A salad is one of the top choices when it comes to healthy food and that includes the salad dressing, which is usually drizzled over your greens. However, the wrong kind can undo your hard work when you don't take into account the ingredients used in the dressing as well as how much you consume. This may surprise you, but a healthy salad dressing consists of minimal ingredients.
No complicated flavors here! We have prepared a buying guide to acquaint you with how to select a healthy salad dressing as well as how much you should actually use. To make it extra informative, we asked nutritionist-dietitian Jo Sebastian for some of her comments and tips! We even have different healthy salad dressing recipes for you to create as well as our top 10 picks!
Quick List - Top Healthy Salad Dressings
Jo Sebastian is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian who graduated BS Community Nutrition from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Throughout the past year she has worked with Uniqlo, Adidas, Rebel Fitness app, and more to make nutrition fun, easy and accessible. She believes that life is not about restricting food but through simple lifestyle and dietary changes to attain our optimal health we can reach our full potential.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
There is a multitude of salad dressings available in the market. All those flavors and variations can get quite confusing. We've simplified how to select them for you with our buying guide below.
Salad dressings are emulsions, which means it is a mixture of 2 liquids that usually cannot be combined. It can be categorized into two; vinaigrettes and creamy dressings.
The main difference between a vinaigrette and a creamy dressing is the consistency. Nutrient-wise it will always depend on the specific dressing you choose.
Vinaigrettes are an emulsion composed of oil and an acid, which can range from fruit juices to wine vinegar. They are mostly used for greens. Various types of oil could be used depending on whether you want it to feature a prominent flavor such as extra virgin olive, hazelnut, or sesame oil.
On the other hand, mayonnaise makes up the base of creamy dressings, which is made from an oil and egg emulsion. Yogurt or sour cream can also be used, depending on the flavor you want to achieve. If you want a thicker dressing, you could add oil. Conversely, if you want a lighter one, thin it out with a bit of water.
Ideally, a good salad dressing’s primary ingredients should consist of water, oil, and vinegar, followed up by mostly herbs and spices. You want to pick those that use as minimal ingredients as possible as it means the most basic ones were used.
You should take note if it contains a lot of preservatives and artificial flavorings. You want to stay away from chemical ingredients such as phosphoric acid, which is an additive in sodas and jams, to produce that tangy taste. It is noted to potentially increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Calcium disodium EDTA is another ingredient to watch out for. It has a slightly salty taste and is used as a preservative. It bonds with minerals and metals and could cause diarrhea and decrease one’s appetite if ingested in high doses.
The fewer ingredients, the simpler the dressing. Same as when you make them at home! The most important part of looking at dressings is to read the ingredients and the order they are in. The first ingredient will have the most amount in proportion to the other ingredients.
Salad dressings add a little kick of flavor to your salad. This prevents it from tasting bland. However, you should pay attention to the serving size, which is about 2 tablespoons. Your healthy diet would otherwise be counterproductive if you use more than the suggested amount.
Most bottled dressings contain high fructose corn syrup, saturated, and trans fats, all of which aren’t good for you. You should also take note of the sodium and added sugar content, which should not exceed 200 mg of sodium and 2 grams of sugar.
Too much sodium can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, while excess sugar spikes your blood sugar and makes you hungrier, which may result in an increase in your waistline. Take note that is also taking into account other ingredients in your salad such as dried fruits and nuts, which could also be a source of sugars.
Checking the label is important to be aware of the calorie content as well as the added sugar, sodium, and fats. Note what a serving looks like, and be aware of the nutrients you want to prioritize.
Fat is commonly perceived as the enemy when it comes to a healthy lifestyle or if you are trying to lose weight. However, fat such as monosaturated and polyunsaturated is actually good for you. It helps dissolve vitamins in certain foods and helps you feel full longer.
It can come from oils such as olive, canola, and sunflower. It helps decrease the risk of heart disease. Saturated fats and trans fats need to be consumed in moderation as they can raise LDL or bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
What you want to avoid is low fat or non-fat varieties as they are often watered down to make up for the lack of flavor. This means the majority of the dressing is composed of water. Essentially, you are paying for watered-down dressing.
Fat is not a bad thing. In fact, it helps us absorb nutrients. However, the best thing to look out for in salad dressing is the type of fat it is rich in. Keep it low in saturated and trans fats! Also, watch out for partially hydrogenated oils as these will likely contain trans fats even though the label says 0 on trans fats.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bragg Organic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing & Marinade | ![]() | A Versatile Dressing Made of Minimal Ingredients | |
2 | Gourmet Farms Mango Vinaigrette | ![]() | Fruity Flavor That Pairs Well With Salads and Meat | |
3 | Quezon's Best Organic Coco Balsamic Vinegar | ![]() | Load Up On Nutrients With Coconut | |
4 | Bragg Organic Ginger & Sesame Dressing | ![]() | Enhance Your Salads and Stir-Fry | |
5 | WHISK Paleo Balsamic Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette | ![]() | Kickstart Your Greens With Its Crisp Taste | |
6 | Drew's Organics Classic Italian Dressing & Quick Marinade | ![]() | A Lighter Take on the Usual Salad Dressing | |
7 | Field Day Organic Balsamic Vinegar | ![]() | Sweet and Tangy to Make Appetizers More Fancy | |
8 | PerfectMatch Low-Carb Selections Keto Caesar Salad Dip & Dressing|Hail Caesar | ![]() | Keto-Friendly Salad Dressing | |
9 | Chosen Foods Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing | ![]() | Add a Burst of Savory-Tangy Goodness to Your Veggies | |
10 | Go! Salads Herb Ranch Dressing | ![]() | Creamy Goodness Without the Added Burden |
The makers of the cult-favorite apple cider vinegar also have their take on salad dressings. Their formula is one that is perfectly balanced between flavor and nutritional content. It delivers a healthy product without sacrificing its taste.
When it comes to salad dressings, the simpler it is, the better. This means not a lot of ingredients were used, so you only get the most basic ones. Bragg’s vinaigrette is made with organic apple cider vinegar, which is also a natural preservative capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as E. coli.
It also contains extra virgin olive oil, which is noted for its liquid gold reputation to reduce heart disease and diabetes. What you have is a versatile dressing that you could use on its own or as a base that can extend to different recipes. This dressing also works wonderfully as a marinade in case you want to switch up your ulam.
When it comes to vinaigrettes, we are used to encountering just a mixture of oil and vinegar. But did you know that you could use fruit? This vinaigrette from Gourmet Farms ought to pleasantly surprise your taste buds. The mangoes add a hint of sweetness balanced with tanginess for a refreshing taste.
It is followed by the sour kick of the vinegar and mustard as it's rounded out by the olive oil. Drizzle it over your greens or even meat and seafood to cut through the lansa and linamnam. The brand proudly uses only natural ingredients and does not make use of added sugars or preservatives. To ensure the freshness of the vinaigrette, we highly recommend ordering via their hotline, so call +63 999 889 5972 now!
Quezon’s Best uses a creative spin on balsamic vinegar, as it utilizes our native coconut sap. Coconut vinegar is noted to have a milder taste than apple cider vinegar, which can add a touch of sweetness to the dish. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals too such as B vitamins, iron, potassium, and zinc.
The vinegar could also aid in reducing blood sugar spikes after a carb-heavy meal. This also makes it a great sawsawan for your dishes. It uses coco syrup to balance out the sourness, which makes it perfect as a salad dressing or even sauce for cooking. It does not use any preservatives or food coloring. It is also chemical-free!
We are pretty sure you’re familiar with typical salad dressing flavors such as Caesar, ranch, and vinaigrettes. Now, you can widen your salad dressing stash with this ginger and sesame dressing from Bragg. It is the perfect vinaigrette for low sodium diets, as it only contains 95 mg per serving.
Why not take a break from your usual oyster sauce and reach for this one instead? Aside from salads, you can use it to flavor stir-fry’s to add a bit of oomph. This dressing improves intestinal wellness and aids in digestion. It is also rich in monosaturated fats and polyphenol antioxidants - perfect for those who are on a diet.
Balsamic vinaigrette can get you far with regard to recipes from simple salads to roasted vegetables. It is light and garlicky, adding just the right kick to enhance your greens. WHISK mainly uses extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in oleic acid, a healthy fat said to reduce inflammation.
It also reduces cholesterol and improves heart health. It is vegan, gluten-free, and it's paleo as well! Aside from using it as salad dressing, you can also enjoy it as a marinade for your meats or as a dip for your favorite snacks! Their salad dressing is certified organic, as it does not use artificial or synthetic ingredients, just real food!
Italian dressing is rather versatile as it is one of the default flavors for dressing salads. It can be found in most groceries and even restaurants. But you could extend its use by marinating chicken if you want a quick dinner idea. It also matches well with pork as its tart taste gives a refreshing flavor.
This way, you don’t have to prepare a lot of ingredients for a marinade. Simply pour it on the meat! Drew’s Italian salad dressing is Paleo diet-friendly and does not contain GMOs. It is certified USDA organic, so you know that it is safe to consume. It is also free from big allergens and does not use chemical preservatives.
Balsamic vinegar is often made from grapes. It works as a great base for salad dressings as well as on its own. This balsamic vinegar is not just for salads! You could also use it to marinade fish and chicken to make it more flavorful. Plus, you could toss it with olive oil to make a simple vinaigrette.
Why not get creative and make your own dressing? Its sweet and tangy taste is perfect for reducing and mixing with strawberries and even ice cream, just add some sugar! Its rustic taste also pairs well with a Caprese salad, which consists of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and some basil for a light yet filling appetizer!
When it comes to salad dressing, Caesar is one of the go-to favorites because of its flavor. It provides the right hint of tanginess and creaminess without making you umay. And let’s admit it: sometimes, we can get a little overboard with the dressing. Luckily, PerfectMatch’s Caesar dressing is keto-friendly.
It is low carb and sugar-free, and even diabetic-friendly. It is the ideal dressing if you are a bit generous with your servings, as you can add it guilt-free. Now you can eat healthily without compromising the taste. Caesar is great as a salad dressing, snack dip, or even as sandwich dressings, so the possibilities are endless.
Add a Tangy twist to your salads with this Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing from Chosen Foods. It is an emulsion of avocado oil and apple cider vinegar to make one vibrant flavor that won’t feel too greasy. This gives you the best of both worlds if you want a creamier dressing without being too indulgent.
It also works as a marinade or dips for seafood and chicken. This is one of those dressings that you won’t get tired of using, as it is not too heavy on the appetite but can still lightly coat every morsel of food. The good thing about this dressing is that it does not contain other oils as well as added sugars.
Get your fix of greens from Go! Salads. They are a homegrown brand that focuses on churning out healthy dishes. They produce a variety of selections to help you achieve your fitness goals from pre-mixed salads to smoothies and Panini. The best part is each item on their menu displays the caloric amount.
Their herb ranch dressing is a popular option. It offers the same creamy goodness without the added heaviness and calories. It is infused with zesty herbs followed up by a hint of garlic. This versatile dressing can be used in your salads as well as your sandwiches.
Trying to change your lifestyle into a healthier one is never an easy task. But it does get easier when you have the correct information. Below are some of Jo Sebastian's answers to the most asked questions online!
There is no bad or good food! All foods fit in moderation. Start slow when adding the dressing or ask for dressing on the side so you can add it in how you see fit.
Usually, what makes a salad dressing “unhealthy” is not so much the dressing alone but also how much is consumed. We can have salads that have more dressing than veggies which would increase the fat and calorie content. So when it comes to dressings, just dress to flavor!
There are some factors to consider when simply switching out a dressing for weight loss. Mainly, how does this change your overall consumption? When it comes to weight loss, this is about having a negative energy balance (energy from food you consume and energy you use for movement and life).
If a lower-calorie dressing leaves you unsatisfied and reaching for more food, then it won’t lead to a negative energy balance. Likewise, if the amount of dressing you use brings your caloric intake higher, then it will not lead to a negative energy balance. Also, some healthy salad dressings use plant oils which are also high in caloric value. So with dressing and weight loss, check on the energy intake and make sure to have a satisfying meal.
For most foods, it is definitely more beneficial to make your own. This way, you know exactly what is inside and tailor it to your needs. However, if you just can’t seem to get the same joy out of homemade dressing and store-bought ones, then switching every once in a while with a homemade dressing and your usual dressing will help keep variety and fun!
Salads don’t have to be boring or bland! And salads are not all lettuce and cucumber. Make your salads satisfying so that they can keep you full for longer. Add a protein source like chicken, tofu, egg, or fish. Add your leafy greens and other veggies. Add a carbohydrate source for more fun, like your rice, quinoa, or potatoes. And lastly, not all dressings have to be specifically salad dressing. I like adding hummus or pesto to my salad, and it makes it delicious!
Ready-made salad dressings are nice, but creating your own is healthier as it gives you more control over the ingredients as well as the type of oil used. Here are other oils you could choose from that are versatile, healthy, and tasty!
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Bragg|Organic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing & Marinade
No. 2: Gourmet Farms|Mango Vinaigrette
No. 3: Quezon's Best|Organic Coco Balsamic Vinegar
No. 4: Bragg|Organic Ginger & Sesame Dressing
No. 5: WHISK|Paleo Balsamic Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others