Top 10 Healthiest Salad Dressings for Weight Loss in 2023

The Importance of Choosing a Healthy Salad Dressing

Salads can be a very nutritious part of a balanced diet. Packed with vegetables, greens, proteins, grains, and more, salads provide important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients our bodies need. However, the dressed salad is only as healthy as the dressing you choose to drizzle on top.

Going with an unhealthy salad dressing high in sodium, sugar, calories, and unhealthy fats can diminish the nutrition you get from the salad. But choosing a dressing made with healthy fats and wholesome ingredients can enhance absorption of fat soluble vitamins in the vegetables. That’s why paying attention to salad dressing nutrition is key.

How Unhealthy Salad Dressings Can Lead to Weight Gain

Many conventional salad dressings are hidden sources of excess sugar, sodium, and calories leading to weight gain over time when consumed regularly. For example, just 2 tablespoons of a typical creamy ranch dressing contain about 140 calories and 140mg sodium. Plus

Choosing one of these more waistline-friendly options over sugary, salty dressings can make a big difference if weight loss is your goal.

Top 10 Healthiest Store-Bought Salad Dressings

To help make salad dressing selection easier, we asked registered dietitian nutritionists to recommend their top rated healthy store-bought brands...

1. Annie's Goddess Dressing

Made with extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice concentrate, garlic, onion, basil, oregano and other wholesome ingredients, Annie's Goddess Dressing earns top marks from diet experts. "It has simple, pronounceable ingredients like olive oil and garlic," says Toby Amidor, MS, RD...

2. Primal Kitchen Greek Vinaigrette

Another great dressing option, Primal Kitchen’s Greek Vinaigrette is made with high quality extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano and garlic. “It packs a flavor punch along with anti-inflammatory ingredients,” explains Trista Best, MPH, RD...

3. Brianna's Homestyle Asiago Caesar

Brianna's Asiago Caesar Light Dressing is lower in calories, fat and sodium compared to traditional creamy Caesar dressings. Nutritionist Lisa Andrews, MHS, RD recommends it for its robust flavor from Asiago cheese and light, fresh taste...

4. Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette from Panera Bread

Panera Bread’s bottled dressings, found in the refrigerated produce section, represent smart choices for weight loss. Its Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette offers antioxidant-rich blended berries and a tangy balsamic flavor...

5. O Organics Balsamic Vinaigrette

Dietitian Tamara Melton, MPH, RD, CSR, LDN applauds Organics Balsamic for its short ingredient list and health promoting base of extra virgin olive oil. “It also provides a good dose of antioxidants from the balsamic vinegar and lemon juice,” Melton explains...

6. Bolthouse Farms Yogurt Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing

A flavored yogurt-based dressing can provide creaminess for far fewer calories and less fat. Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD likes Bolthouse Farms Chunky Blue Cheese: “A 2-tablespoon serving has about half the calories and sodium of traditional blue cheese dressing...”

7. Girard's Light Champagne Vinaigrette

Girard's Champagne Vinaigrette proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for fewer calories. “With yellow onions, garlic, and champagne vinegar, this vinaigrette has lots of flavor to enhance your salad,” says nutritionist Monica Auslander Moreno, MS, RD, LDN...

8. Newman's Own Lighten Up Balsamic Vinaigrette

Diet experts also recommend Newman's Own Lighten Up! Balsamic Vinaigrette for its robust taste. “It uses olive oil, which contains heart-healthy fats. And the balsamic vinegar adds antioxidants,” says Willow Jarosh MS, RD...

9. Ken's Steak House Light Northern Italian

Ken's Steakhouse Light Northern Italian Dressing earns dietitian kudos for its nutritious ingredient mix of olive oil, vinegar and garlic. “I recommend Ken’s Light Northern Italian vinaigrette because it tastes like a traditional Italian dressing..." shares Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD...

10. Walden Farms Calorie Free Creamy Bacon Ranch

Lastly, if you really want a zero calorie salad dressing, Walden Farms Calorie Free Bacon Ranch is a dietitian approved choice. “It allows you to enjoy a creamy ranch flavor without adding any calories or fat,” explains Rahaf Al Bochi, RD, LD...

Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Salad Dressing

Use these expert tips when comparing nutrition labels to pick the healthiest salad dressing that suits your taste...

Prioritize Heart Healthy Fats like Olive Oil

The type of oil is key when selecting the healthiest salad dressing. “Ideally, you want to see olive oil or canola oil on the ingredient list rather than highly processed vegetable or soybean oils,” suggests Kaleigh McMordie, RDN, LDN. These provide beneficial fats that can aid absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Seek Low Sodium Options Under 140mg Per Serving

High sodium can counteract the nutrition salads offer, so aim for no more than 140mg sodium per 2-tablespoon serving. "Too much sodium promotes fluid retention which leads to weight gain over time," cautions Amy Shapiro, MS, RD.

Look for Less than 3 Grams Added Sugars

Scan labels for dressings lowest in added sugars. “Ideally no more than 3 grams added sugar per serving,” advises registered dietitian nutritionist Karen Ansel, RDN. Unnecessary sugar hinders weight loss progress. “Sugar spikes insulin which signals the body to store fat,” Ansel explains.

With a little label reading, you can find flavorful salad toppings minus excess fillers. Lighten up your favorite salad with one of these dietitian recommended smart picks for healthy, guilt-free dressing!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.