These 15 Vegan Dressings Are So Delicious You’ll Drizzle Them On Everything
Whether it’s a fresh salad or just-roasted vegetables, the right dressing makes pretty much ~everything~taste better. If you don’t eat animal products, though, finding creamy, flavorful vegan dressings ain’t always easy.
“You’ll find dairy products such as cheese, milk or cream, egg yolks, and even fish added to some dressings,” says nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, author of Belly Fat Diet For Dummies. “Some thickeners, such as xanthan gum, can also be made from plant-based sources, whey, or eggs.” So unless a store-bought dressing is specifically labeled “vegan,” there’s a very real possibility it’s not—even if you don’t see obvious offenders in the ingredients list.
That doesn’t mean vegan dressings are doomed to be watery and flavorless, though. Coconut milk, avocado, and other plant-based fats (like olive oil) can all provide creamy, rich texture, Palinski-Wade says.From there, ingredients like turmeric provide warmth (and anti-inflammatory benefits), acids like apple cider vinegar provides satisfying tang (and boosts satiety), and spices like cayenne bring the heat (and keep your metabolism humming).
Flavor aside, the healthy fats in vegan dressings can help your body better absorb fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin A, in your eats. Since they digest slowly, too, they also make your meal more satiating than it would be sans dressing. Plus, as far as I’m concerned, any extra serving(s) of veggies a delish dressing encourages you to eat is a win in itself.
Ready to drizzle on the vegan dressing of your dreams? Here are 15 delicious recipes to try ASAP.
Cashews make this epic dressing super thick and creamy, while garlic, lime, salt, and cilantro make it so savory and aromatic you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.
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Per serving: 34 calories, 3 g fat (0 g saturated), 50 mg sodium, 2 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 1 g protein
Ranch is so creamy and delicious it should be its own food group. Now, vegans can get in on the goodness with this blend of vegan mayo, fresh parsley, dill, and chives.
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Per serving: 101 calories, 10 g fat (1 g saturated), 262 mg sodium, 1 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
Dreaming of a socially acceptable way to use guac as a salad dressing? Meet this mouthwatering combo of avocado, cayenne, cumin, garlic, and more. It even packs a little fiber!
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Per serving: 75 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated), 75 mg sodium, 2 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 1 g protein
You’ll feel like you’re at your favorite sushi restaurant with every drizzle of the zesty Japanese flavors of ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic.
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Per serving: 96 calories, 9 g fat (2 g saturated), 144 mg sodium, 2 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
You’d typically be hard-pressed to find the words “vegan” and “blue cheese” in the same sentence, but this dairy-free dressing makes it *all* possible. Brazil nuts, cashews, tahini, and nutritional yeast create all the thick, cheesiness you could ever need.
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Per serving: 84 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated), 6 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 4 g protein
You won’t find any cream in this luscious vegan dressing. Hearty and nutty sesame seeds, roasted sesame oil, and coconut aminos make it great to drizzle over veggies or use as a dip.
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Per serving: 65 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated), 3 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 2 g protein
Vegans often get left out of the pesto party. Now, you get to enjoy the same delicious flavors of fresh basil, pine nuts, lemon juice, and garlic—no cheese required.
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Per serving: 144 calories, 16 g fat (2 g saturated), 75 mg sodium, 1 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 1 g protein
It doesn’t get easier—or tastier—than this versatile dressing, which bursts with sweet-tangy flavor thanks to ingredients like ginger, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
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Per serving: 88 calories, 9 g fat (1 g saturated), 153 mg sodium,1 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
This smoky and aromatic vegan dressing made with adobo, cashew butter, and lime to make any meal a total fiesta in a bowl. Bonus: It’s super low in sodium.
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Per serving: 78 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated), 26 mg sodium, 4 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 2 g protein
Every splash of this dressing packs a pop of umami that you’ll want to add to everything from salads to tofu.
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Per serving: 50 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated), 46 mg sodium, 3 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein
Mint has this magical ability to brighten up even the blandest of dishes (looking at you, iceberg-based salads). Liven up your lunch routine with this fresh dressing, which also features Dijon, garlic, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
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Per serving: 152 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated), 113 mg sodium, 8 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
This unique berry dressing perfectly complements fruit-forward salads and savory sides that need some extra sweetness. To keep it vegan, swap out the honey for maple syrup.
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Per serving: 45 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated), 8 mg sodium, 2 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
Not up for more elaborate kitchen chemistry? Keep it simple and oh-so-delicious with this bright and citrusy lemon vinaigrette that’s so easy to make—and devour.
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Per serving: 126 calories, 13.5 g fat (2 g saturated), 19 mg sodium, 2 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
Caesar salad is one of life’s most underrated indulgences, but it’s not exactly vegan-friendly. That’s where this delicious dressing packed with vegan Parm, ground mustard, onion powder, and freshly squeezed lemon comes in.
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Per serving: 80 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated), 236 mg sodium, 2 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
This tangy vegan dressing stars tarragon, cashews, and lemon juice, plus nutritional yeast for a slight cheesy vibe. If you’ve got a nut allergy, swap sunflower seeds in for the cashews.
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Per serving: 57 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated), 4 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 2 g protein
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