32 of The Best Plant-Based Salad Dressing Recipes

Try these vibrant and homemade plant-based salad dressing recipes with fresh herbs, spices, and fruits. From zesty to creamy, these easy homemade dressings will give your salads new life.

A four image collage of salad dressing with the title 32 plant-based salad dressing recipes.

I love salad and using a delicious dressing can make any salad bowl go from average to outstanding. Let’s face it, leafy greens on their own aren’t a flavor bomb, but with a few ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful dressing and take your salads up a level.

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.

Salad dressings are great for meal prep – you can make a big batch before the week starts and enjoy delicious salad bowls and grain bowls all week long with minimal 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
  • Make a dressing that fits your diet, whether you eat without restrictions or follow a plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan diet.
  • You’ll benefit more from fresh ingredients like fresh herbs which give more flavor.

Vinaigrette Ratio

My favorite ratio for making vinaigrette dressings is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. I love ratios because whether you scale it up or down, it works every time.

So for a basic vinaigrette dressing you’ll 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

Simply add all of the ingredients to a small jar and shake. Done!

The dressing recipes below fit a plant-based diet. Vegan recipes will be labelled.

10 recipes for creamy dressings

If you’re craving a plant-based version of your favorite creamy salad dressing, you’ll find it here. Try a vegan Caesar dressing, basil buttermilk dressing, or a vegan ranch dressing for comforting, rich flavors.

For some creamy vegan dressings, the secret ingredient is raw cashews – read this post to learn about 3 easy methods for soaking cashews. Next, browse the recipes below!

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.
Read the recipe
Tzatziki salad dressing in a jar.

2.

Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing
My easy creamy restaurant style Ranch Dressing recipe is enough to make you crave extra salad every day of the week.
Read the recipe
Ranch dressing in a glass bottle.

3.

Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce
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. Make it vegan by using vegan yogurt.
Read the recipe

4.

Creamy Tahini Lime Dressing with Cilantro
This creamy tahini lime dressing is tangy and herbaceous. Try it on salads, grain bowls, veggie bowls, and burrito bowls! Vegan.
Read the recipe

5.

Maple Tahini Dressing
This maple tahini dressing is creamy and delicious and easy to make in just 5 minutes! Vegan.
Read the recipe
Maple Tahini Dressing

6.

Creamy Tahini Caesar Dressing
Ready in just 5 minutes, this delightful dressing adds a burst of flavor to your vegan Caesar salad when generously poured over a bed of crisp romaine. Vegan.
Read the recipe

7.

Creamy Sesame Ginger Dressing
Elevate your salads, buddha bowls, and noodles with this delectable 5-minute dressing. Vegan.
Read the recipe

8.

Basil Buttermilk Dressing
Let fresh basil take the spotlight in this versatile homemade dressing, perfect for elevating your summer salads. Can be made vegan with substitutions.
Read the recipe

9.

Oil-Free Vegan Ranch Dressing
Using wholesome ingredients such as raw cashews and oat milk, this creamy delight mirrors the traditional version. Vegan.
Read the recipe

10.

Vegan Avocado Basil Dressing
Creamy, citrusy, and subtly sweet this easy, healthy, oil-free, gluten-free salad dressing recipe has it all. Vegan
Read the recipe

11 recipes for vinaigrette dressings

These dressings start with a base of oil and vinegar with simple ingredients like mustard, spices, and herbs. The oil is the main ingredient here and the most common oil used in fresh vinaigrettes is extra virgin olive oil for its bold flavor and thick consistency.

Types of vinegar will vary based on the recipe but having a pantry stocked with balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar will allow you to make a variety of dressings. Explore fun new recipes below.

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.
Read the recipe
Yellow salad dressing in a jar.

12.

Vegan Greek Dressing
A flavorful vinaigrette made with extra virgin Greek olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for Greek salad. Vegan.
Read the recipe
An oil based salad dressing in a jar.

13.

Honey Balsamic Dressing
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! Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey to make it vegan.
Read the recipe

14.

Creamy Black Garlic Vinaigrette
With just 6 ingredients and 5 minutes, you can enjoy the rich flavors of black garlic in this vegan vinaigrette.
Read the recipe

15.

Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette
A quick and easy homemade vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh oranges. Vegan.
Read the recipe

16.

Dijon Vinaigrette
Make your own Dijon vinaigrette in 5 minutes with lots of flavor! Vegan.
Read the recipe

17.

Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Try a refreshing strawberry vinaigrette for a fresh and fruity burst of flavor. To make it vegan, swap the honey out for maple syrup.
Read the recipe

18.

Mint Vinaigrette with Za’atar
Try this 5-minute mint vinaigrette with za'atar, lemon juice, maple syrup, oil, and fresh mint on salads or as a marinade. Vegan.
Read the recipe
Mint Vinaigrette with Za’atar

19.

Blackberry Vinaigrette
Whip up with creamy blackberry vinaigrette with just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes. Vegan.
Read the recipe

20.

Strawberry Vinaigrette
Just 4 simple ingredients and 5 minutes for this sweet and tangy strawberry salad dressing. Vegan.
Read the recipe
Strawberry Vinaigrette

21.

Vegan Italian Dressing
Try this tangy and zesty vegan Italian dressing – easy to make in just a few minutes. Vegan.
Read the recipe

11 recipes for bold, zesty + Un ique dressings

Spice up your plant-based salads and meals with these awesome bold, zesty, and totally unique flavors that will upgrade your dishes.

Picture bold grain bowls with a kick of heat from spicy cashew dressing. Try oil-free dressings and dressings made with vibrant ginger and carrot flavors.

These homemade plant-based dressing recipes are flavorful and exciting, helping you keep your salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables far from ordinary.

22.

Japanese Roasted Sesame Dressing
Try this creamy and tangy dressing featuring toasted sesame seeds. Be sure to use vegan mayo to keep it vegan.
Read the recipe

23.

Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
Try this unique vinaigrette with preserved lemon – a zesty and versatile salad dressing. Swap honey for agave to make it vegan.
Read the recipe

24.

Spicy Cashew Dressing
Bring a bit of spice to your salads with the spicy and creamy dressing. Vegan.
Read the recipe

25.

Oil Free Balsamic Dressing
Make this sweet and tangy oil-free balsamic dressing in just two minutes. Great for salad dressing and on top of roasted veggies.
Read the recipe

26.

Asian Style Dressing
This simple dressing comes together in minutes and is perfect on salads or grilled vegetables. Vegan.
Read the recipe

27.

Japanese Carrot-Ginger Salad Dressing
This Japanese-inspired salad dressing is simple to make with bright flavors. Vegan.
Read the recipe

28.

Ginger Lime Salad Dressing
A bright and refreshing dressing with ginger, lime, and garlic. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan.
Read the recipe

29.

Tahini Ginger Dressing
Just 5 minutes and 6 ingredients for this creamy tahini dressing. Vegan.
Read the recipe

30.

Creamy Oil Free Balsamic Dressing
Try this rich and creamy balsamic dressing, an oil-free dressing recipe. Vegan.
Read the recipe

31.

Hemp Seed Dressing
A 5 minute dressing, this creamy hemp seed dressing is flavorful and bright with lemon and fresh herbs. Vegan.
Read the recipe

32.

Sherry Shallot Dressing
Try this sherry shallot dressing – perfect on salad, raw vegetables (think cucumber salad), or as a marinade! Use agave or maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan.
Read the recipe

FAQ

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.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

A four image collage of salad dressing with the title 32 plant-based salad dressing recipes.

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