38 Salad Dressing Recipes to Jazz Up a Bowl of Greens

Felicia Lim
·8 min read
14

This Thai peanut dressing has all the flavor of the original with a lighter texture that makes it perfect for drizzling over salads.

Get the recipe: Thai Peanut Dressing

As warmer weather kicks in, with summer just around the corner, salads will once again play a starring role in our menus.

I'm a big fan of salads—and a big plate of fresh greens (think kale, spinach, rocket) and some kind of protein (such as chicken, quinoa or fish). Even pasta salads are a great way to whip up something quick when you're busy, while also being a lighter meal for hot days. While salad is often relegated to a side dish, I'm known to dig into a big, tasty salad and call it a meal.

Related: Best Caesar Salad Recipes

However, I can understand if you don't particularly enjoy salad; or if you see it as a necessary evil to get your daily dose of fiber.

Most of the time, salads can be boring, and if you're not keen on greens, to begin with, that only makes any salad less appealing.

In my opinion, salad dressings can make or break a salad, and done well, they can create a surprisingly tasty and flavorful dish. With a few ingredients (the fresher the better), and mixed in the right proportions, you can have a homemade batch of healthy salad dressing in no time at all!

Related: 22 Super Easy Pasta Salads We'll Be Eating on Repeat this Spring

Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes

From honey mustard salad dressing, avocado green goddess dressing and chipotle honey vinaigrette, to lighter dressings like orange cilantro vinaigrette, white balsamic vinaigrette, lemon poppy seed salad dressing and Greek salad dressing recipes, there are tons of options to choose from.

Here are 38 easy salad dressing recipes to make you a fan of salad! Browse through them, make sure you pin your favorites and let's dig in.

<p>Parade</p><p>This Thai peanut dressing has all the flavor of the original with a lighter texture that makes it perfect for drizzling over salads.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/55807/jessicasmith/not-just-for-dipping-turn-thai-peanut-sauce-into-delicious-dressing/" data-ylk="slk:Thai Peanut Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Thai Peanut Dressing</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/844817/pamnelson/best-summer-salads/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:30 Best Summer Salad Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">30 Best Summer Salad Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>iStock</p><p>This flavorful herbed vinaigrette dressing by Emeril Lagasse tastes wonderful on a dish like a classic Caprese Salad, or it can season a sandwich or top your favorite salad.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/26684/emerillagasse/balsamic-herb-vinaigrette/" data-ylk="slk:Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>This homemade Russian dressing will make you want to eat a salad every day of the week!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/1094467/kristamarshall/homemade-russian-dressing/" data-ylk="slk:Homemade Russian Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Homemade Russian Dressing</a></strong></p>

Krista Marshall

This homemade Russian dressing will make you want to eat a salad every day of the week!

Get the recipe: Homemade Russian Dressing

<p>Shea Goldstein</p><p>This flavorful honey key lime dressing is perfect for salads, with the perfect balance of sweet and sour notes.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/841415/sheagoldstein/honey-key-lime-dressing/" data-ylk="slk:Honey Key Lime Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Honey Key Lime Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>iStock</p><p>Next time you reach for a salad, try replacing that creamy dressing with extra virgin olive oil and apple cider or red wine vinegar.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/706231/clevelandclinic/switch-to-this-salad-dressing-to-fight-diabetes/" data-ylk="slk:Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Veer.com</p><p>Here’s a healthy, acid-free dressing that’s delicious on green salads.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/27960/dash/5-minute-greek-yogurt-salad-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:5-Minute Greek Yogurt Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">5-Minute Greek Yogurt Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Shea Goldstein</p><p>This everything bagel salad dressing is the low-carb alternative to winning at life.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1017021/sheagoldstein/everything-bagel-salad-dressing-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Everything Bagel Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Everything Bagel Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Feeling Fabulous with Kayla</p><p>This healthy, homemade dairy-free ranch dressing recipe can be used either as a salad dressing or a dip with one simple addition.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://feelinfabulouswithkayla.com/2021/07/03/dairy-free-ranch-dip/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Five Heart Home</p><p>Creamy honey mustard dressing is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, lightened up with Greek yogurt...and not only is it delicious drizzled over a salad, but it also makes a yummy dipping sauce!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fivehearthome.com/lightened-up-honey-mustard-salad-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lightened-Up Honey Mustard Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lightened-Up Honey Mustard Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>The Real Food Dietitian</p><p>Drizzled over salad greens or tossed with shredded Napa cabbage, this light and slightly sweet dressing gives everything it touches a sunny punch of flavor.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://therealfooddietitians.com/ginger-sesame-vinaigrette/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><em>Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette</em></a></strong></p>
<p>This easy orange cilantro vinaigrette is bursting with a fresh flavor that will add lots of pizzazz to your salads.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://thecafesucrefarine.com/orange-cilantro-vinaigrette/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>Peas and Crayons</p><p>Quick, easy, and full of flavor, this Thai-inspired honey Sriracha lime dressing is sure to be your new favorite salad topper!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://peasandcrayons.com/2015/07/honey-sriracha-lime-dressing.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Honey Sriracha Lime Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Honey Sriracha Lime Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Culinary Hill</p><p>That smoky-sweet Chipotle honey vinaigrette you love and crave, now made in your own kitchen with easy pantry ingredients. Your new favorite salad dressing!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.culinaryhill.com/chipotle-honey-vinaigrette/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>Cookie and Kate</p><p>You’re going to love this delicious creamy tahini dressing recipe! It’s simple to make, full of nutritious ingredients and goes with everything.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cookieandkate.com/creamy-tahini-dressing-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Creamy Tahini Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Creamy Tahini Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Cooking with Curls</p><p>This sweet onion and citrus dressing tastes exactly how it sounds. Tangy undertones from the onions and lemon, with sweetness from the honey!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cookingwithcurls.com/2017/03/11/sweet-onion-citrus-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sweet Onion Citrus Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sweet Onion Citrus Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>The Clean Eating Couple</p><p>This healthy lemon basil vinaigrette is a refreshing, easy salad dressing! Whole30-friendly, vegan, paleo, gluten-free and absolutely delicious!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://thecleaneatingcouple.com/healthy-lemon-basil-vinaigrette/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>The Real Food Dietitian</p><p>This flavor-packed, Whole30-compliant citrus vinaigrette with thyme comes together in minutes and is far healthier and cheaper than store-bought dressings.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://therealfooddietitians.com/citrus-vinaigrette-thyme/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Citrus Vinaigrette with Thyme;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Citrus Vinaigrette with Thyme</a></strong></p>
<p>This garlic lime salad vinaigrette dressing is the perfect salad dressing for spring and summer salads!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.midgetmomma.com/garlic-lime-vinaigrette-salad-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Garlic Lime Vinaigrette Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Garlic Lime Vinaigrette Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>The Wholesome Dish</p><p>Garlic and herb vinaigrette dressing is an easy homemade salad dressing that’s full of flavor and can be made in minutes with common pantry ingredients.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.thewholesomedish.com/garlic-and-herb-vinaigrette-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Garlic and Herb Vinaigrette Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Garlic and Herb Vinaigrette Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Erhardts Eat</p><p>This honey Dijon vinaigrette dressing is super easy and ready in only five minutes. This dressing is excellent to incorporate into salads, wraps, veggies or as a marinade for meat!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://erhardtseat.com/honey-dijon-vinaigrette/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Honey Dressing Vinaigrette Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Honey Dressing Vinaigrette Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Simple Joy</p><p>This Greek salad dressing is made with easy-to-find ingredients and comes together quickly! It is delicious, simple, and so good on many different salad recipes!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.simplejoy.com/greek-salad-dressing-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Greek Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Greek Salad Dressing</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/40-winter-salads-worth-effort-200000550.html" data-ylk="slk:40 Best Winter Salads (Easy Ideas & Recipes);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">40 Best Winter Salads (Easy Ideas & Recipes)</a></strong></p>
<p>Salads 4 Lunch</p><p>Use this fresh and delicious zesty lime salad dressing as a marinade for grilled chicken or seafood, or a dressing for your next salad.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.salads4lunch.com/recipes/zesty-lime-salad-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Zesty Lime Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Zesty Lime Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Five Heart Home</p><p>Champagne vinaigrette is a fresh, flavorful homemade salad dressing that's easy to make, complements a variety of salads and even makes a delicious marinade!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fivehearthome.com/champagne-vinaigrette/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Champagne Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Champagne Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>Whitney Bond</p><p>Recreate Panera’s Fuji apple salad dressing at home with this 5-minute recipe! This tangy, sweet vinaigrette dressing is bursting with flavor and it’s so easy to make.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://whitneybond.com/fuji-apple-salad-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fuji Apple Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Fuji Apple Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Salt and Lavender</p><p>Chipotle lime ranch dressing is smoky, tangy and as spicy as you want it to be! This versatile southwest salad dressing is the ultimate topping for salads, tacos, wraps and so much more.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.saltandlavender.com/chipotle-cilantro-lime-ranch-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chipotle Lime Ranch Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chipotle Lime Ranch Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>simple joy</p><p>This strawberry salad dressing is made from easy-to-find ingredients and is perfect for all your summer salads!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.simplejoy.com/strawberry-poppyseed-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Strawberry Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Strawberry Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Walder Wellness</p><p>This avocado green goddess dressing is filled with nourishing, healthy fats and fresh herbs. It adds a creamy texture and refreshing flavor to so many different dishes!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.walderwellness.com/avocado-green-goddess-dressing-vegan/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Avocado Green Goddess Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Avocado Green Goddess Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Zested Lemon</p><p>This roasted garlic vinaigrette recipe is magic in a bottle. The garlic is slow-roasted until it becomes tender, buttery and rich. Perfect for salads, grain bowls and vegetables!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.zestedlemon.com/roasted-garlic-vinaigrette" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>The Suburban Soapbox</p><p>Skip the bottled dressings and make your own zesty vinaigrette at home! This easy apple cider vinaigrette recipe comes together in seconds and is healthy with a flavor-packed punch.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://thesuburbansoapbox.com/easy-apple-cider-vinaigrette/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple Cider Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><em>Apple Cider Vinaigrette</em></a></strong></p>
<p>Berly's Kitchen</p><p>This simple citrus vinaigrette recipe combines the crisp flavors of lemons and oranges to create a sweet yet tart salad dressing!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.berlyskitchen.com/spring-salad-citrus-vinaigrette/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Orange Citrus Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Orange Citrus Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>Healthy Seasonal Recipes</p><p>Here is a simple 5-minute recipe for salad dressing using apple cider vinegar. Plus a simple list of the elements to make a great homemade salad dressing and vinaigrette from scratch.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/apple-cider-vinegar-salad-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/856247/alison-ashton/5-healthy-hearty-power-bowls-to-eat-this-spring/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:5 Healthy & Hearty Power Bowls to Eat This Spring;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">5 Healthy & Hearty Power Bowls to Eat This Spring</a></strong></p>
<p>Weekend at the Cottage</p><p>Chopped garlic whisked together with soy, chili flakes, toasted sesame oil and rice wine vinegar.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://weekendatthecottage.com/asian-salad-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Asian Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Asian Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Spend with Pennies</p><p>Spinach salad dressing is zesty and delicious, a perfect blend for a spinach salad.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.spendwithpennies.com/spinach-salad-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spinach Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spinach Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Savory Nothings</p><p>This white balsamic vinaigrette is a delicious homemade salad dressing you can whip up in less than 5 minutes!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.savorynothings.com/white-balsamic-vinaigrette/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:White Balsamic Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">White Balsamic Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>Tidy Mom</p><p>Homemade honey sesame Asian salad dressing is a light and healthy salad dressing made with just a few simple ingredients. This sesame vinaigrette is packed with flavor and perfect for any Asian-inspired salad.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://tidymom.net/asian-salad-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Honey Sesame Asian Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Honey Sesame Asian Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Savory Nothings</p><p>This lemon poppy seed salad dressing is the perfect thing to put on all your spring and summer-inspired salads.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.savorynothings.com/lemon-poppy-seed-salad-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Poppy Seed Salad Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lemon Poppy Seed Salad Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Kitchen Stewardship</p><p>This Asian toasted sesame dressing is bright and refreshing. Pair your salad with a warm bowl of cream of potato soup for an easy weeknight dinner or another entree for a keto approach.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/recipe-connection-asian-toasted-sesame-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Sugar Spice and Glitter</p><p>This homemade orange poppy seed dressing is creamy and decadent yet completely dairy-free. Perfect for taking a boring chicken salad from drab to fab!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://sugarspiceandglitter.com/orange-poppyseed-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Orange Poppy Seed Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Orange Poppy Seed Dressing</a></strong></p>

Up next: 13 Best Cobb Salad Recipes

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