Fresh herbs, spices, and fruit are what give these plant-based salad dressings their flavor. From creamy to tangy, these easy homemade recipes are a simple way to upgrade everyday salads.
A good salad dressing is what turns a bowl of greens into an actual meal. Lettuce on its own is fine, but it is not bringing much flavor. A homemade dressing adds richness, acidity, and seasoning, which is what makes salads taste satisfying instead of boring.
From basic fresh green salads to cucumber salads bathed in plant-based Tzatziki sauce to salad bowls with whole grains and roasted vegetables, the dressing is what brings it all together.
Say goodbye to tired store-bought dressings and hello to big beautiful salad bowls with this list of salad dressings made from wholesome ingredients. In this post, you’ll find something to fill your bowl, from creamy plant-based dressings to vinaigrettes.
Homemade salad dressings are also great for meal prep. You can make a jar at the start of the week and use it on salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables all week with very little effort.
Why make salad dressing at home?
You can customize it to your liking: spicier, tangier, creamier
More options! You can have exactly what you want, even if your local grocery store doesn’t carry it
You can control the ingredients and the quality
It is easy to make dressings that fit a plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian diet
You’ll benefit more from fresh ingredients like fresh herbs which give more flavor.
Basic Vinaigrette Ratio
A simple vinaigrette is one of the easiest dressings to make. My go-to ratio is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. Ratios are helpful because they work no matter how much dressing you are making.
For a basic plant-based vinaigrette, you will need:
3 parts oil
1 part vinegar
mustard to help the mixture emulsify
other flavors as desired (think spices, herbs, shallots, garlic, etc.)
optional sweetener for balance
Add everything to a small jar, screw on the lid, and shake until combined. That is it.
The dressing recipes below fit a plant-based diet. Vegan recipes will be labelled.
10 Creamy Dressing Recipes
If you are looking for a plant-based version of classic creamy salad dressings, this section has you covered. You will find vegan Caesar dressing, basil buttermilk dressing, and vegan ranch, all with rich, comforting flavor.
Many creamy vegan dressings get their texture from raw cashews. If you are new to using cashews, this post explains three easy ways to soak cashews so they blend smoothly. Browse the recipes below to find your favorite.
1.
Greek Tzatziki Dressing
Creamy Greek Tzatziki-inspired dressing with vegan yogurt, vegan mayo, cucumber, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Use a little water or plant milk to get a thinner consistency. Vegan.
A creamy and bright sauce made with tahini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and fresh herbs. Savory thyme and rosemary give this silky smooth sauce a great savory flavor.
Made with wholesome ingredients like raw cashews and oat milk, this Vegan Ranch Dressing is as creamy as the traditional kind, but with the added bonus of being dairy-free and oil-free.
Vinaigrettes start with a simple base of oil and vinegar, along with ingredients like mustard, herbs, and spices. The oil does most of the work here, and extra-virgin olive oil is the most common choice due to its bold flavor and thicker texture.
The type of vinegar depends on the recipe. Keeping balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, and white wine vinegar in your pantry makes it easy to mix and match flavors. Browse the vinaigrette recipes below to find new favorites.
11.
Apple Dijon Dressing
This simple dressing is made with just 5 ingredients: apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, shallots, and extra virgin olive oil. Vegan.
A flavorful vinaigrette made with extra virgin Greek olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for Greek salad. Vegan.
Making a balsamic vinaigrette at home is super easy and takes only 5 minutes. Add the oil, vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, thyme leaves, and salt and pepper to a jar and shake!
Discover the perfect blend of flavors with homemade zaatar salad dressing! Made with olive oil, rose vinegar, honey, and zaatar seasoning, it’s a fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet addition to salad.
These bold and zesty plant-based dressings are a great way to add big flavor to salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables. Expect punchy ingredients, a little heat, and combinations that go beyond the basics.
Think spicy cashew dressings, oil-free options, and bright flavors like ginger and carrot. These recipes are designed to add contrast and interest so your meals never feel repetitive.
If you are looking to shake up your usual salads and bowls, the dressing recipes below bring plenty of personality without relying on dairy or store-bought shortcuts.
22.
Japanese Roasted Sesame Salad Dressing
This easy Japanese-style Dressing is inspired by similar dressings you'd find in Japanese-style restaurants.
Make this balsamic oil-free salad dressing in just TWO minutes – it’s sweet, tangy, and delicious! Perfect for salads, grilled veggies, dipping, and more.
Tahini Ginger Dressing is perfect for topping salads, bowls, slaw, and more! In less than 5 minutes, you can whisk together 6 simple ingredients for a simple and delicious oil-free dressing.
This creamy Hemp Seed Dressing is flavorful with bright lemon, fresh herbs, and classic ranch-style spices. Made easily in a blender in just 5 minutes!
What’s a good replacement for traditional oil in plant-based dressings?
Avocado, tahini, or different types of nut butter all make a good replacement for oil in salad dressing, each offering different flavors and textures.
How long can homemade plant-based dressings be stored?
Homemade dressings usually last for one to two weeks in the fridge depending on ingredients used. This can vary so always check your dressing before use and toss it if you’re doubtful.
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