When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, salads are often a go-to choice. However, the dressing you choose can make or break your meal’s nutritional value. Many popular salad dressings are loaded with hidden sugars, which can undermine your health goals. To help you enjoy your greens without the guilt, we’ve consulted top dietitians to bring you a list of the 9 best low-sugar salad dressings.
These options not only enhance the flavor of your salads but also keep your sugar intake in check. Whether you’re managing diabetes, aiming for weight loss, or simply seeking healthier choices, these dietitian-approved dressings are perfect for your needs. Dive in and discover how you can make your salads both delicious and nutritious!
Primal Kitchen Ranch
Primal Kitchen Ranch is a delicious, creamy option perfect for those looking to keep sugar intake low. Each 2-tablespoon serving contains 112 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 240 milligrams of sodium. This dressing is made with heart-healthy avocado oil, which is rich in unsaturated fats.
Benefits of Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is known for its high content of monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health. It also contains antioxidants that help combat inflammation.
Usage Tips
Primal Kitchen Ranch is versatile: use it as a salad dressing, dip for veggies, or even a marinade for chicken.
Mother Raw Japanese Dressing
For an Asian-inspired twist, Mother Raw Japanese Dressing offers a flavorful, low-sugar option. With 80 calories per 2-tablespoon serving, it includes 8 grams of fat and just 2 grams of sugar.
Versatility in Recipes
This dressing isn’t just for salads. It works wonderfully as a marinade for meats or a sauce for stir-fried vegetables.
Key Ingredients
Its unique flavor comes from a combination of sesame, ginger, and garlic, providing a rich and savory taste profile.
Tessemae’s Organic Classic Italian
Tessemae’s Organic Classic Italian is a zero-sugar vinaigrette that doesn’t skimp on taste. Each 1-tablespoon serving has 70 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 50 milligrams of sodium.
Zero Sugar Content
Perfect for those strictly monitoring their sugar intake, this dressing gets its robust flavor from a blend of herbs and spices.
Flavor Profile
The Italian vinaigrette offers a tangy and herby taste that complements any salad or can be used as a zesty marinade.
Trader Joe’s Green Goddess
Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Dressing is a herbaceous, vegan-friendly choice with zero grams of sugar per serving. It contains just 20 calories per 2-tablespoon serving, along with 2 grams of fat and 95 milligrams of sodium.
Vegan-Friendly Option
Made without any animal products, this dressing is suitable for vegans and those looking for plant-based options.
Herbaceous Flavor
The fresh, green flavor comes from a mix of herbs like basil, parsley, and chives, making it a delightful addition to salads.
Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing
Featuring avocado oil as the main ingredient, this Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing provides heart-healthy fats and a burst of flavor. Each 2-tablespoon serving contains 120 calories, 13 grams of fat, and only 1 gram of sugar.
Health Benefits of Lemon and Garlic
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, while garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Together, they create a health-boosting dressing.
Pairing Suggestions
This dressing pairs well with a simple green salad or as a zesty topping for grilled fish.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Greek
Newman’s Own Greek Dressing combines the richness of extra virgin olive oil with tangy flavors, all without added sugars. Each 2-tablespoon serving has 160 calories, 18 grams of fat, and 220 milligrams of sodium.
Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Taste and Texture
This dressing has a bold, tangy taste that pairs well with Mediterranean dishes, from salads to grain bowls.
Bolthouse Farms
Bolthouse Farms’ yogurt-based dressings offer creaminess with fewer calories. Their dressings generally contain around 35 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and 2 grams of sugar per 2-tablespoon serving.
Yogurt Base Benefits
The yogurt base adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture while keeping the calorie count low, making it a great lighter option.
Usage Tips
Use Bolthouse Farms dressings as a salad topping or as a lighter dip for veggies.
Marie’s Lite Chunky
Marie’s Lite Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing offers a flavorful experience with just 70 calories per 2-tablespoon serving and only 1 gram of sugar. It includes 7 grams of fat and 290 milligrams of sodium.
Yogurt-Based Dressing
The yogurt base helps to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy, rich texture that blue cheese lovers will enjoy.
Flavor and Texture
This dressing provides the bold flavor of blue cheese in a lighter, more health-conscious form.
Lemonette Sesame Tahini
Lemonette’s Sesame Tahini Dressing is a creamy, flavorful option with zero added sugar. Each 2-tablespoon serving contains 50 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 190 milligrams of sodium.
Key Ingredients and Benefits
Tahini, made from sesame seeds, is rich in healthy fats and provides a unique, nutty flavor. Combined with lemon, it creates a balanced and delicious dressing.
Usage Tips
This dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads or as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables.