Caesar Salad Dressing

6 Gluten-Free Salad Dressings

Shake up your salads with delicious homemade gluten-free dressings!

Any ordinary bowl of chopped vegetables transforms into something more exiting when it’s spruced up with the right gluten-free salad dressing. In fact, if a salad could speak, it would say to dressing, “You complete me.”

The salad dressing aisle in the typical grocery store is a nutritional landmine of highly processed oils, refined sugars, excess salt and sketchy lab-created additives and flavorings. For those with food sensitivities, it takes some serious sleuthing to discover bottles without any offending ingredients.

What better reason to ditch the store-bought stuff and whip up your own better-tasting salad boosters? Start with these no-fail, fresh and lively gluten-free versions of the classics. They’re guaranteed to have you loving your salad.


Caesar salads are among the most popular salads in America, less for the lettuce and croutons than for the silky dressing. This incarnation has all the cherished dressing flavor, minus the moo. It’s so much more than a gluten-free salad dressing. Toss it with roasted vegetables, mix it into gluten-free pasta and potato salads, spread it on burgers and stir it into slaws.

5 from 2 votes
Gluten Free Salad Dressings
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Gluten-Free Caesar Dressing Recipe

For a deeper umami punch, include the anchovies in this gluten-free caesar salad dressing (if tolerated).
Prep Time10 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Condiment/Sauce
Calories: 1078kcal

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise of choice
  • 4 garlic cloves , minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 anchovy fillets, minced, optional

Instructions

  • Place mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper in the container of a food processor or blender. Pulse ingredients into a thick base.
  • With machine running, pour olive oil in a slow stream through the top tube.
  • Place dressing in a lidded container and stir in anchovies, if using.
  • Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Gluten-Free Caesar Dressing Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1078 Calories from Fat 1035
% Daily Value*
Fat 115g177%
Saturated Fat 16g80%
Cholesterol 30mg10%
Sodium 1705mg71%
Potassium 168mg5%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin C 35mg42%
Calcium 53mg5%
Iron 1.5mg8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This creamy, savory gluten-free dressing uses hummus instead of mayonnaise and capers rather than anchovies. Add a few dollops to a bowl of chopped hearty greens like kale. Massage the dressing into the greens for 1 to 2 minutes to infuse them with flavor and make them deliciously tender.

5 from 1 vote
Caesar Salad Dressing
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Gluten-Free, Egg-Free Caesar Dressing Recipe

Prep Time15 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Condiment/Sauce
Calories: 606kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup plain hummus
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon drained capers , minced
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 2 teaspoons egg-free Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Whisk together hummus, olive oil, lemon juice, capers, garlic, mustard, lemon zest, salt and black pepper.
  • Add a little hot water to thin, as needed, until dressing reaches a pourable consistency.
  • Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Gluten-Free, Egg-Free Caesar Dressing Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 606 Calories from Fat 486
% Daily Value*
Fat 54g83%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Sodium 1385mg58%
Potassium 316mg9%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 7g28%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin C 17mg21%
Calcium 63mg6%
Iron 3.2mg18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

For a fresher, zestier Italian dressing, shake up this from-scratch and gluten-free version. A combo of white and red wine vinegars adds punch, Italian seasoning delivers brightness and mustard slightly thickens things up while imbuing a kick. Choose a neutral-tasting oil to let the other flavors shine.

5 from 1 vote
Italian Dressing
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Gluten-Free Italian Dressing Recipe

Prep Time15 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Condiment/Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 1392kcal

Ingredients

  • cup neutral-tasting oil , such as grapeseed, sunflower or canola
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 clove garlic , grated or finely minced
  • 1 shallot , finely chopped
  • teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon gluten-free Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake vigorously until the mixture is well-combined. Alternatively, place all ingredients in a bowl; whisk vigorously until combined.
  • Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container for 10 days until used.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Gluten-Free Italian Dressing Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1392 Calories from Fat 1341
% Daily Value*
Fat 149g229%
Saturated Fat 11g55%
Sodium 1257mg52%
Potassium 122mg3%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 585IU12%
Vitamin C 26.6mg32%
Calcium 32mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s the perfect pairing of orange and balsamic vinegar. This gluten-free dressing is a go-to vinaigrette that makes every salad complete. You can also use it as a marinade for meat.

4.50 from 2 votes
Arugula Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing.jpg
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Gluten-Free Balsamic Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

Prep Time15 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Condiment/Sauce
Calories: 806kcal

Ingredients

  • Zest of 1 medium orange
  • Juice of 1 medium orange
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons grated or finely minced fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • teaspoon red pepper flakes , optional
  • cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • Place orange zest, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, ginger, garlic, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using) in a blender container and process until thoroughly combined. With the machine running on low speed, slowly add olive oil through the top tube.
  • Alternatively, place all ingredients, except the oil, in a glass container and whisk together with a fork. Add olive oil, seal shut and shake the container vigorously.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Gluten-Free Balsamic Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 806 Calories from Fat 648
% Daily Value*
Fat 72g111%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Sodium 709mg30%
Potassium 272mg8%
Carbohydrates 40g13%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 34g38%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 370IU7%
Vitamin C 70.6mg86%
Calcium 52mg5%
Iron 0.6mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Typically made with mayonnaise and sour cream, Green Goddess Dressing is thought to originate from the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. This gluten-free version delivers the popular creamy dressing minus the dairy, thanks to avocado. Use it as a gluten-free salad dressing, a dip or a topping for tacos and grain bowls.

5 from 1 vote
Green Goddess Dressing
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Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

Prep Time15 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Condiment/Sauce
Calories: 829kcal

Ingredients

  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 ripe avocado , peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup packed basil
  • ½ cup packed parsley
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 scallions (green onions), green parts only
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Place lime juice, avocado, basil, parsley, olive oil, scallions, garlic and salt in a blender container and process until smooth.
  • Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to help with blending and to reach desired smooth consistency.
  • Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 829 Calories from Fat 747
% Daily Value*
Fat 83g128%
Saturated Fat 11g55%
Sodium 1200mg50%
Potassium 1242mg35%
Carbohydrates 23g8%
Fiber 15g60%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 3695IU74%
Vitamin C 68.6mg83%
Calcium 115mg12%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This delicious, creamy Gluten-Free Thousand Island dressing is a game changer. Most versions are made with ketchup but this one uses sun-dried tomatoes for amazing flavor. Drizzle it over romaine or iceberg lettuce. Try it as a topping on burgers.

5 from 1 vote
Thousand Island Dressing
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Gluten-Free Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

Prep Time40 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: Condiment/Sauce
Calories: 1475kcal

Ingredients

  • 5 dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise of choice
  • 2 sweet whole pickles
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Place tomatoes in a bowl, cover with hot water and let soak 30 minutes.
  • Remove tomatoes from liquid, reserving soaking liquid, and place in a blender or food processor container. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
  • Add soaking liquid, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, as needed to reach desired consistency and to help with blending.
  • Use immediately or store in the refrigerator in a sealed jar up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Gluten-Free Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1475 Calories from Fat 1386
% Daily Value*
Fat 154g237%
Saturated Fat 23g115%
Cholesterol 70mg23%
Sodium 2485mg104%
Potassium 392mg11%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 16g18%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 580IU12%
Vitamin C 4.9mg6%
Calcium 55mg6%
Iron 1.3mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Written by Matthew Kadey, RD, originally published in Gluten Free & More.

Disclaimer: All nutrition facts on Gluten Free & More are meant only as a guide and may differ depending on product brands used or ingredient substitutions. Some errors may occur, so you are encouraged to confirm the recipe’s ingredient and nutrition suitability for your own diet.
Have you tried this recipe? Give it a star rating and let us know your thoughts in the Ratings & Reviews section below.
Tags: Dressing
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