Explore a variety of salad dressing ideas to add flavor and nutrition to your vegetables. From Asian-inspired twists to vegan delights, discover creative ways to up your salad game.
Winter spring Summer Autumn. Give me a Hugh Jass salad and I’m usually a pretty happy girl.
My favorite time of day to eat a salad is lunch (check out these hearty lunch salads). I find it very easy to make a lunch by piling on a homemade dressing (I have a ton of those here!) and vegetables in a giant bowl and piling on protein, fat and carbs until I feel like I’m going to be full. Sometimes my salads are classic: arugula with a simple mixture of olive oil and vinegar, chicken and a little shredded cheese. And sometimes I go a little off the beaten path with my main ideas. (I know fruit in a salad is a very polarizing concept!)
Incorporating salads into your diet (whether daily or weekly) is a fantastic way to infuse your diet with essential vitamins and minerals. Vegetables offer a host of health benefits, from aiding digestion to providing a boost of energy. However, it’s the dressings that turn a bland salad into something I ask. They can add texture, flavor, sweetness, and crunch!
Today I’m sharing a roundup of healthy salad dressing ideas that will up your salad game. Whether you’re a salad enthusiast or someone looking to add more vegetables to your diet, you’re sure to feel inspired to create salads that are not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious.
26 Salad Dressing Ideas
Asian Salad Dressing Ideas
1. Edamame
- Full of protein.
- Adds a delicious crunch.
2. Dried seaweed
- Provides a unique umami flavor.
- High in essential minerals.
3. Sesame seeds
- Nutty flavor and rich in healthy fats.
- Add a textural element.
- A tasty dressing alternative.
- Incorporates probiotics.
Caesar Salad Dressing Ideas
5. French fries with parmesan – you can find them pre-made in the supermarket. Trader Joe’s are great!
- Crispy and cheesy.
- Low carb option.
6. Anchovy Fillets – You know how I feel about canned fish!
- Adds a salty touch.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
7. Alternatives to crouton
- roasted chickpeas or quinoa, two of my favorites to put in salads.
- Adds protein and crunch.
8. Hard-boiled egg or grilled chicken
Fruit Salad Dressing Ideas
9. Pomegranate arils
- Explosion of sweetness.
- Loaded with antioxidants.
10. Fresh mango slices or cubes
- Tropical sweetness.
- High in vitamins A and C.
eleven. Candied Walnuts
- Sweet and crunchy.
- Provides a dose of healthy fats.
Green Salad Dressing Ideas
12. Avocado Slices
- Creamy texture.
- Excellent source of healthy fats.
13. Cucumber ribbons
- Provides freshness and hydration.
- Low in calories.
14. Fresh Herb Blend
- A great addition to enhance the flavor. I love adding fresh dill!
15. Feta cheese (excellent for Mediterranean salads)
16. dried fruits (such as dried cranberries or currants)
Taco Salad Dressing Ideas
17. Corn Salsa – or even my corn and black bean salsa
- Sweet and spicy.
- Excellent way to add extra fiber.
18. Jalapeño Slices
19. Sour Cream Drizzle
- Creamy and refreshing.
- Balanced with other ingredients.
20. Tortilla chips
- Crumble on top to make it crispier.
Vegan Salad Dressing Ideas
twenty-one. Chickpea “croutons”
- Full of protein.
- Provides a crunchy element.
22. Nutritional yeast
- Dairy-free cheese flavor.
- Rich in group B vitamins.
23. Tahini Dressing
Check out my eBook on Homemade Salad Dressings!
- Creamy and nutty flavor.
- Source of healthy fats.
- Great source of vitamins.
25. Roasted bell peppers (you can find them in a jar)
26. Beans
Do you have any favorite salad dressings that aren’t on this list?
You can also enjoy:
