Summer is the perfect time to indulge in fresh, vibrant salads, and nothing enhances those greens like a delicious, homemade dressing. Forget store-bought options—these healthy salad dressings are packed with flavor, nutritious ingredients, and can be whipped up in just five minutes! Each recipe yields enough for four servings, making them perfect for any meal. Read on to discover five mouth-watering dressings that will transform your summer salads.
1. Sesame Oil Dressing
Add a nutty and slightly sweet twist to your salads with this delightful sesame oil dressing. Perfect for crisp greens and Asian-inspired dishes, this is one of the most unique healthy salad dressings you can make.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, crushed (112 calories)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (57 calories)
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or palm sugar) (48 calories)
- Soy sauce and sesame oil to taste (approx. 10 calories)
Total Calories: 227 calories (about 57 calories per serving)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Adjust the soy sauce and sesame oil to suit your taste.
2. Orange Honey Vinaigrette
This vibrant and tangy dressing is a refreshing complement to mixed fruit and greens salads, adding a burst of citrus flavor. Among the various healthy salad dressings, this one stands out for its zesty freshness.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (27 calories)
- 1 tablespoon honey (64 calories)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or balsamic vinegar) (6 calories)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (40 calories)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (16 calories)
Total Calories: 153 calories (about 38 calories per serving)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Drizzle over your salad and enjoy the tangy, sweet flavor.
3. Peanut Butter (Fusion Style) Dressing
Infuse your salads with a creamy, nutty flavor using this fusion-style peanut butter dressing. Ideal for salads with shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, this is a delightful addition to your collection of healthy salad dressings.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or cashew butter) (759 calories)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (52 calories)
- 1 tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce) (10 calories)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (9 calories)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (8 calories)
- 1/4 cup water (0 calories)
- Optional: 1 fresh red Thai chili, for a spicy kick (4 calories)
Total Calories: 842 calories (about 211 calories per serving)
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. This creamy, nutty sauce is fantastic with a salad featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers.
4. Passion Fruit Dressing
Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this sweet and tangy passion fruit dressing. Perfect for adding a unique flavor to any summer salad, this is one of the more exotic healthy salad dressings.
Ingredients:
- 500g fresh passion fruit, mixed with 60ml water (or 1/2 cup passion fruit juice) (62 calories)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (238 calories)
- 1 tablespoon honey (64 calories)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (6 calories)
- Salt and pepper to taste (0 calories)
Total Calories: 370 calories (about 93 calories per serving)
Instructions:
Blend the passion fruit and water, then strain to remove seeds and pulp. Combine the strained juice with the remaining ingredients and mix well. This tropical dressing adds a sweet and tangy twist to any summer salad.
5. Traditional Balsamic Vinaigrette
This classic balsamic vinaigrette is a timeless favorite that complements any salad with its rich, savory flavor. It’s one of the staple healthy salad dressings that you can make easily at home.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil (954 calories)
- 1/4 cup quality balsamic vinegar (43 calories)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (3 calories)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (6 calories)
- Pinch of sea salt (0 calories)
- Freshly ground pepper to taste (0 calories)
Total Calories: 1006 calories (about 252 calories per serving)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. This classic vinaigrette is a timeless choice that complements any salad.
With these five healthy salad dressing recipes, you can enjoy a refreshing and flavorful summer salad any day of the week. These homemade dressings not only enhance the taste of your salads but also ensure you’re eating wholesome, nutritious meals. Say goodbye to store-bought dressings and elevate your summer salads with these quick, delicious healthy salad dressings!
These summer salad dressing recipes look amazing! I can’t wait to try one of them. Tha ks for sharing!
Good knowledge
These reccipes are super helpful. I tried the passion fruit dessing this afternoon and I totally loved it. Thanks for sharing