Plant-Based Dressing Recipes

A dressing can make or break a salad and be the deciding factor in whether someone will eat it. Therefore, a good dressing should pack a big flavor punch. There are three keys to a successful dressing:

  1. A bold, predominant flavor.
  2. The right viscosity. To give volume to a dressing, a fruit juice or vegetable broth can be used instead of oil. Using the proper amount of one of these liquids based on the other ingredients in the dressing is what will provide the right viscosity.
  3. An ingredient to help balance the predominant flavor. Having a little bit of a contrasting flavor is necessary to make the predominant flavor pop.

The dressings here are not only great on salads but also on steamed vegetables and grains. They’re delicious cold, but don’t be surprised if you like them warmed up too.

Kel-Pea Dressing

I was trying to come up with a healthy alternative to green goddess dressing, and kelp powder seemed like the perfect replacement for oily, salty anchovies. It has a dark forest-green color and a naturally salty taste.

Smoky Tomato Dressing

Anyone who loves smoky flavor and wants to incorporate it into a healthy diet will appreciate this recipe. When tomatoes get blended, they lose some of their color. The smoked paprika helps intensify the red color and also adds a hint of smoke that pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart flavor of the tomatoes.

Lemon-Parsley Dressing

Lemon and parsley is a flavor combination that’s been enjoyed for ages. This recipe gives you a chance to use it in a delicious new way.

Roasted Garlic Dressing

If you like toasty flavors, you’ll love this dressing. Roasted garlic has a mellow, sweet flavor compared to the intense and overwhelming taste of raw garlic.
Strawberry Balsamic Dressing

Strawberry Balsamic Dressing

The burgundy-red color of this dressing along with its playful sweet-and-sour profile will give any salad great visual contrast and flavor.

Roasted Bell Pepper Dressing

Because bell peppers are available year-round, this dressing can be a staple. Although this recipe calls for red or yellow peppers, any color will work.
Citrus-Tahini Dressing

Citrus-Tahini Dressing

Raw tahini, which is made from sesame seeds, can be purchased at most natural food stores and gourmet grocery stores. This dressing is high in natural fat, so if you are accustomed to dressings that have a high oil content, this is a healthful choice that will feel satisfying and familiar.

Raspberry-Walnut Dressing

Fresh raspberries are highly perishable. They are usually sold in plastic containers. Before purchasing, inspect the paper that lines the container bottom. It should be dry, and the raspberries should not be bruised or moldy.