Many store-bought salad dressings are high in fat, calories, and sodium. A two-tablespoon serving of some creamy dressings can contain as many calories as a fast food quarter pounder!
Fortunately, there are many healthy choices that are both tasty and low in calories. The best salad dressing for weight loss should be free of artificial preservatives and contain only 250 mg of sodium per two tablespoons.
1. Primal Kitchen’s Dreamy Italian Dressing
A salad dressing can bring life and flavor to any dish, but it can also be a source of excess saturated fats or sugar. Luckily, there are many delicious low-cholesterol salad dressings that can add excitement to any meal. You just need to know what type of ingredients to look for. For instance, salad dressings that are cream-based contain dairy and can be high in cholesterol. On the other hand, vinaigrette-based salad dressings typically use a combination of healthy oils and vinegar.
Primal Kitchen’s Dreamy Italian Dressing is a dairy-free, creamy Mediterranean masterpiece for dipping, dressing and drizzling on just about anything. This salad dressing and marinade is a delicious addition to salads, macronutrient bowls and avocado fries. It does not contain industrial seed oils, preservatives, natural flavors or sugar.
This product is made from cage free organic eggs and pure avocado oil, which make it a great option for keto dieters. It is also low in net carbs and contains healthy fats. It is also a good choice for vegans, as it is gluten free and dairy free.
2. Strawberry Vinaigrette
Salads are a great choice for weight loss because they’re low in calories and packed with nutrients. But, a bowl of greens can easily be turned into a sugar- and salt-laden meal if you use the wrong dressing. That’s why it’s important to choose a salad dressing that will help you reach your health goals.
Luckily, there are plenty of options available. We’ve rounded up some of the best store-bought salad dressings for weight loss, from creamy ranch to classic balsamic vinaigrette.
The key to choosing a good salad dressing for weight loss is to find one that’s low in fat and sodium. You’ll also want to look for a dressing that contains healthy, natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives or coloring. And, of course, you’ll want a salad dressing that tastes great! These 30 salad dressings are all less than 250 calories and have zero points on the Weight Watchers SmartPoints system. Plus, they’re made with high-protein yogurt that will keep you feeling full longer! So, which one will you try?
3. California Olive Ranch’s Apple Cider Vinaigrette
The main ingredients in this dressing are the heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar, plus a pinch of sugar and Dijon mustard (which acts as an emulsifier). It’s also low in sodium. This dressing is a great choice for topping salads or using as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish.
Its calorie count is a little high compared to other store-bought ranch dressings, but that’s because this recipe is made with olive oil and avocado, which have healthy fats. Plus, it contains a little bit of honey and spices to add flavor.
This vegan dressing has a lower sodium content than most of its balsamic vinaigrette peers, as well as less sugar. It’s made with a combination of lemon juice and zest, garlic, and expeller-pressed vegetable oil—which is produced by mechanically squeezing the oils out of nuts and seeds instead of using chemical extraction methods. It’s a refreshing, tangy option that pairs well with many different types of salad. It’s a great alternative to classic Italian dressing, which is high in sodium from the cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses it contains.
4. Newman’s Own Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic vinegar is a popular salad dressing ingredient and a health ally. It may help prevent oxidative stress, protect from cellular damage and reduce blood sugar levels and weight. It’s also rich in polyphenols, which have been linked to decreased inflammation and cancer.
But this Newman’s Own balsamic vinaigrette contains a teaspoon of sugar and sunflower oil, which is not the healthiest choice for salad dressing. It has other ingredients too, like xantham gum and potassium benzoate.
While this Ken’s Steak House Thousand Island dressing is made with real cheddar, parmesan, Romano and jack cheeses, it’s still not the healthiest option for your salad. One tablespoon of this creamy dressing has 3 grams of carbs and over 20 ingredients, including corn syrup and preservatives. It’s also high in sodium. So, if you’re following a low-carb diet, skip this one.
5. Annie’s Naturals Vinaigrette
The type of salad dressing you use can either help or hinder your weight loss efforts. Many are packed with unnecessary calories and fat, while others provide a healthy dose of key nutrients. If you want to boost your fitness results, opt for low-calorie or fat-free salad dressings like vinegar and lemon juice or light or creamy vegetable or legume-based options such as a Greek yoghurt salad dressing.
Avoid fatty dressings, such as blue cheese and Thousand Island, as these can lead to excess weight gain. These dressings typically contain high levels of saturated fats and sugar, with the latter often listed at the top of the ingredient list.
Another important factor to consider when shopping for a salad dressing is sodium content, which can lead to water retention and bloating, both of which hamper weight loss. Check the label for a low sodium content and consider choosing Whole 30 approved salad dressings, as these are not allowed to use added sugars. This is great if you’re trying to follow a restrictive diet such as the popular Whole 30.