You may consider salads as being the cornerstone of healthy eating, packed full of goodness. But let's face it, a bland bowl of salad leaves can be about as exciting as watching paint dry. So, that's where salad dressing comes in, it can transform a blah bowl of salad into something far more tasty.
The problem is, many store-bought dressings are loaded with calories, fat, and sugar, which potentially undermines any health benefits of eating the salad in the first place. Complicating this is that many of the low calorie dressings just don't hit the mark when it comes to taste & texture!
I want to be able to enjoy my salads without the guilt, as I am sure you do to. With so many choices available on the supermarket shelves, it can be difficult to separate the truly tasty from the disappointingly dull ... and the low calorie ones from the high calorie ones too!
That's where this list comes in. I've scoured the supermarket shelves and narrowed down the field to bring you, what I believe are some of the best Low Calorie Salad Dressings available today. From tangy vinaigrettes to creamy caesar classics, I've found low-calorie versions that don't sacrifice flavor for fewer calories. .
So, whether you are following a low calorie eating plan, following a specific diet, or are simply looking for a healthier dressing option, these low-calorie dressings should help you stay on track whilst also keeping your salads exciting and appetizing.
Best Low Calorie Salad Dressings
Each of the Low Calorie Salad Dressings in this list contain less than 100 calories for a 2 tablespoon serving.
Olive Garden Light Italian Dressing
This tasty light italian dressing is widely available to buy and works out at 30 Calories per 2 tablespoons.
Ken's Steak House Lite Northern Italian with Basil and Romano Salad Dressing
Another lower calorie Italian dressing is Kens Steak House Lite Northern Italian Dressing. It is popular, highly reviewed and works out at 50 Calories for 2 tablespoons.
Light Italian Dressing | Newman's Own
The last of the Italian dressing choices on this list is Newman's Own Light Italian Vinaigrette. It has half the calories of the Newman's Own traditional Italian vinaigrette and also contains half the fat. It works out at 60 calorie for 2 tablespoons.
Whole Foods Market 365 Ranch Dressing
If you like ranch dressing that you won't go wrong with this one, available from Whole Foods Market. It works out at 50 Calories for 2 tablespoons - significantly less than most traditional ranch dressings!
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Light Salad Dressing
This popular brand of ranch dressing offers a lightened version. It works out at 60 calories for 2 tablespoons and is a great low calorie alternative to the traditional Ranch Dressing. Use it as a dressing or a dip for crudites and low calorie chips
Cardini's Light Greek Vinaigrette 12 oz. | Caesar Cardini's
Cardini's Light Greek Vinaigrette, works out at a very reasonable 50 calories for 2 tablespoons. Try it drizzled on a tasty Greek Salad (with light Feta cheese) for a satisfying low calorie meal!
Cardinis Light Caesar Dressing 12 oz.
Cardini's do a light version of their regular Caesar dressing. It works out at 80 calories for 2 tablespoons but as their regular Caesar dressing is 140 calories for 2 tablespoons then this is quite a calorie saving.
Trader Joe's Vegan Caesar Dressing
Trader Joe's Vegan Caesar Dressing, which can be found in the refrigerator aisle, works out at 70 calories for 2 tablespoons. It is creamy and peppery and works just as well as a dip as it does a dressing! Well worth tracking down.
Ken's Steak House Lite Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing
Although it's not the lowest calorie Caesar dressing on this list, Ken's Steak House Lite Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing is worth a try if you like your dressings creamy! It works out at 90 calories for 2 tablespoons.
Newman's Own Light Caesar Dressing
Newman's Own do a light Caesar dressing that has half the calories of its regular Caesar dressing. It is widely available to buy and works out at 70 calories for 2 tablespoons.
Newman's Own Light Balsamic Dressing
Newman's Own also do a low calorie Balsamic Dressing that works out at 45 calories for 2 tablespoons. If you are looking for a tangy dressing that is lower in fat and has less calories than traditional Balsamic Dressings then this will suit you!
Trader Joe's Green Goddess Salad Dressing
This Green Goddess Salad Dressing from Trader Joes works out at 20 calories for 2 tablespoons. It can be found in the refrigerator section of the stores. It is packed full of fresh herbs.
Trader Joe's Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Trader Joe's do a Ranch dressing made with buttermilk which contains 70 calories for 2 tablespoons. It has a rich, creamy consistency which will make you think you are eating a dressing with far more calories!
Kraft Light Raspberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
This Kraft Light Raspberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is one of the lowest calorie dressings on this list. It works out at 20 calories for 2 tablespoons and is great if you like your dressing sweet and tangy!
Skinnygirl Honey Dijon
There are many Skinnygirl dressings and most of them work out at under 15 calories per 2 tablespoons servings. They are available to buy off the Skinnygirl website as well as larger food stores such as Walmart and Stop and Shop. This Honey Dijon dressing works out at 10 calories for 2 tablespoons.
Walden Farm Sweet Onion Zero Calorie Dressing
Walden Farms do a large variety of Zero calorie dressings. As well as this Sweet Onion Dressing, they do a caesar dressing, a honey balsamic dressing, a ranch dressing and many more. Some people love these zero calorie dressings but others complain of them having synthetic after taste.
Original Ginger Dressing — Makoto Dressing
This Ginger Dressing can be used as a salad dressing, dip or marinade and works out at 80 calories for 2 tablespoons.
Available to buy from larger supermarkets such as Target, Kroger and Walmart.
Wish Bone Fat Free Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
This creamy, fat free dressing is 30 Calories for 2 tablespoons. The light version of the same dressing works out at 60 calories for 2 tablespoons.
It is available to buy from larger supermarkets such as Walmart.
Market Pantry Light Ranch Dressing
Target's own brand, Market Pantry, make a light version of their ranch dressing. It works out at 80 calories for 2 tablespoons. It is thick and creamy and a good choice if you are looking for a traditional tasting ranch dressing.
Available to buy at Target.
Cucumber Ranch - Bolthouse Farms
Bolthouse Farms make a good selection of lower calorie dressings. This cucumber ranch dressing works out at 35 calories for 2 tablespoons. They also do a classic ranch flavour and a salsa ranch flavour.
It is available to buy from many large supermarkets such as Walmart and Shoprite.
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