18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (2024)

I’ve collected the very best vegan salad dressing recipes that are oil-free and gluten-free! No more dry salads or flavorless veggies! These recipes turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (1)
Jump to:
  • Ingredients to Avoid That Have Gluten
  • Ingredients to Avoid That Have Oil
  • Why is the use of oil discouraged on a whole food plant-based diet?
  • Where do you find an oil-free salad dressing that is vegan and gluten-free?
  • Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes
  • Vegan Sauce Recipes | Oil-Free and Gluten-Free
  • More Vegan Salad Recipes!

When it comes to flavor, it’s all about the dressing and the sauce. It’s the salad dressing that pulls the flavors of a salad together and the sauce that turns something simple into something incredible.

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (2)

If you’re following a whole food plant-based diet finding a store-bought oil-free salad dressing can be a challenge. When you’re also looking for one that is gluten-free, it’s even more difficult.

While you know most dairy-free dressings contain oil or other processed ingredients, you wouldn’t think there would be gluten in salad dressings.

But many store-bought salad dressings contain gluten because they’re either cross-contaminated or contain ingredients that have gluten.

Ingredients to Avoid That Have Gluten

If making your salad dressing at home or buying store-bought salad dressing avoid these ingredients, which contain gluten.

  • Alcohol
  • Miso
  • Soy Sauce
  • Artificial color
  • Dextrin
  • Ground spices
  • Natural Flavorings
  • Malt
  • Malt vinegar
  • Flour
  • Food starch

If you’re looking for store-bought gluten-free salad dressings, I recommend checking out this list from Very Well Fit.

Ingredients to Avoid That Have Oil

If you’re also following a whole food, plant-based no, oil lifestyle finding a store-bought dressing that is oil-free and gluten-free is an even greater challenge. Here is a list of ingredients to avoid that typically contain oil.

  • Vegan Mayonnaise
  • Olive Oil
  • Soybean Oil
  • Canola Oil
  • Corn Oil
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Safflower Oil
  • Peanut Oil
  • Grape Seed Oil

Why is the use of oil discouraged on a whole food plant-based diet?

Oil is one of the most calorie-dense foods, and is why a salad full of veggies can go from a healthy choice to a high-caloric meal.

Where do you find an oil-free salad dressing that is vegan and gluten-free?

Don’t worry! You’re not cursed to a life of bland salads and dry, flavorless meals.

I’ve collected a list of the top 20 Vegan Salad Dressing and sauce recipes that are vegan and gluten-free. They will leave you thinking, “Oil? Gluten? Who needs it!?”

These dressings and sauces are easy and quick to make too! Enjoy them on your salad, steamed vegetables, quinoa, rice, lentils, beans, baked potatoes, pasta, Buddha bowls, and so much more!

Let your creativity run wild and add flavor to your favorite stand-by recipes!

Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes

Get ready to dress your salads with gluten-free salad dressing recipes that are creamy and satisfying!

Avocado Ranch Dressing by Sustainable Cooks

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (3)

Smooth and creamy, you’ll flip for thisAvocado Ranch Dressing! Great as a dip, dressing, or sauce, this dairy-free ranch dressing is seriously addicting. With adaptable ingredients, this can be a Whole30, paleo, and vegan dressing.

Vegan Tahini Dressing

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (4)

This creamylemon tahini dressingis the perfect everyday plant-based dressing, delicious on salads, bowls, falafels, roasted vegetables, and so much more. It’s made with a handful of ingredients, including tahini, fresh lemon juice, water, garlic, and seasoning!

Celery Ranch Dressing by Spabettie

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (5)

Celery Ranch Dressing – this quick and easy veganrecipeis flavorful take on the classic that is a favorite of so many – celery adds a crisppop of flavor to this tangy cool ranch!

Vegan Thousand Island by Spabettie

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (6)

Vegan Thousand Island Dressing – this quick and easy recipe brings you the tangy flavor of the classic dressing – with an oil free version!

Citrus Tahini Dressing by Veggie Inspired

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (7)

This creamy dressing is the perfect drizzle for all of your leafy greens. Oil free, dairy free, gluten free, and sugar free.

Creamy Cumin Ranch Dressing by Veggie Inspired

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (8)

A creamy, tangy, herby, dairy free ranch dressing with a hint of southwest flavors. This dressing is super versatile!

Tomato Vinaigrette by Hungry Healthy Happy

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (9)

A dressing can really make or break a salad and this Tomato Vinaigrette definitely makes a salad. It’s light, fresh and low in calories, but best of all it is still full of flavor. Blendtogether some fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and balsamic and you have yourself a salad dressing that is ready in minutes.

Almond Turmeric Dressing by Meals with Maggie

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (10)

ThisAlmond Turmeric Dressingis abeautiful blend of turmeric, ginger, lemon and almonds makes the perfect dressing to put on just about anything. I fell in love with Trader Joe’s and had to make a copycat version.

Savory Garlic Dressing by A Plantiful Path

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (11)

This garlicky dressing is great on salad greens with some oven baked croutons. It’s also good on sandwiches and other vegetables.

Mango Dressing by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (12)

This sweet and spicy Mango Dressing is oil free and vegan. Mango gives it natural sweetness while the hint of cayenne gives it a spicy kick. Drizzle on salads, fruit, steamed vegetables, or sandwiches. It’s a 5 ingredient 5 minute dressing.

GET THE RECIPE

Vegan Avocado Dressing by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (13)

This creamy Vegan Avocado Dressing is quick, easy! With only 6 simple ingredients, and 5 minutes, you’ll have a healthy oil-free whole food plant-based dressing for your favorite salads or Buddha bowls!

GET THE RECIPE

Vegan Honey Mustard Dressing by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (14)

Sweet and spicy this vegan honey mustard dressing is sweetened with maple syrup.

GET THE RECIPE

Vegan Sauce Recipes | Oil-Free and Gluten-Free

Sauces that are finger licking delicious! Pour them on your vegan burgers, baked potato, steamed veggies, and more. Let your creativity run wild and get saucy

Vegan Honey Mustard by The Hidden Veggies

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (15)

Thisvegan honey mustarddipping sauce is a sweet and tangy way to add flavor to your favorite vegan “chicken” nuggets, sandwiches, cauliflowernuggets, or tofu bites! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this “honey” mustard dipping sauce or dressing in minutes!

Creamy Chipotle Sauce by Vegan Huggs

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (16)

If you want something spicy, tangy and smoky to add to your life, you need to try this Creamy Chipotle Sauce. It’s easy to make, inexpensive and much healthier than store-bought varieties.

Vegan Tikka Masala by Masala Herb

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (17)

This Tikka Masala Sauceis vegan and gluten-free and so much tastier and healthier than the stuff you get in stores!

Vegan Cheese Sauce by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (18)

An easy creamy vegan cheese sauce made with raw cashews and spices. This versatile cheese sauce is perfect for nachos, quesadillas, steamed veggies, or using as a base for mac and cheese! It’s a vegan classic made with whole food ingredients that will become a staple in your kitchen!

GET THE RECIPE

Vegan Alfredo Sauce by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (19)

Creamy, smooth, and big on flavor this Vegan Alfredo Sauce is easy to make with 6 simple ingredients, and fifteen minutes from start to finish. No need to soak your cashews!

It’s a whole food plant-based version of the classic Italian sauce that’s dairy-free, oil-free, gluten-free, and healthy.

GET THE RECIPE

Homemade Sugar Free Low Carb Pizza Sauce by Low Carb Yum

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (20)

It’s so easy to create your own low carb and sugar-free pizza sauce. It’s a great way to use up some late summer crop of tomatoes or frozen skinned ones.

Vegan Tzatziki Sauce by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (21)

GET THE RECIPE

I hope you found some delicious vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free salad dressing and sauce recipes that you’d like to try!

More Vegan Salad Recipes!

  • Basil Sauce with Lemon and Garlic
  • Fattoush Salad
  • Vegan Greek Salad
  • Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Please comment below if you found this article helpful or have any additional questions. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more family-friendly vegan recipes!

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (2024)

FAQs

What can I use instead of oil in a salad dressing? ›

Here are some of my favorite ways to replace oil in most traditional salad dressing recipes. Water and arrowroot powder. This foolproof technique has been around for a long time: combine 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder in a small saucepan over medium heat, and cook until thickened.

What can I eat that is gluten-free instead of salad dressing? ›

Mayonnaise, which is generally thickened with eggs, is almost always gluten-free. Yogurt- or buttermilk-based dressings. Perfect for creamy spring salads, dressings made with dairy tend to be gluten-free because they don't require artificial thickeners.

How do you make salad dressing less oily? ›

Restore balance with vinegar or lemon juice

When adding vinegar, it's vital to do so gradually, tasting as you go. This ensures you don't tip the balance too far in the other direction. Lemon juice can be another excellent antidote to an extra-oily dressing.

What salad dressing can vegans eat? ›

Enjoy these creamy vegan salad dressings, which are available at a grocery store near you:
  • Simply Free. ...
  • Kraft. ...
  • Trader Joe's. ...
  • Follow Your Heart. ...
  • Newman's Own. ...
  • Organicville. ...
  • Annie's. ...
  • Daiya.

What is the healthiest oil to use for salad dressing? ›

In order to get the most health benefits, Pappa recommends looking for high-quality oil like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. These unrefined oils have favorable monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat profiles, which are considered “healthy” fats.

Is oil necessary in salad dressing? ›

Oil adds richness and body to dressings, enhancing the flavors of other ingredients like vinegar, herbs, and spices. It also creates a smooth and glossy texture that coats the salad greens and other ingredients, making them more flavorful and enjoyable to eat.

Does peanut butter contain gluten? ›

It's important to know that peanuts, peanut butter, peanut flour and peanut oil are considered naturally gluten-free foods. Gluten is a form of protein found in wheat, barley and rye (2).

What kind of sauces are gluten-free? ›

Fortunately, you have plenty of gluten-free options for the more conventional condiments, too:
  • Ketchup.
  • Mustard.
  • Salsa.
  • Mayonnaise.
  • Hot sauce.
  • Soy sauce.
  • Barbecue sauce.
Sep 15, 2021

Does Hidden Valley Ranch have gluten? ›

Want all the tangy Original Ranch® flavor you love, with the added creamy richness of old-fashioned buttermilk? Of course you do, and we're here for it. This just might be your favorite chip dip, burger topper and veggie dressing ever, and it's gluten-free.

How do you reduce oil in a vinaigrette? ›

Vinegar, with its sharp and tangy nature, can be a savior in cutting through the excess richness of too much oil. Depending on the original recipe, you might choose balsamic for a sweet and tart kick, red wine vinegar for a fruity punch, or apple cider vinegar for a mild and mellow flavor.

How do you remove oil from salad? ›

Use Absorbent Paper Towels:

The paper absorbs oil which has not yet seeped into the food and is still present on the surface. The same can be used for dry vegetables.

What is hidden gluten in salad dressing? ›

Salad dressings can all harbor gluten. Common ingredients in salad dressing that contain gluten include malt flavoring, malt vinegar, and soy sauce made from wheat. Therefore, some salad dressings could be wheat free but not gluten free, as malt comes from barley.

What snack foods can vegans eat? ›

Try These Popular Vegan Snacks (Chips, Cookies, and More)
  • Vegan Rob's Chips.
  • Rivalz Extra Chedda' Mac.
  • Outstanding Foods PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds.
  • Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars—Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate.
  • Trader Joe's Almond Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets.

What can be used instead of oil? ›

So, if you're stuck without this ingredient, here's some alternatives:
  • Butter and margarine. Butter and margarine are glorious for adding flavour, richness and colour to meals so a great swap for oil. ...
  • Ghee. ...
  • Vegetable shortening. ...
  • Bacon grease. ...
  • Schmaltz. ...
  • Mashed bananas and apple sauce. ...
  • Tahini. ...
  • Sunday roast fat.
Apr 26, 2022

What is a healthy substitute for canola oil in salad dressing? ›

The best substitute for canola oil? Olive oil is well known to be a heart-healthy cooking oil (source). If you're making something savory like a salad dressing or sauteing, you can use olive oil as a 1 for 1 substitute for canola oil. It cooks similarly to vegetable oil.

Is olive oil necessary for salad dressing? ›

Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for a salad dressing as it is rich in healthy fats that can lower cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.

What can I use as an emulsifier in salad dressing? ›

Common ingredients used as emulsifiers in vinaigrettes include Dijon mustard, honey, egg yolks, tomato paste or even roasted garlic (some are better emulsifiers than others). Lastly, you'll want your vinaigrette to have a lot of flavor, so it's a good idea to add herbs, salt and pepper.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 5933

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.