Salad dressings can be a fun way to add flavor to your salads and raw vegetables. But, these food products can also add extra salt to your diet. If you need or want to watch your daily salt intake, low-sodium salad dressings can help!
Our 10 best list provides an overview of various types of low-sodium salad dressings, including our number one choice, Yo Mama's Honey Balsamic. You can also check out our buying guide reviewed by a registered dietitian for tips on how to select a low-sodium salad dressing for your next meal. Get your salad forks ready and let's dive in!
Devan is a dietitian with a passion for preventative nutrition and educating the community on how to live a healthy life. She has experience in cardiovascular disease, GI disorders, and acute care.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Low-sodium salad dressings can be used as part of an overall healthy diet. The USDA’s recommended daily sodium allowance is fewer than 2,300 milligrams per day. Salad dressings can be “hidden” sources of extra salt since store-bought dressings are often heavily processed.
Continuously consuming too much sodium can potentially lead to health problems, including fluid retention and high blood pressure. Sustained high blood pressure and hypertension can lead to serious consequences such as stroke and heart disease.
However, incorporating more low-sodium foods into your diet doesn't always mean you have to compromise on taste. Several low-sodium salad dressings, for instance, can offer robust, natural flavors. Vinaigrettes often offer a range of citrus, fruit, and natural spice notes that won't leave you missing the taste of salt.
When you choose a low-sodium salad dressing, it's important to keep in mind that manufacturers may not label them as "low" or "light sodium." To verify the sodium content, check nutrition labels and ingredient lists. You will also want to consider your flavor preferences and dietary needs.
Some low-sodium salad dressings will carry the label of “low sodium” or “less salt.” However, this is not always the case. When you're unsure of whether or not it's really low-sodium, consider salad dressings that are naturally low in sodium due to their ingredients. Some vinaigrettes that contain a base of olive oil or apple cider vinegar are examples.
Dressings made with yogurts, sesame seed oils, and avocado oils can also contain low amounts of sodium. However, the best way to check whether a salad dressing is low-sodium is to look at sodium per serving. The FDA states that anything under 140 milligrams per serving is considered low-sodium.
You can also look at the list of ingredients to see if there is added salt and if these additives appear higher up in the list. Examples include silicon dioxide and tricalcium phosphate.
Even though many low-sodium dressings are vinaigrettes, there are plenty of flavor options. Some have fruity and sweeter flavors, such as a raspberry vinaigrette. Others have a little kick of spice to them, such as a honey mustard vinaigrette. You may also find some unique flavor combinations that contain avocado, chia seeds, and cilantro.
Others combine turmeric and lemon, while some combine classic flavors like red wine and olive oil or oil and vinegar. There are also the classic balsamic and Italian flavors. Some Italian varieties can include either extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
If you prefer creamy dressings, there are low-sodium options made with a Greek or standard yogurt base. Some brands also offer low-sodium Caesar, ranch, and blue cheese varieties that offer a richer flavor.
Some low-sodium salad dressings are also organic, vegan, or low in sugar. If you follow a restricted diet or have additional dietary needs, look for low-sodium options that meet these criteria.
For instance, most vinaigrettes are vegan. However, you should double-check the ingredients since some versions contain dairy products like parmesan cheese. It’s also not impossible to find vegan and low-sodium versions of Cesar and ranch flavors.
Some low-sodium salad dressings make up for the lack of salt by adding fat. In some cases, these added calories can come from healthy fats like avocado oil. Healthy fats typically have more polyunsaturated or monounsaturated rather than saturated fats.
This balsamic vinaigrette uses vinegar, honey, garlic, and olive oil to deliver a classic flavor without a lot of salt. The dressing is compatible with a wide variety of additional dietary restrictions, including gluten-free eating. As a low-sodium salad dressing, it contains 200 milligrams per serving.
A few reviewers noted that it has a thick consistency. However, most reviewers were quite pleased with its flavorful taste, especially given its lower caloric count and sodium content. They liked that they could use the dressing for salads and marinating meat like chicken breasts.
This dressing contains a low amount of sodium per serving and less than two percent of added salt in its ingredients. Creamy French is a classic flavor that's great for salads and sandwiches. It uses a zesty blend of tomato, herbs, and vinegar.
Most reviewers enjoyed the tangy, slightly sweet taste and creamy consistency of this dressing. They liked using it on salads and hamburgers. Others appreciated its classic, nostalgic flavor.
Bragg's organic vinaigrette is made with olive oil and apple cider vinegar, a tangy ingredient that has been linked to weight loss. The salad dressing also has notes of garlic and honey for more flavor. With only 20 milligrams of sodium per serving, this dressing has a very low salt content.
Some purchasers noticed that the dressing thickened after refrigerating it. But, the majority of reviewers enjoyed its tangy, flavorful taste. They also said it's versatile, using it on various types of salads and to marinate fish or poultry.
Brick House's classic sweet herb low-sodium salad dressing combines brown cane sugar, mustard, and cider vinegar. This creates a unique taste with less than 30 milligrams of sodium per serving. For those with soy and tree nut allergies, this salad dressing is free of these ingredients.
While some found it too sweet, many still liked that it's a flavorful, low-sodium dressing. They liked using it with different types of lettuce, such as arugula. Some reviewers also used this dressing as a dipping sauce for meats and snacks.
People often wonder if they can still enjoy the taste of ranch and cheeses in their dressings with less salt. This salad dressing proves you can, as it has 240 milligrams per serving. It includes the combined flavors of parmesan cheese and peppercorn.
A few reviewers said that it could be more flavorful. One person recommended adding some pepper to it. However, most enjoyed its creamy consistency, and they appreciated that it's a healthier alternative to classic ranch.
Caesar salad dressing is one of the classics, but it can sometimes contain too much salt. This low-sodium version also doesn't contain any dairy or gluten! It has 210 milligrams of sodium and zero grams of sugar per serving.
Overall, most reviewers liked the creamy texture and tangy yet sweet taste of this dressing. Some said they couldn't differentiate between this dressing and higher-calorie versions! Reviewers also said this dressing works great as a marinade.
Ken's Steak House sweet Vidalia onion dressing is lower in sodium and calories. The dressing is also free of wheat products. This low-sodium salad dressing contains apple cider vinegar and the sweet flavor of Vidalia onions.
In general, reviewers liked its sweet, balanced flavor, saying it's similar to Subway's onion dressing. They enjoyed it with salads, meats, and side dishes. Reviewers also noted that it adds a lot of flavor to dishes!
Not only is this a low-sodium blue cheese dressing, but it's also low in calories and sugar-free. It's a good choice for people who like the richness of blue cheese but can't have added sugars or a lot of salt. The dressing's base consists of white vinegar and water, in addition to blue cheese flavoring.
Most reviewers liked being able to incorporate a no-calorie, no-sugar dressing into their eating habits. They said that the taste is on par with higher caloric options.
If you're looking for a low-sodium salad dressing for spring and summer meals, this raspberry vinaigrette can satisfy your cravings. The dressing is sugar-free so it's compatible with low-carb diets and diabetics. It pairs well with salads that contain nuts and fruit, such as almonds and cranberries.
Some reviewers didn't like this dressing's thin consistency. The majority of reviewers liked its sweet taste, however. They were pleased they could pair it with spinach salads with strawberries and pecans or other light, summer flavors.
Walden Farms' bacon ranch salad dressing is low-sodium and is sugar- and gluten-free. It has zero calories and one gram of carbohydrates per serving. For those that like richer flavors without the health drawbacks, this dressing is a good choice.
A few reviewers noted the bacon flavor was strong. However, many reviewers liked using it on salads and as a spread, saying it's flavorful and rich. They were pleased with the option of a bacon ranch dressing without the calories and added sugars.
Sometimes it's difficult to determine which food items can meet your nutritional needs. If you're looking to incorporate healthier options into your diet, here are some of our recommendations.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Apps
Business apps, Cooking apps, Dating appsHome goods
Bath supplies, Ceremonial occasion supplies, Cleaning suppliesHome electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, AV accessories, Blenders and food processorsPC
Computer supplies, Desktop computers, TabletsCamera
Camera bags and backpacks, Camera supplies, Digital single lens camerasBeauty
Blushes, Bronzers, CleansersHealth
Body care products, Health accessories, Health foods and supplementsFood and drinks
Alcohol, Breads and jams, Cocktails and ready-to-drink alcoholic beveragesKitchen
Coffee and tea products, Cooking utensils, CupsFashion
Footwear products, Men's shoes, SandalsShoes
Accessories
Wristwatches, Accessories and jewelry, Umbrellas and parasolsKids and baby
Baby carriers, Baby food, Baby formulaInterior
Beds, Beds and bedding, ChairsHobbies
Aromatherapy products, Art supplies, Arts and collectiblesOutdoor
Barbecue grills and fire pits, Camping beds and cots, Camping gearHome, garden, and tools
Agricultural materials and gardening supplies, Exterior and garden furniture, Materials and repairing agentsSports and fitness
Sports shoes, Surfing supplies, Badminton suppliesPets
Bird and small animal supplies, Cat supplies, Dog suppliesMedia
Books and magazines, CD, Children's books, picture books and illustrated encyclopediasGames
Gaming accessories, Nintendo Switch games, PC gamesAutomotive
Car accessories, Car navigation systemsGifts
Christmas gifts, Father's Day gifts, Gifts for childrenMobile devices
Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watches