Keep any salad low-carb with keto salad dressing recipes. From classic Caesar to tangy blue cheese dressing, we've got 'em all!
14 Keto Salad Dressing Recipes
Updated on Sep. 20, 2024
As a registered dietitian, I recommend salads as a quick and tasty way to squeeze more vegetables into your day. But the wrong salad dressing can throw a wrench into your best-laid plans—especially if you follow the keto diet.
This low-carb way of eating has become increasingly trendy thanks to its promising results for weight loss. It has also been linked to symptom improvement for type 2 diabetes, epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, which has boosted its popularity.
This diet boils down to extremely low-carb, high-fat eating to achieve a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body uses fat as its main energy source instead of carbs. One of the best keto dishes for beginners is salad. But it’s important to choose the right dressing, as many contain sneaky sources of carbohydrates. Instead of store-bought dressing, consult our list of homemade keto salad dressing recipes.
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Keto Caesar Salad Dressing
130 calories, 13g fat, 1g carb, 2g proteinEveryone raves about Caesar salad, but few realize it is so simple to make at home. Add this Caesar dressing on top of chopped romaine lettuce and parmesan cheese for a perfect salad. —Jane McGlothren, Daphne, Alabama
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Russian Dressing
127 calories, 13g fat, 2g carb, 0g proteinRussian dressing and Thousand Island are similar in that they are both creamy and salmon in color. However, Russian salad dressing is spicier with the addition of ingredients like horseradish and pepper sauce, while pickle relish gives Thousand Island a sweeter flavor. —Francine Lizotte, Surrey, British Columbia
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Lemon Vinaigrette
183 calories, 20g fat, 1g carb, 0g proteinVersatile and delicious, this lemon vinaigrette is a favorite among homemade salad dressings. The fresh lemon flavor is great on simple green salads as a dressing or as an addition to fresh steamed vegetables, like broccoli, green beans and cauliflower. —Sarah Farmer, Taste Recipes Culinary Director
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Italian Dressing
Elevate your salads with this classic Italian dressing recipe that features a perfect balance of tangy vinegar, smooth olive oil, and flavorful herbs and spices.
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Blue Cheese Dressing
Our rich, creamy blue cheese dressing recipe might just be the most decadent salad topper. It also makes an unbeatable dip for chicken wings, sliced vegetables, sandwich wraps and steaks.
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Ranch Dressing
74 calories, 8g fat, 0g carb, 0g proteinThere are so many ways to serve this vegan ranch dressing recipe! Use it for dipping, on salads or in recipes that call for regular ranch dressing. Fresh herbs really brighten the flavor, but dried herbs can be used, too. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
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Green Goddess Salad Dressing
109 calories, 12g fat, 1g carb, 1g proteinIt’s no trick to fix this time-honored keto recipe at home. Made with fresh ingredients, it’s a real treat compared to store-bought dressing. —Page Alexander, Baldwin City, Kansas.
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Low-Fat Tangy Tomato Dressing
15 calories, 1g fat, 2g carb, 0g proteinThis zesty blend is delicious over greens or fresh garden vegetables. I love that it’s a healthier alternative to the oil-heavy versions sold in stores. —Sarah Eiden, Enid, Oklahoma
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Asian Salad Dressing
95 calories, 8g fat, 3g carb, 1g proteinThis Asian salad dressing is delicious in a salad or on stir-fried vegetables. It will last, sealed in a Mason jar, in the refrigerator for about six weeks. A tablespoon of ground ginger may be used in place of fresh. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
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Basil Vinaigrette
241 calories, 27g fat, 1g carb, 0g proteinA splash of this delicate dressing lets the goodness of fresh spring greens shine through. It’s also excellent drizzled over wedges of vine-ripened tomatoes. —Vivian Haen, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
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Keto Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette
189 calories, 20g fat, 2g carb, 0g proteinTry adding this delicious dressing to your keto food list. For the best results, start with all the ingredients at room temperature. If the oil is cool or cold, it is much more difficult to form the emulsion. —Sarah Farmer, Taste Recipes Culinary Director
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Toasted Pecan Vinaigrette
215 calories, 24g fat, 2g carb, 1g proteinTo toast nuts, bake in a shallow pan in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or cook in a skillet over low heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. —Sarah Farmer, Taste Recipes Culinary Director
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Ginger Salad Dressing
137 calories, 14g fat, 4g carb, 0g proteinI love this flavorful keto salad dressing because it’s super easy to make and uses pantry staples. It’s a quick fix to serve with salad greens or veggies on a weeknight. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Tarragon Salad Dressing
166 calories, 18g fat, 1g carb, 0g proteinWhisk together tarragon, chives, parsley and Dijon mustard for a delightful vinaigrette. This fast-to-fix keto dressing will add a fresh tang to any bowl of mixed greens. —Marie Hoyer, Lewistown, Montana
Keto Salad Dressing FAQ
Are all salad dressings keto-friendly?
No, not all salad dressings support ketosis. In fact, many don’t! This is because they include carbohydrate-rich ingredients like milk, cane sugar, honey, maple syrup and other sugar derivatives like maltodextrin, fructose, dextrose and sucrose. And many dressings include vegetable and seed oils, like canola oil, that are high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and generally frowned upon for keto (even though they’re technically carb-free).
What is the best salad dressing for people on a keto diet?
Vinaigrettes, or olive oil-based dressings, are the perfect keto-friendly option. This is because they’re extremely low-carb and high-fat, thanks to their simple ingredients. Plus, olive oil supports healthy cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Vinaigrette is usually comprised of olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and sometimes flavoring agents like herbs, spices, mustard, salt or pepper.
What are the best herbs and spices to include in a keto-friendly salad dressing?
Your best options are basil, thyme, parsley, cilantro, dill, chives, scallions, ginger, garlic, onion, shallot, red pepper and black pepper. Though, really, the sky’s the limit as most herbs and spices are very low in carbohydrates!
