This low-sodium salad dressing packs plenty of flavor without added salt!
In general, store-bought dressings contain higher levels of fat. What about the “healthy” options? Well, low-fat and fat-free salad dressings usually have higher sodium levels. And then there’s the unwanted additives, preservatives, and sweeteners. The nutrition facts may not seem that bad until you realize how small the serving size is. That’s why making dressing from scratch is a healthier option.
Making healthy choices is easier than most people think. All it takes is a little information and some simple guidelines, and you can enjoy delicious foods without added salt, sugar, and chemical ingredients you can’t even pronounce. Made with a tangy mix of vinegar and lemon juice, aromatic herbes de Provence, fruity olive oil, and just enough garlic to add punchy zest, this no-salt vinaigrette is a perfect example of what I mean.
Is This No-Salt Vinaigrette Healthy?
No-salt vinaigrettes such as this one are about as healthy as you can get for salad dressings. They contain heart-healthy olive oil, no added sugar or salt, and vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. You get all the flavor without unhealthy additives.
How To Create Amazing Low-Sodium Salad Dressings In Minutes
It takes only a few minutes and a few ingredients to create flavorful, healthy salad dressings. Your base typically includes extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and some type of vinegar, like balsamic, red, or white wine vinegar. I like to keep some flavored balsamic vinegar bottles in my pantry, including mango, peach, vanilla, and fig. They make great salad dressings.
When I use a flavored balsamic, I don’t even need any herbs or seasonings. However, you can make plenty of fantastic dressing combinations with a few staple ingredients, such as herbs, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon or lime juice, vinegar, and EVOO.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
This recipe can last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Make sure to shake well after removing from fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Aside from tasting great on a bed of greens and fresh veggies, no-salt vinaigrette is also an excellent marinade for fish, chicken, or vegetables. Simply place your protein or veggies and some marinade in a covered container one to 24 hours before cooking, depending on what you’re marinating. Some other great low-sodium dressings include Easy Italian Salad Dressing, Vegan Salad Dressing, Tahini Salad Dressing, and Asian Salad Dressing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup vinegar white wine or balsamic
- 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence or other herb blend
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, herbes de Provence, minced garlic, lemon juice, and pepper until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to sit for at least 15 minutes before using to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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