Salads are great, but let’s be real, the dressing can make or break the whole meal. Sometimes you just don’t have the time to whip up your own, and that’s totally okay. I’ve been on the hunt for the best healthy salad dressing to buy, and I’ve found some real winners. These are the ones I actually keep in my fridge for those busy weeknights or when I just need a quick, tasty addition to my greens. Forget those sugary, artificial-filled bottles – these options are made with ingredients you can feel good about.
Key Takeaways
- When choosing a healthy salad dressing to buy, check the ingredient list for whole foods and avoid hydrogenated oils, excessive sugar, and artificial additives.
- Opt for dressings with healthy fats like olive oil or avocado oil, as “fat-free” versions often compensate with added sugar.
- Many great store-bought healthy salad dressing options are available at natural grocery stores like Whole Foods, and some can be found at larger supermarkets.
1. Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
When you think about healthy salad dressings, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is often one of the first ones that comes to mind, and for good reason. It’s a pretty straightforward vinaigrette, but that simplicity is part of its charm. It really lets the apple cider vinegar shine, which is great because, well, apple cider vinegar is pretty amazing stuff. It’s got that tangy kick that can cut through richer ingredients or just wake up a simple bed of greens. Plus, it’s made with a few other good things like organic extra virgin olive oil, honey, garlic, and onion. It’s not overly complicated, which is a big plus in my book.
This dressing is a fantastic way to get a dose of apple cider vinegar without having to mix it yourself.
Here’s a quick look at what you get in a serving:
- Calories: 90 (per 2 tablespoons)
- Fat: 9g (per 2 tablespoons)
- Sodium: 60mg (per 2 tablespoons)
- Carbs: 3g (per 2 tablespoons)
- Sugar: 2g (per 2 tablespoons)
It’s a good option if you’re trying to keep things relatively low in sugar and sodium. I’ve found it works well on almost any salad, from a basic garden salad to something a bit more hearty with chicken or beans. It’s also pretty good as a quick marinade if you’re in a pinch.
One thing to keep in mind with vinaigrettes like this, especially if they have a good amount of olive oil, is that they can sometimes solidify in the fridge. Don’t freak out if you open the bottle and it looks a bit chunky or cloudy. Just let it sit out on the counter for a bit while you get your salad ready, or run the bottle under some warm water. A good shake usually does the trick too. It’s a small price to pay for a dressing made with decent ingredients.
2. Primal Kitchen Ranch
When you think of ranch dressing, you might picture something heavy and loaded with ingredients you can’t pronounce. Primal Kitchen aims to change that perception. Their Ranch dressing is a standout for a few reasons, primarily its clean ingredient list. It’s made with avocado oil, which is a nice change from the usual soybean or canola oils you find in many other dressings.
This dressing is pretty versatile. Sure, it’s great on a big green salad, but I’ve also found myself using it as a dip for raw veggies or even as a sauce for chicken tenders. It has that classic ranch flavor profile – a little tangy, a little herby – without being overpowering.
Here’s a quick look at what’s inside and the nutritional breakdown:
- Key Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Water, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Onion Powder, Organic Garlic Powder, Organic Parsley, Organic Chives, Organic Dill.
- Free From: Gluten, Sugar.
Nutrition Facts (per 2 Tablespoons):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
One thing to keep in mind with dressings made with oils like avocado oil is that they can sometimes solidify in the fridge. If that happens, just let the bottle sit out on the counter for a bit while you’re getting your meal ready, or you can warm it up quickly under some tap water. It’s a simple fix and totally worth it for a cleaner dressing.
3. Whole Foods’ Garlic Tahini Dressing
Whole Foods’ Garlic Tahini Dressing is a real winner if you’re looking for something flavorful and a bit different. It’s got this creamy texture from the tahini, which is basically ground sesame seeds, and then they add roasted garlic and lemon juice. It makes for a really nice, zesty flavor that isn’t too heavy.
What’s great about this one is that it’s oil-free and low in sugar, which is a big plus for a lot of people trying to eat healthier. It’s the same dressing they use on their garlicky kale salad at Whole Foods, and honestly, it’s pretty good on just about anything. You can use it on salads, grain bowls, or even as a dip.
Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:
- Filtered Water
- Roasted Garlic Puree
- Sesame Tahini
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Soy Sauce
- Dried Yeast
- Lemon Juice Concentrate
- Non-GMO Corn Starch
- Xanthan Gum
This dressing is a solid choice because it avoids common pitfalls like excessive vegetable oils and added sugars, focusing instead on ingredients like tahini and garlic for flavor and texture. It’s a good example of how a dressing can be both tasty and mindful of what you’re putting into your body.
4. Litehouse Red Wine Vinegar with Olive Oil
When you want something simple and classic, Litehouse Red Wine Vinegar with Olive Oil is a solid choice. It’s one of those dressings that just works with almost any kind of salad, from a basic iceberg lettuce to something more complex with lots of veggies. It’s not trying to be fancy, it just delivers a straightforward, pleasant taste that won’t overpower your greens.
This dressing is a good pick if you’re looking for a versatile option that can also be used for marinades. It’s got that nice tang from the red wine vinegar balanced out by the smooth olive oil. It’s the kind of thing you can toss with some asparagus before roasting, or even use as a quick glaze for fish. It really does save time in the kitchen when you’re busy.
Here’s a quick look at what you might find in a typical serving:
- Calories: Around 45 per 2 tablespoons
- Fat: About 2.5g per 2 tablespoons
- Sodium: Typically under 100mg per 2 tablespoons
- Carbs: Around 4g per 2 tablespoons
It’s a good idea to check the label for the most current nutritional information, as recipes can sometimes change a little. But generally, this dressing keeps things pretty light and simple, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to keep your salad healthy.
5. Newman’s Own Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing
When you need a dressing that’s straightforward and reliable, Newman’s Own Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing is a solid choice. It’s one of those dressings that just works with almost any kind of salad you can think of, from a simple bed of lettuce to a hearty grain bowl. What’s nice about this one is that it doesn’t have any added sugar, which is a big plus for me. It also tends to be lower in sodium compared to many other bottled options out there, making it a more mindful pick.
It’s pretty versatile, too. I’ve used it on everything from a basic green salad to pasta salads and even quinoa salads. It adds just enough flavor without being overpowering.
Here’s a quick look at what you get in a typical serving:
| Nutrient | Amount (per 2 Tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Sodium | 96mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Sugar | 0g |
This dressing is a good example of how simple ingredients can create a satisfying flavor profile. It proves you don’t need a long list of complex components to make a dressing that tastes good and fits into a healthier eating plan.
6. Annie’s Papaya Poppy Seed Dressing
Annie’s Papaya Poppy Seed dressing is a bit of a surprise, and in a good way. It’s got this subtle sweetness from the papaya that really wakes up a simple green salad.
What I like about Annie’s dressings in general is that they tend to use ingredients you can actually recognize, and this one is no different. It feels like a step up from your basic oil and vinegar, but without being overly complicated or loaded with stuff you don’t need.
This dressing offers a nice balance of sweet and tangy, making it a versatile choice for various types of salads. It’s a good option when you want something a little different but still want to keep things relatively healthy.
It’s a good pick if you’re looking to add a little something extra to your lunch without a lot of fuss. It’s not overly sweet, just enough to make the poppy seeds and the dressing itself more interesting. Definitely worth trying if you’re tired of the same old salad routine.
7. Field and Farmer Sweet Basil Vinaigrette
Field and Farmer’s Sweet Basil Vinaigrette is a solid choice if you’re looking for something that tastes fresh and bright. It’s made with ingredients you can actually recognize, which is always a good sign, right? Think simple, plant-based stuff. It’s not overly complicated, and that’s kind of the point. It works well on a basic green salad, but people also use it as a quick marinade for chicken. It adds a nice flavor without being too much.
This dressing is a good example of how simple ingredients can make a big difference in a salad. It’s not trying to be fancy, just tasty and good for you.
Here’s a quick look at what you might find in it:
- Olive oil
- Basil
- Vinegar
- Spices
It’s a nice way to add some flavor to your meal without a lot of fuss. It’s one of those dressings that just works.
8. Bolthouse Farms Avocado Green Goddess
When you need a convenient, creamy option, Bolthouse Farms Avocado Green Goddess dressing is a solid choice. You can often find it chilling in the produce section of your grocery store, which makes sense given its star ingredient. It’s got a nice, smooth texture and a flavor that’s pretty agreeable for most palates. Many people enjoy it on a simple mixed greens salad, perhaps with some grilled salmon on top. It’s a good way to get a bit of that green goddess goodness without having to make it from scratch.
Here’s a quick look at what you might find inside:
- Avocado
- Herbs (like parsley, chives, and cilantro)
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Sometimes a touch of sweetness
While it’s a convenient pick, remember that store-bought dressings can sometimes have added sugars or preservatives. It’s always a good idea to check the ingredient list if you’re particular about what goes into your body. Still, for a quick salad boost, this one is a popular pick.
If you’re looking for a ready-made dressing that offers a creamy texture and a pleasant taste, this Bolthouse Farms Avocado Green Goddess is definitely worth considering for your next meal.
9. Tessemae’s
When you’re looking for a dressing that feels like it was made in your own kitchen, Tessemae’s is a brand that often comes up. They really focus on using simple, organic ingredients, which is a big plus for anyone trying to eat a bit cleaner. I’ve found their dressings to be a great way to add flavor without a bunch of stuff you can’t pronounce.
One of their popular options is the Lemon Garlic dressing. It’s pretty straightforward – organic sunflower oil, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, garlic, and sea salt. It’s not overly complicated, and you can really taste the quality of the ingredients. It works well on salads, but I’ve also used it as a marinade for chicken, and it gives it a nice, bright flavor.
| Dressing Name | Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tessemae’s Lemon Garlic | 1 Tablespoon | 90 | 10 | 105 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
It’s nice to have options like Tessemae’s Organic Creamy Ranch that are made with ingredients you can recognize. They have a few different varieties, so you can usually find something that fits what you’re looking for, whether it’s for a salad or something else entirely. They’re a solid choice if you want to keep things simple and healthy.
10. Litehouse Balsamic with Honey
Litehouse Balsamic with Honey is a solid choice if you’re looking for a dressing that hits that sweet and tangy spot. It’s pretty versatile, too. I’ve used it not just on salads, but also as a glaze for salmon, which turned out really well. It definitely saves time in the kitchen when you don’t feel like whipping something up from scratch.
Here’s a quick look at what you get in a typical serving:
| Nutrient | Amount (2 Tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 128 |
| Fat | 13.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
This dressing has a nice balance of sweet and tart, making it a good way to add a little something extra to simpler salads. It’s also handy for dipping things like sweet potato fries or appetizers.
Wrapping It Up
So, whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or planning a big dinner, choosing the right dressing makes a difference. We’ve looked at some great store-bought options that keep things simple and healthy, plus we’ve seen how easy it can be to make your own. Remember to check those labels for good ingredients and watch out for too much sugar. A good dressing can really make a salad shine, turning a simple bowl of greens into something you actually look forward to eating. Give a few of these ideas a try and see how much better your salads can taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying a healthy salad dressing?
When picking a store-bought dressing, always check the ingredient list. Shorter lists are usually better. Look out for things like hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and too many added colors or thickeners. Also, check the sugar and calorie counts per serving.
Should I avoid fat-free salad dressings?
Fat-free dressings often have more sugar to make them taste good. Healthy fats are actually good for you and help your body absorb nutrients from your salad. So, it’s better to choose dressings with healthy fats instead of fat-free options.
What kind of oils should I avoid in salad dressings?
Many store-bought dressings use vegetable oils like soybean, canola, or corn oil. These are often heavily processed and can have too much omega-6 fatty acids, which might cause inflammation. It’s better to choose dressings made with oils like olive oil or avocado oil.