If you are looking for a new salad dressing idea for all those veggies, checkout this delicious tangy dressing recipe from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. It's so quick and easy!
Take those greens to the next level with this vinegar oil-free salad dressing that requires only 5 ingredients and 5-minutes to whip up to perfection. It’s a deliciously simple, gluten-free, oil-free, nut-free, plant-based topping for salads, pasta, wraps, and even more!
This smoky, savory, and creamy vegan chipotle sauce is the perfect match for bean burgers, veggie hoagies, baked fries, and SO MUCH MORE!
This Orange Salad Dressing is deliciously refreshing when paired with a green salad, pasta, bean salad, or even used as a marinade! Five minutes and a few ingredients are all you need to make this tasty dressing recipe!
This recipe came from my husband's love of a tangy tomato salad dressing at a local restaurant. Theirs has oil, but this one does not. He loves this stuff!
This creamy peanut sauce can be served as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, stir fry sauce, or over rice dishes. With no cooking required, it’s ready in 10-minutes flat!
This easy Tahini Dressing recipe takes less than 5-minutes to make with only a handful of ingredients. It's delicious on pasta, salad, veggie bowls, falafels, and more!
This honey mustard sauce recipe is completely egg-free and dairy-free. It’s low-fat and easy to make with only 5 ingredients. Great as a salad dressing, sandwich or wrap topping, and even on baked potatoes.
I hope you enjoyed exploring this collection of healthy vegan salad dressings and found plenty of inspiration to create delicious, flavorful salads. These dressings are sure to take your greens to the next level!
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
I just made the orange miso salad dressing, it was quick, easy, and delicious! thank you