15 Salad Dressing Recipes You Can Make at Home (Goo-Free!)
Store-bought dressing is sabotaging your healthy salad.
Girard’s Caesar Salad Dressing used to be my #1 favorite.
I should have bought stock in the parent company.
After a long day at work, I enjoyed coming home and making a giant Caesar salad with chicken and a big ol’ glop of Girard’s… especially in the summer when it was hot outside.
I felt healthy.
I was “eating right”.
But I was gaining weight, felt sluggish, and craved more food after I was done with my giant dinner salad.
How is this possible?
All I was eating was a giant pile of low-calorie high-nutrient vegetables with a little bit of protein (the chicken).
So what the heck is going on?
Well, it depends.
Now, I’m not going to pick on Girard’s, specifically…
…but, salad dressings - generally speaking - are not exactly “health food”.
Let’s Take a Closer Look (at the Label)
Many store-bought salad dressings contain ingredients that seem harmless but are actually unhealthy when consumed regularly or in larger quantities than the '“suggested serving size”.
Here is an ingredients label for Girard’s Caesar Salad Dressing.
In the case of Girard’s Caesar, these ingredients are problematic:
Highly Processed & Unhealthy Fats
Canola Oil & Soybean Oil. These cheap, refined oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation when consumed in excess. They are often highly processed using heat and chemicals, which can produce harmful byproducts.
Hidden Sugars & Sweeteners
Sugar & Molasses. Even in savory dressings, added sugars contribute to blood sugar spikes, cravings, and weight gain.
Lemon Juice Concentrate. Often a processed commercial ingredient, it contains added sugars and preservatives, making it less nutritious than fresh lemon juice.
Artificial Preservatives & Additives
Potassium Sorbate. This preservative is used to prevent mold and bacterial growth but can cause gut irritation and allergic reactions.
Calcium Disodium EDTA. This chemical preservative prevents oil from going rancid but has been linked to digestive issues and reduced mineral absorption.
Acidifiers & Artificial Flavor Enhancers
Citric Acid. While naturally found in citrus fruits, the commercially processed version is often derived from mold-fed corn and can irritate the digestive system.
Yeast Extract. Despite having a healthy-sounding name, this is actually a form of MSG (monosodium glutamate) which can contribute to headaches, cravings, and overstimulation of taste receptors.
Natural Flavor. Another deceptive ingredient title, there’s nothing “natural” about it. Natural Flavors are actually lab-created flavor compounds mostly derived from processed or synthetic sources.
Excess Sodium & Flavoring Agents
Salt & Distilled Vinegar. While salt is necessary in small amounts, processed dressings often contain excessive sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
White Wine Vinegar & Tamarind. While not inherently unhealthy, these ingredients are often included for flavor masking rather than nutritional value.
Thickeners & Emulsifiers
Xanthan Gum. This is a thickener that helps keep salad dressing smooth but can cause digestive discomfort in some people, especially those with gut sensitivities.
Egg Yolk & Parmesan Cheese. While these were originally real food ingredients, in processed dressings they are often low-quality and heavily processed for extended shelf life.
Instead of relying on these ultra-processed options, try making homemade dressings with real, wholesome ingredients.
15 Healthier Salad Dressing Alternatives (Goo-Free!)
Instead of store-bought dressings, try these healthier alternatives that are easy to make at home:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar. This classic, simple combination is rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats. Add oregano, basil, and dried garlic powder for a little healthy Italian flare, or top with feta cheese to go Greek!
Lemon Juice & Olive Oil. A light, refreshing, and natural salad dressing that enhances the flavors of your healthy greens. Sprinkle with ground black pepper and a dash of sea salt to perk things up even more.
Avocado Mash with Lime & Sea Salt. So creamy, this healthy combo is packed with good fats. A squeeze of fresh garlic, a bit of chopped onions, and a sprig of cilantro will add a guacamole flavor to your salad.
Tahini & Lemon Dressing. A Middle Eastern staple ingredient, Tahini adds a nutty, nutrient-dense alternative with no additives. And the lemon will wake up your taste buds. Add a dash of black powder for a little bite.
Apple Cider Vinegar & Dijon Mustard. If you are looking for that apple-sweet flavor without the sugar hit, apple cider is the key. This sweet-spicy combo will boost digestion and has a tangy kick.
Greek Yogurt & Garlic Dressing. This thick, creamy, tangy mix is a gut-friendly alternative that gives you all the richness without the artificial junk. A hint of garlic makes it bold and flavorful.
Pesto Dressing. A vibrant blend of fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and pine nuts, this dressing transforms any salad into an Italian-inspired delight. Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, it's as nutritious as it is delicious.
Hummus & Lemon Dressing. A protein-packed, creamy, and flavorful dressing that adds a Mediterranean twist to your meals. The smooth hummus base pairs perfectly with bright lemon juice for a satisfying, nourishing finish.
Coconut Milk & Curry Dressing. This rich, dairy-free alternative brings a hint of the Tropics with a silky coconut milk base and a touch of anti-inflammatory curry.
Sesame Oil & Rice Vinegar. A light, Asian-inspired dressing with heart-healthy fats, the nutty sesame oil balances the mild acidity of rice vinegar. Sprinkle in toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch, protein, and depth.
Miso Paste & Water Blend. This simple yet powerful Japanese-inspired dressing adds deep umami flavor and gut-healthy probiotics to your salad.
Homemade Ranch (Greek Yogurt, Herbs, & Garlic). This classic favorite has no artificial thickeners or additives, the Greek yogurt gives it a creamy base, and fresh herbs and garlic provide bold and refreshing flavor.
Citrus Vinaigrette (Orange Juice, Olive Oil, & Honey). A light, slightly sweet, dressing that bursts with citrusy freshness, this vinaigrette is a natural energy booster with a balance of healthy fats and natural sugars.
Homemade Caesar Dressing (Olive Oil, Anchovies, Garlic, & Parmesan). Rich, bold, and Goo-free, this homemade version skips the preservatives while keeping the classic umami-packed flavors of Caesar dressing.
Dijon Mustard & Red Wine Vinegar. A simple yet zesty alternative to store-bought dressing has a sharp, tangy bite, and enhances salads with a bold acidity and subtle heat.
Make your own salad dressing and use healthy Goo-Free toppings to avoid added sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy oils.
It doesn’t take much effort to make a salad that is truly nourishing and good for you.
And, your grocery bill will be reduced, too!
👀 When in doubt, check it out!
For a growing list of ingredients that could be making you sick:
If you’re not sure about a specific ingredient and want to learn more about whether it qualifies as Goo, leave a comment or reach out and ask me!
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