18 Healthy Gluten-Free Salad Dressing Recipes

 

Today we will talk about healthy homemade gluten-free salad dressings. Salads filled with vegetables, fresh herbs, and a healthy salad dressing are undoubtedly a must for a well-balanced healthy diet. 

We will share the most popular homemade gluten-free salad dressing recipes for your favourite salads, oven roasted veggies, side dishes, dips, marinades, poultry and seafood.

To build the most nutritious salad possible, it’s important include a rainbow of colours. The more colours, the healthier the salad. The dressing sets the tone of the salad and should not overpower the main ingredients. A salad is only as good as the dressing.

homemade salad dressing VS store bought

Most store-bought salad dressings are ladened with table salt, thickeners, and unwanted additives such as preservatives and colours. And most include gluten. 

Homemade gluten-free salad dressing is fresh, more flavourful, you know it’s gluten-free, easy to prepare, and a cost-effective alternative to store-bought varieties. In addition, you have control over what you put in your food.

Our homemade gluten-free salad dressings have carefully chosen herbs, spices, and healthy oils to add more nutrients and antioxidants to your dishes.

vinaigrette VS dressing

The most popular salad dressings are vinaigrette and creamy dressings. A vinaigrette is usually a good quality olive, sesame or avocado oil, vinegar, herbs and spices.

Creamy dressings are often mayonnaise-based, containing eggs, yogurt, sour cream or buttermilk. These ingredients add richness and creamier texture to salad dressings.

healthiest oils for salad dressing

Salad dressings are made with edible oil. The healthier oils used in salad dressing include; extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, peanut oil and pumpkin seed oil. 

What is a salad?

A typical salad includes raw greens, raw vegetables, toppings and salad dressing. However, the heartier salads will consist of roasted vegetables, cooked potatoes, noodles, rice, legumes, and leftover meats or seafood. 

toppings for salad

You can add more nutrients, texture, and flavour to your salads by adding wholesome gluten-free toppings. The toppings make a significant difference between a simple and nutrient-dense salad.

Some of the most widely used toppings for gluten-free salads include; seeds and nuts (preferably raw or dry-roasted), dried fruit (preferably without added sugar), beans and legumes, fresh fruit, avocados, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, sprouts, corn chips and gluten-free whole grains.

gluten free grains for salads

When we are looking for a heartier salad or one that will feed a crowd, we may often add cooked gluten-free grains. The most popular gluten-free grains for healthy salads are; quinoa, brown or white rice, millet, sorghum and certified gluten-free oat groats and corn.

Is corn a grain?

As per Healthline, corn is a grain and contains a much higher amount of vitamin A than other grains. 

Adding grains to salads will keep you fuller longer, and more satisfied. These hearty salads are often most satisfying during the cooler winter months or are often served as entrees.

 

 

Simple, Healthy, Gluten-Free Salad Dressings

You Can Make At Home To Spice Up Your Salads!

 

Our list of favorite gluten free homemade vinaigrette recipes!

 

 

LEMON GINGER VINAIGRETTE (1/3 cup)

This recipe is another one of our favourite Asian-inspired vinaigrettes. Enjoy in ramen salads, over roasted vegetables or in rice salads.

• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
• 1 Tbsp. minced ginger
• 2 tsp. GF sodium-reduced tamari sauce
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint
• 1 tsp. freshly minced or grated garlic
• 2 Tbsp. Chopped cilantro
• 2 tsp. liquid honey
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• Sea salt and GF freshly ground black pepper

Directions: Add all ingredients into a bullet grinder or equivalent and blend for 15 seconds.

THAI VINAIGRETTE (1/3 cup)

This light vinaigrette will brighten up green salads, noodle salads, and oven-roasted vegetables.

1. 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
2. 3 Tbsp. Fresh lime juice
3. 3 tsp. fish sauce
4. 2 tsp. minced ginger
5. 1 tsp. Sesame oil 
6. 1 tsp. liquid honey
7. A handful of torn Thai or regular basil leaves

Directions: Whisk ingredients in a bowl.

BALSAMIC MAPLE VINAIGRETTE (1/3 cup)

This balsamic maple vinaigrette is a must over grilled asparagus. Or use in salads made with roasted vegetables or in bean salads.

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. GF balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp. water
• Sea salt and GF freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions: Mix ingredients in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper.

ORANGE VINAIGRETTE (1 cup)

This is a subtle orange flavoured fruit vinaigrette that goes exceptionally well with fruit salads and salads made with quinoa and berries. You will love this quinoa power salad with orange vinaigrette.

• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 3 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar
• 3 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. Pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. Grated orange zest
• Sea salt and freshly ground GF black pepper to taste

Directions: Whisk everything in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper

TAMARI HONEY VINAIGRETTE (1/2 cup)

This Asian-inspired vinaigrette has a slight sweetness and sesame flavour. Add this vinaigrette to rainbow salads or pour it over roasted vegetables. It also doubles up as a marinade for chicken.

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. GF tamari sauce
• 2 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. Liquid honey
• 2 tsp. Sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Directions: Whisk everything in a bowl.

MINTY CILANTRO VINAIGRETTE (2/3 cup)

This vinaigrette is excellent in potato salad, rice salad, or cucumber salad. It has a refreshing cilantro and mint flavour.

• 1 bunch of fresh chopped cilantro (leaves only)
• A hand full of fresh mint leaves 
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lime with zest
• 2 Tbsp. Liquid honey
• 1 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. GF ground cumin
• Sea salt and GF ground white pepper to taste

Directions: Mix in a large bowl. The herbs are not liquified.

VANILLA VINAIGRETTE (1/3 cup)

This lightly sweetened, simple vanilla vinaigrette goes exceptionally well in a snow pea, rice or quinoa salad.

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lemon with zest
• 1 Tbsp. raw honey or pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. minced ginger
• Sea salt and GF coarse white pepper to taste

Directions: Whisk everything in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper to taste

HERB VINAIGRETTE (1/3 cup)

This herb vinaigrette is a must to use in light sweet potato salad or as a marinade for fish.

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
• 2Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tsp. liquid honey or pure maple syrup
• ½ tsp (2.5 mL) GF smoked paprika or sweet paprika
• Sea salt to taste

Directions: Whisk all ingredients in a bowl, then season with salt

RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE (2/3 cup)

We would add this fruit vinaigrette to green salads with seeds and nuts or fruit salads. Check out this deluxe green salad!

• 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. Liquid honey or pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp. GF balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. GF dijon mustard
• Sea salt to taste
• GF cracked black pepper to taste

Directions: Place the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

LIME VINAIGRETTE (1/3 cup)

This zesty, refreshing lime vinaigrette is excellent in light Mediterranean salad. Or use it as a light sauce over fish.

• Juice of two limes 
• 1/2 tsp. grated lime zest
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. liquid honey or pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
• ½ tsp. GF ground cumin
• Sea salt and GF freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions: Whisk everything in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper

SESAME GINGER VINAIGRETTE (2/3 cup)

This gluten-free dressing has a bit of spice and has a salty-gingery-sesame flavour. Another great addition to noodle salads or roasted vegetable salads. This vinaigrette can also double up as a marinade with chicken or pork.

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
•  1/4 cup GF sodium-reduced tamari sauce
• 1 Tbsp. Minced or grated ginger
• 1 Tbsp. Liquid honey or pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. Sesame oil
• 1 – 2 tsp. GF hot sauce such as sriracha (optional)
• Sea salt and GF ground black pepper to taste

Directions: Whisk everything in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper

MINTY CILANTRO VINAIGRETTE (2/3 cup)

This vinaigrette is excellent in potato, rice or grilled corn and cucumber salad. It has a refreshing cilantro and mint flavour.

• 1/2 bunch of fresh roughly chopped cilantro (leaves and stems)
• A hand full of fresh mint leaves
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lime with zest
• 2 Tbsp. Liquid honey
• 1 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. GF ground cumin
• Sea salt and GF ground white pepper to taste

Place ingredients into a food processor or blender in the same order as they are listed. Process just enough to combine, leaving leaves in small pieces. Do not liquify. Then, season with salt and pepper.

gluten free creamy salad dressing recipes made from scratch

 

KETO-FRIENDLY YOGURT BLUE CHEESE DRESSING (1/3 cup)

We love this flavourful creamy blue cheese dressing. Add it to potato salads, wedge salad, cucumber salads, over roasted vegetables, or use as a dip for raw veggies

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. full-fat plain Greek Yogurt or sour cream
• Juice of one lemon (about 2 Tbsp.)
• ¼ cup good quality blue cheese, roughly chopped
• 1 Tbsp. roughly chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and GF freshly ground white pepper to taste

Directions: Add all ingredients into a bullet grinder or equivalent and process until creamy. Then, season with salt and pepper.

LIGHT MUSTARD DILL DRESSING (2/3 cup)

You should try this mustard-dill flavoured dressing in potato salad at least once. It has become one of our favourites. Or add it to your cucumber salad.

1. 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2. ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
3. 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
4. 1 Tbsp. GF dijon mustard
5. 2 garlic cloves, minced
6. 1 tsp. pure maple syrup
7. Sea salt and GF coarsely ground black pepper to taste

Directions: Whisk the ingredients in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper

KETO-FRIENDLY RANCH DRESSING (1 1/2 cups)

This recipe is a keto-friendly ranch dressing that is super versatile. You can use this creamy dressing in most salads, for dips with your favourite gluten-free appetizers such as chicken and water chestnut wrapped in bacon  or pour it over grilled fish.

• ½ cup GF mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or full-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. Dried Chives or 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh chives
• ½ tsp. Dried dill or 1 Tbsp. fresh dill
• ½ tsp. Dried parsley or 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
• ½ tsp. GF onion powder
• ¾ Cup Buttermilk
• Sea salt and GF ground white pepper to taste

Directions: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic and the seasonings. Whisk in the buttermilk and season with salt and pepper

LOW-FAT CREAMY SALAD DRESSING (1/2 cup)

This creamy salad dressing is for a low-calorie diet. This dressing is a good choice if you like creaminess in your salads with depths of flavour without the extra calories that a typical creamy dressing has.

• 1/3 cup fat reduced plain Greek yogurt, buttermilk or fat-free sour cream
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh herbs of choice
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. pure maple syrup
• Sea salt and GF ground white pepper to taste

Directions: Add all ingredients into a bullet grinder or equivalent and blend for 15 seconds. Season with salt and pepper as needed

CREAMY AVOCADO DRESSING (1 cup)

Creamy and refreshing, this avocado lime dressing works well in a Baja chicken kale salad or is served as a creamy dip for baked cauliflower tidbits, sweet potato fries or fresh veggies.

• 1 avocado, cut into small chunks
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk
• 1/4 cup avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro (leaves only)
• 3 Tbsp. cup fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbsp. water or as needed for desired consistency
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp. GF ground cumin
• Sea salt and GF freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions: Add all ingredients into a bullet grinder or equivalent, blend for 30 seconds until smooth, and then season with salt.

LIGHT MAPLE MUSTARD SALAD DRESSING (3/4 cup)

This light mustard dressing recipe works well in potato salads or generously pour over cooked fish.

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. GF mustard
• 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. pure maple syrup
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• Sea salt and GF freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions: Place all ingredients into a blender or equivalent and blend for 15 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste

KETO, EGG-FREE GLUTEN-FREE CAESAR SALAD DRESSING (1 1/2 CUPS)

Who doesn’t love Caesar salad? Omg, this egg-free, mayonnaise-free, gluten-free salad dressing is the perfect addition to fresh crispy romaine leaves. Other ways you can enjoy this cheesy dressing is as a dip for fresh veggies or gluten-free baked broccoli tots.

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup sour cream or full-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. GF Worcestershire sauce (if you can’t find the GF version, replace it with 2 extra teaspoons of GF tamari sauce)
• 2 tsp. GF tamari sauce
• 2 tsp. GF dijon mustard
• 5 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 1 – 2 roughly chopped anchovies or 1 tsp. anchovy paste (optional)
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (not from a box)
• Sea salt and GF freshly ground black pepper to taste, (please note parmesan is already salty, so season with salt and pepper accordingly)

Directions: Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Tip; To get wilted romaine leaves extra crispy, first soak them in cold water for 30 – 45 minutes. Then, dry in a salad spinner. I promise you they will crisp up!

 

7 Healthy Spring Salads

 

Gluten-Free Vietnamese Noodle Salad Lettuce Bowl

 

Gluten-Free Italian Pasta Salad

 

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

 

Very Best Texas-Style Potato Salad

 

Tuscan White Bean Salad

 

Gluten-Free Chicken Ramen Noodle Salad

 

Lentil and Pomegranate Salad Recipe

 

 Check out our complete list of healthy salads with homemade gluten-free salad dressing for more inspiration.