Whole30 Salad Dressing Recipes
by These flavorful Whole30 salad dressing recipes use healthy, accessible ingredients compliant with any diet! Choose between carrot ginger, sweet basil, creamy caper chive, tahini dill, and yogurt mint,
with textures ranging from light to creamy.
These naturally sweetened, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan dressings make great marinades and dipping sauces, too! For more Whole30 meal prep recipes, try my smoked salmon salad with creamy caper dressing or these veggie-packed Whole30 breakfast hashbrowns.
Ingredients for 5 Whole30 dressings for salads
Searching for a good Whole30 dressing recipe, I came across many Whole30 balsamic vinegar, Italian dressing, and ranch dressing ideas. I wanted to make some Asian-inspired recipes that my audience would love. Here are 5 whole30 dressings for salads ranging from light to creamy. Enjoy!
Japanese Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing
- Ingredients: Carrots, ginger, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, coarse sea salt, olive oil.
- Flavor: A light and zesty blend of finely pulsed carrots and ginger, enhanced with rice vinegar and coconut aminos. The toasted sesame oil adds a nutty finish, creating a dressing that’s both vibrant and rich in texture. Works great as a marinade.
Sweet Basil Citrus Salad Dressing
- Ingredients: Fresh basil, orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, coarse sea salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
- Flavor: This Whole30 compliant salad dressing sings with fresh basil leaves, sweet orange, and tangy lemon juice, with a hint of Dijon mustard. Whisked with olive oil, it’s a citrusy, herbaceous dressing that’s light yet flavorful. Also a great marinade.
Creamy Caper Chive Salad Dressing
- Ingredients: Dijon mustard, Whole30 mayo, red wine vinegar, shallot, capers, chives, coarse sea salt, and olive oil.
- Flavor: A creamy concoction featuring tangy Dijon mustard and mayo, combined with the briny punch of capers and fresh chives. It’s rich and luscious, perfect for enveloping greens in creamy goodness or using as a dipping sauce.
Herbed Tahini-Dill Salad Dressing
- Ingredients: Tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, apple juice, coarse sea salt, black pepper, ice-cold water, fresh dill, olive oil.
- Flavor: Nutty tahini meets zesty lemon and aromatic dill in this creamy, herby dressing. Adding apple juice brings a slight sweetness, making it a uniquely flavored, smooth dressing or dipping sauce.
Yogurt Mint Salad Dressing
- Ingredients: Unsweetened dairy-free yogurt, lemon juice, crushed garlic, coarse sea salt, fresh mint leaves.
- Flavor: Refreshingly tangy dairy-free yogurt combined with zesty lemon, pungent garlic, and cool mint. This dressing offers a creamy texture with a refreshing minty zing, ideal for a light, invigorating salad or as a dipping sauce.
Can you have dairy-free yogurt on Whole30?
Absolutely! Generally, unsweetened yogurts made from coconut or cashews are compliant with Whole30 guidelines. Always check for a Whole30-approved label or read the ingredient list carefully. To make a dressing Whole30 compliant, avoid using yogurt with added sweeteners, carrageenan, soy lecithin (although sunflower lecithin is fine), and sulfites, including sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfate, and potassium metabisulfite.
Substitutions and variations
If you aren’t on a Whole30 reset and are okay with soy, you can also use regular soy sauce as opposed to coconut aminos. Start with half of the recipe quantity and taste and adjust.
How to make Whole thirty salad dressing 5 ways
These delightful Whole 30 dressings are so easy to whip up and store well in the fridge. Here are the instructions for making these dressings and sauces creamy and flavorful.
- Whole30 carrot-ginger salad dressing:
Pulse carrot and ginger in a blender or food processor until very finely chopped. Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse a few more times until the ingredients have almost been pureed. - Whole30 sweet basil citrus salad dressing:
Pulse basil leaves a few times until finely chopped. In a bowl combine chopped basil with the rest of the ingredients except olive oil. Slowly whisk in olive oil to emulsify the dressing. - Whole30 creamy caper-chive salad dressing:
Combine all ingredients except olive oil. Slow drizzle in the oil to the mixture while whisking at the same time to emulsify the dressing. - Whole30 herbed tahini-dill salad dressing:
Combine all ingredients and whisk until creamy and smooth. Add more ice-cold water to thin the texture before serving. - Whole30 yogurt mint dressing/dip:
Combine all ingredients and whisk until creamy and smooth. Different dairy-free yogurt has different acidity levels. Taste and make seasoning adjustments.
Choosing the perfect Whole30 dressings for different greens
Choosing the right dressing for your greens can be as nuanced as wine pairings, with each combination bringing out the best flavors.
For a creamier texture dressing, try it with greens like Iceberg, Romaine, Arugula, Bibb Lettuce, Radicchio, Watercress, Endive, Frisée, bok choy, as well as shredded or roasted/grilled cabbage wedges and steamed or blanched broccoli.
On the other hand, lighter and more citrus-based dressings pair wonderfully with Spinach, Spring greens, more Bibb Lettuce, Kale, Grilled asparagus, and again, steamed or blanched broccoli.
Generally speaking, delicate greens are enhanced by citrus-based light vinaigrettes, while heartier or more bitter greens match well with creamy and rich dressings.
Whole30 approved salad dressing brands
Tessemae’s, Primal Kitchen, Whole30 Brand, The New Primal, and Thrive Market offer salad dressings that are great for those on Whole30. To be certain, always take a peek at the labels. Typically, a Whole 30 diet salad dressing will have the Whole30 logo right on the packaging!
Whole30 compliant yogurt brands
Lavva Original, Anita’s Coconut Yogurt, GT’s CocoYo Pure, Kite Hill’s Almond Milk Yogurt (plain/unsweetened), Forager’s Cashew Milk Yogurt (plain/unsweetened), and The Coconut Collaborative Original Flavor are all delightful choices.
How to make ahead and store
All of these dressings are easy to whip up when you need them. Because they all store well in the fridge for 1-2 weeks, I love to make them ahead of time so I always have them on hand for any meal.
- Make-ahead: Make the entire recipe and store it in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store them in a mason jar or any airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Shake before serving.
What can I use Whole30 dressing on?
These recipes are fantastic on any salad or use them as whole30 sauces for dipping veggies, meats, and fries. The lighter dressings can also be used as a marinade for protein or veggies.
- Salad dressings: Try them with my Paleo kale salad, grilled peach avocado salad, shrimp avocado salad, Tatsoi salad greens, or this chicken apple avocado salad.
- Dipping sauce or sauces for noodles/bowls: Use as a sauce with my Paleo kofta kabobs or Whole30 roasted potatoes, cucumber noodles, or these Whole30 breakfast sandwiches.
- Marinades: The carrot ginger and sweet basil dressings are great for marinating chicken, shrimp, pork, steak, and more. Here are more yummy sauces for grilled chicken, too.
See our Whole30 Asian pantry guide and Whole30 recipes archive for more meal ideas!
Umami Tips
- Choose Quality Oils: Opt for high-quality oils such as olive oil, light olive oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil (in limited quantities). The oil forms the base of your dressing, so the better the quality, the tastier the dressing.
- Freshness Counts with Fruits: Always use fresh citrus like lemon, lime, oranges, or berries. Fresh fruits impart a vibrant, tangy flavor that can’t be matched by concentrates or processed fruits.
- Diverse Vinegars: Feel free to use a variety of kinds of vinegar, as most vinegar is Whole30 compatible. Choices like balsamic, rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar each add a unique tang and depth to your dressings.
- The Right Emulsifier: To get that perfect consistency, use Dijon mustard, whole eggs, or Whole30-compliant mayo as emulsifiers. They’ll help blend your dressing evenly and give it a smooth texture.
- Salad Green Choices: Match your greens to your dressing! Tender baby greens are delightful with light, citrus dressings, while robust greens like kale, bok choy, or chard are fabulous with creamy dressings. Check out our Chinese vegetables guide for more pairing ideas.
- Versatility Beyond Salads: Remember, these dressings aren’t just for salads. They double as Whole30 sauces or dressings for noodles, and even as marinades for meats and vegetables. Be creative and experiment with different uses!
FAQs
Any homemade or store-bought dressing free from added sugars, grains, dairy, and additives is a Whole30 approved dressing. Look for the Whole30 label or make them using approved ingredients. The recipes in this post are some of the best whole30 salad dressing recipes, with a variety of flavors, textures, and uses.
Balsamic vinaigrette can be Whole30 compliant if it’s made without added sugars or non-compliant ingredients. Always check labels for additives or make your own Whole30 balsamic vinaigrette at home.
The healthiest dressing is typically homemade, using fresh, whole ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, citrus juice, herbs, and spices, without added sugars or processed additives.
Yes, Primal Kitchen offers a range of Whole30-approved dressings, made without added sugars, soy, or dairy, following strict Whole30 guidelines. Always check the label for confirmation.
More Whole30 salad dressing recipes you might like
If you love these healthy and delicious sauces, here are some more whole 30 salad dressings you can try!
- Whole30 Asian peanut sauce made with almond butter for Whole30 compliance
- Creamy ginger dressing with zesty Dijon mustard and freshly grated ginger
- Whole30 ranch yogurt dressing made with dairy-free yogurt, milk, and mayo
Whole30 Salad Dressing Recipes (Paleo, Keto, Vegan)
Ingredients
Japanese Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing
- 4 oz. carrot
- 0.4 oz. fresh ginger root
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1.5 tsp toasted sesame oil
- ¼ tsp coarse sea salt or to taste
- 2 to 4 tbsp water
- ⅓ cup olive oil
Sweet Basil Citrus Salad Dressing
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
Creamy Caper-Chive Salad Dressing
- 2.5 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp Whole30 mayo
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 oz. shallot, finely minced
- 2 tbsp chopped capers, drained
- 2 tbsp minced chives
- ¼ to ½ tsp coarse sea salt
- ½ cup olive oil
Herbed Tahini-Dill Salad Dressing
- 4-6 tbsp tahini
- 3-4 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3-4 tbsp apple juice
- ¼+ ⅛ tsp coarse sea salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp ice cold water, more as needed
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- ¼ cup olive oil
Cool Yogurt Mint Salad Dressing
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut, almond, or cashew yogurt
- 3-4 tbsp lemon juice, or to taste
- 2 clove garlic, crushed
- ½ tsp coarse sea salt
- 1.5 tbsp finely chopped mint leaves
Instructions
Whole30 carrot-ginger salad dressing:
- Pulse carrot and ginger in a small work bowl a few times until very finely chopped. Add the rest of ingredients and pulse a few more times until the ingredients have almost been pureed. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Shake before using.
Whole30 sweet basil citrus salad dressing:
- Pulse basil leaves in a small work bowl a few times until finely chopped. In a bowl combine chopped basil with the rest of ingredients except olive oil. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking at the same time to emulsify the dressing. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Shake before using.
Whole30 creamy caper-chive salad dressing:
- Combine all ingredients except olive oil. Slow drizzle in the oil while whisking at the same time to emulsify the dressing. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge. Best use in 1 week.
Whole30 herbed tahini-dill salad dressing:
- Combine and whisk well all ingredients. The texture should be creamy and smooth. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge. Best use in 1 week. Add more ice cold water to thin the texture before serving.
Whole30 cool yogurt mint salad dressing/dip:
- Combine and whisk well all ingredients. The texture should be creamy and smooth. Different dairy-free yogurt has different acidity level. Taste and make seasoning adjustments. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge. Best use in 1 week.
Notes
- Greens that are great for creamier texture dressings – Iceberg, Romaine, Arugula, Bibb Lettuce, Radicchio, Watercress, Endive, Frisée, Shredded cabbage, Roasted/grilled cabbage wedges, Steamed or blanched broccoli
- Greens that are great for lighter and more citrus based dressings – Spinach, Spring greens, Bibb Lettuce, Kale, Grilled asparagus, Steamed or blanched broccoli
- The nutritional value is estimated based on the carrot ginger salad dressing.
Creamy Caper-Chive Salad Dressing!
I ran across your website wanting ideas to pair with a green salad & smoked king salmon and shrimp.
I split the dressing recipe for just the two of us, used
iceberg lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, Smoked king salmon, large shrimp and about
1/4 cup of cooked quinoa for added protein. HIGHLY recommend our salad to your readers!
Wonderful!
Thank you, Tom B
These dressings sound amazing! Sorry for a newbie question… What is a ‘small work bowl’. Are you talking about a food processor?
Hey Cathy! not at all. Yes a small work bowl food processor 🙂
Thanks, for the reply. I made the carrot ginger salad dressing as I’m doing the Whole 30. OMG, it’s sooooo good. Whole family loved it. I’ll be making this again, Whole 30 or not. YUM! Thanks for posting!
Thank you, Cathy! If you have time, give the caper chive and herbed tahini a try. People love those two as well! 😀
I have yet to find a recipe from I <3 Umami that I don't absolutely love and these dressings are no exception. I made the Creamy Caper Chive Dressing to go with the Keto Smoked Salmon Salad and had to stop myself from tasting spoonfuls of the dressing as I prepped the salad! Thank you CHIHYU for providing us with quick delicious healthy recipes.
Thanks so much, Laura!
We tried all of them and my family and I absolutely love all the variety in this post! The caper chive and tahini dill and carrot ginger are our favorites and they go well with so many things. The yogurt mint is great for dipping sauce. We serve it with sliced carrots, apples, and celery sticks. Easy and healthy snacks when you are on Whole30. Thank you, Chihyu!!
Thank you, Rebecca!
The carrot ginger came out perfect !!! I find a lot of recipes do not come out so great on Pinterest. This dressing came out AMAZING !!!!
Thank you so much, April!
I’m all about the dressing when it comes to salads! These are perfect and Whole30 as well, genius!
Thanks, Stacey!
I’m always on the look out for new salad dressings – these all look so good! Loving the sound of the carrot ginger dressing – I can’t wait to try it!
I use homemade dressing all of the time! Thanks for sharing all of these choices
These all sound wonderful! Whole30 is all about keeping it interesting for me, and these are great ideas for updating a boring salad I have eaten 10x in a month. I love the carrot/ginger – I would never thought of something like that 🙂
Thank you, Katie!
These all look amazing and I don’t even know which one to try first, but maybe the herbed tahini one since I’m really having a moment with tahini right now!
Wow, these are so beautiful and impressive. Salads are my favorite these days, so I can’t wait to try these dressings!
Dressings are the secret to healthy cooking! You can do anything with a great dressing like yours. Love the flavors!
I’m always looking for new paleo salad dressings. These all sound delicious! I can’t wait to try some of them out!
All of these are AMAZING!!! Thank you for sharing!
I am all for that sweet basil citrus! **heading to get some fresh basil now**
My mouth is just watering! I love all of these unique flavors – I am in need of a dressing flavor change up! I love the chive one – going to make that today!
Had the creamy caper…and the carrot ginger is so next. WOwzer, salads are INTERESTING and oh so delicious now!
Thanks, Tessa. So happy to hear that!
Amazing ways to dress a salad and make it presentable. Surely while hosting events I will apply this recipe and presentation.