Are you tired of the same old boring salad dressings? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey to discover 19 refreshing low-calorie salad dressing recipes that are perfect for healthy eaters. From tangy and zesty to creamy and herby, these dressings will add a burst of flavor to your favorite salads without breaking the calorie bank.
Whether you’re a fan of classic combinations like lemon and garlic or more exotic pairings like pomegranate and mint, we’ve got you covered with our delicious and easy-to-make recipes. So why wait? Dive in and discover your new favorite salad dressing today!
Lemon Garlic Yogurt Dressing
A bright and tangy condiment perfect for salads, grilled meats, or as a dip. This recipe combines the richness of yogurt with the zesty flavors of lemon and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep) + 30 minutes (chill time)
Balsamic Vinegar and Honey Drizzle
Elevate your favorite dishes with the tangy sweetness of this Balsamic Vinegar and Honey Drizzle. This simple recipe combines the richness of balsamic vinegar with the warmth of honey to create a perfect condiment for pasta, salads, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey.
2. Heat over low heat, whisking occasionally, until the honey dissolves and the mixture simmers gently (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the salt to dissolve.
4. Let the drizzle cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Tangy Mustard and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
A perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, this vinaigrette is a game-changer for salads, marinades, or as a dip. With the addition of mustard’s pungency, it elevates flavors to new heights.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture until fully incorporated.
3. Add the salt and black pepper; whisk until well combined.
Cook Time: None! This vinaigrette is ready to use immediately.
Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing
Elevate your salads with this refreshing and creamy dressing that combines the richness of avocado with a burst of lime flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Peel the avocados and place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add lime juice, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the blender.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready in no time.
Use this Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing on your favorite salads, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies. Enjoy!
Herbed Greek Yogurt Ranch
Add a tangy twist to your favorite dishes with this refreshing herbed Greek yogurt ranch recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, parsley, dill, and garlic.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Use as a dip for vegetables, pita chips, or crackers, or as a topping for grilled meats, seafood, or salads.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep and chill time included)
Spicy Sriracha Lime Dressing
Add a burst of flavor to your salads with this spicy and tangy dressing! This recipe combines the heat of sriracha sauce with the brightness of lime juice, perfect for adding a kick to your favorite greens.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth.
2. Add the sriracha sauce, lime juice, and honey. Whisk until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready in just a few minutes.
Orange Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette
Elevate your salad game with this zesty and aromatic vinaigrette, perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup sesame oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger until well combined.
2. Add the Dijon mustard and whisk until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None needed! Simply whisk together and store.
Maple Dijon Mustard Dressing
Elevate your salads and sandwiches with this sweet and tangy dressing, featuring the rich flavors of maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
2. Stir in chopped fresh dill.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None!
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your desired level of sweetness.
– Use this dressing as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables for added flavor.
– Refrigerate leftovers up to 1 week.
Garlic Herb White Wine Vinegar Dressing
Elevate your salads with this flavorful and easy-to-make Garlic Herb White Wine Vinegar Dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar, garlic, parsley, and chives until well combined.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper and Tahini Dressing
This creamy and smoky dressing is perfect for topping salads, sandwiches, or using as a dip. With the sweetness of roasted red peppers and the tanginess of tahini, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and charred.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool down.
4. Peel off the skin, discarding it, and place the roasted pepper flesh into a blender or food processor.
5. Add the tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the blender.
6. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting time) + 2-3 minutes (blending time)
Pomegranate and Mint Vinaigrette
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing and flavorful vinaigrette! This sweet and tangy dressing is perfect for spring and summer salads.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
2. Add the chopped mint leaves and whisk until they are fully incorporated into the dressing.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt.
Cooking Time: None! This vinaigrette is ready to use immediately.
Yield: About 1 cup of vinaigrette, enough for 4-6 salads
Cilantro Lime Jalapeño Dressing
Elevate your salads with this zesty and refreshing dressing, perfect for warm weather. With a balance of tangy lime juice, spicy jalapeño peppers, and fresh cilantro, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, lime juice, mayonnaise, yogurt, honey, and jalapeño pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready when you are.
Cucumber Dill Yogurt Dressing
This refreshing dressing combines the cooling taste of cucumber with the brightness of fresh dill, perfect for topping salads, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the chopped cucumber and Greek yogurt.
2. Stir in the chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time only)
Chia Seed and Lemon Dressing
Elevate your salads with a tangy and nutritious dressing that combines the omega-rich benefits of chia seeds with the zesty flavor of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and garlic.
2. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chia seeds to absorb and thicken the dressing.
3. Whisk in olive oil until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready to use immediately after preparation.
Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this flavorful vinaigrette, perfect for warm weather gatherings or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, basil leaves, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. With the blender running, slowly pour in olive oil and red wine vinegar.
4. Continue blending until well combined and emulsified.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble and serve.
Honey Lime Poppy Seed Dressing
Elevate your salads with this sweet and tangy honey lime poppy seed dressing, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Stir in the poppy seeds.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Turmeric Lemon Ginger Dressing
Brighten up your salads with this refreshing Turmeric Lemon Ginger Dressing, infused with the warm flavors of turmeric and ginger.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, and turmeric until well combined.
2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
3. Season with salt to taste.
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Use this vibrant dressing on your favorite salads, or as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Smoky Paprika and Lime Dressing
This zesty dressing combines the smokiness of paprika with the brightness of lime, perfect for adding depth to your salads or using as a marinade.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None
This dressing is great on mixed greens, grilled meats or vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken or fish. Enjoy!
Apple Cinnamon Balsamic Dressing
Transform your salads with the sweet and tangy flavors of this unique dressing. This Apple Cinnamon Balsamic Dressing combines the freshness of apples, warmth of cinnamon, and depth of balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup diced fresh apple (about 1-2 inches)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add diced fresh apple and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Discover 19 refreshing low-calorie salad dressing recipes that are perfect for healthy eaters! From classic flavors to bold and zesty options, these dressings are sure to elevate your salads. Try making Lemon Garlic Yogurt Dressing, Balsamic Vinegar and Honey Drizzle, or Tangy Mustard and Apple Cider Vinaigrette for a delicious start to any meal. With ingredients like yogurt, avocado, herbs, and spices, you’ll be adding flavor without sacrificing nutrition. Whether you’re looking for something light and tangy or rich and creamy, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to please.
