I need a low cal salad dressing recipe

dme1977
dme1977 Posts: 537 Member
edited November 12 in Recipes
I am out of my light raspberry vineagrette and i wanted to know if anyone out there has a low cal salad dressing recipe...I googled it and most of the ones they showed are oil and vineagr based and have about 350+ cals/serving ...

thats a big NO No!!! it has to have like 150 or less per 2 TBSP.
any suggestions??????
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Replies

  • kiminikimkim
    kiminikimkim Posts: 746 Member
    I only use good quality Balsamic Vinegar, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar as dressing. It's 10-15 calories max. I like my salads tart, especially with beets, walnuts and a bit of goat cheese.
  • hyfrydle
    hyfrydle Posts: 19 Member
    olive oil and balsamic vinegar is 70 Kcal per tablespoon. where did you see the 350kcal dressings? that's very high? perhaps that was for the whole salad?
  • jaxbeck
    jaxbeck Posts: 537 Member
    I LOVE the "Marie's Greek Vinaigrette. It's amazing & only has 110 calories & 12 grams of fat, just 2 from sat. It also has no sugar. It's perfect IMO
  • dme1977
    dme1977 Posts: 537 Member
    olive oil and balsamic vinegar is 70 Kcal per tablespoon. where did you see the 350kcal dressings? that's very high? perhaps that was for the whole salad?

    maybe it was... Id NEVER use that much while trying to lose weight...
  • dme1977
    dme1977 Posts: 537 Member
    I only use good quality Balsamic Vinegar, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar as dressing. It's 10-15 calories max. I like my salads tart, especially with beets, walnuts and a bit of goat cheese.

    i thought i was the only one who liked BEETS in my salads... too funny
  • dme1977
    dme1977 Posts: 537 Member
    I LOVE the "Marie's Greek Vinaigrette. It's amazing & only has 110 calories & 12 grams of fat, just 2 from sat. It also has no sugar. It's perfect IMO

    this is homemade??? Ill google it and see what it comes up with...thanks.
  • kbmnurse
    kbmnurse Posts: 2,484 Member
    Plain old balsamic vinegar delicious
  • I use la choy sauces the have a wide variety that range from 10-35 calories a serving
    now these arent dressings they are stir fry sauces and teriyaki sauce and orange chicken sauce you get the point things like that but they are SO FULL of flavor add some hot sauce to them and you wont even know your eating a salad
  • 99clmsntgr
    99clmsntgr Posts: 777 Member
    Salsa.


    Seriously. And if you don't like the amount of sodium in the jarred varieties, you can always try making your own.

    Another thing you can look for, if you're going to the store anyway (I'm assuming you don't just have random salad dressing ingredients lying around the house) are any of the Bolthouse Farms yogurt-based dressings. We have the Classic Ranch and the Creamy Parmesan (I think) at home. They generally taste pretty good, are generally low fat and low calorie, and aren't any worse than any of the other salad dressings for sodium. At Publix they're usually in the fruits and veggies department in the cooler near all the salad mixes.
  • PeggyWoodson
    PeggyWoodson Posts: 337 Member
    I find balsamic vinegar just a little too tart for me. Any other suggestions?
  • Salsa.


    Seriously. And if you don't like the amount of sodium in the jarred varieties, you can always try making your own.

    Another thing you can look for, if you're going to the store anyway (I'm assuming you don't just have random salad dressing ingredients lying around the house) are any of the Bolthouse Farms yogurt-based dressings. We have the Classic Ranch and the Creamy Parmesan (I think) at home. They generally taste pretty good, are generally low fat and low calorie, and aren't any worse than any of the other salad dressings for sodium. At Publix they're usually in the fruits and veggies department in the cooler near all the salad mixes.

    I know what your talking about they are very good my mom has a bottle in the kitchen thats 55 cals per table spoon
  • ParisArkw
    ParisArkw Posts: 186
    I also use vinegars. Just plain vinegars. Balsamic. Or to cut the strong balsamic flavor, mix it with some white wine vinegar, or just use white wine vinegar with some oregano for flavor (depending on the other ingredients).
  • ParisArkw
    ParisArkw Posts: 186
    Salsa.


    Seriously. And if you don't like the amount of sodium in the jarred varieties, you can always try making your own.

    Another thing you can look for, if you're going to the store anyway (I'm assuming you don't just have random salad dressing ingredients lying around the house) are any of the Bolthouse Farms yogurt-based dressings. We have the Classic Ranch and the Creamy Parmesan (I think) at home. They generally taste pretty good, are generally low fat and low calorie, and aren't any worse than any of the other salad dressings for sodium. At Publix they're usually in the fruits and veggies department in the cooler near all the salad mixes.

    I know what your talking about they are very good my mom has a bottle in the kitchen thats 55 cals per table spoon
    There are salsas that are as low as 15 calories per tbsp, too.
  • jenready
    jenready Posts: 2,658 Member
    Here are a few that I know of.

    Basic Vinaigrette
    Perfect for any mixed green salad.

    Rub the inside of a small mixing bowl with a crushed garlic clove: discard clove. Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1/3 cup red wine vinegar: whisk until smooth. Whisk in 1/3 cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon honey. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

    34 calories, 3 grams fat and 63 milligrams sodium per 2-tablespoon serving

    Orange-Ginger Dressing
    Use to dress baby bok choy, bean sprouts or other fresh Asian greens.

    In a small bowl, use a fork to blend 3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate or orange marmalade, 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce. Add 2 teaspoons sesame oil. Stir in 2 tablespoons sliced scallion greens, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and pepper to taste.

    42 calories, 2 grams fat and 122 milligrams sodium per 2-tablespoon serving

    Apricot Dressing
    Delicious with baby spinach or other tender salad greens.

    In a small bowl, use a fork to blend 1 tablespoon grainy mustard and 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar. Stir in 1/2 cup apricot or peach nectar, 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

    37 calories, 2 grams fat and 33 milligrams sodium per 2-tablespoon serving.

    Ranch Dressing
    Use this fat-free dressing for any crisp salad.

    Sprinkle 1 garlic clove with coarse salt. Mash to a smooth paste with the flat side of a large knife. Transfer garlic to a small bowl and whisk in 3/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, dash of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons sliced scallion greens, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, pinch of dried thyme and some freshly ground black pepper.

    13 calories, 0 fat and 30 milligrams sodium per 2-tablespoon serving

    Maple-Balsamic Dressing
    Perfect for bitter greens like radicchio, endive or escarole.

    In a small bowl, use a fork to blend 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar. Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Taste and season with salt and cracked pepper.

    55 calories, 3 grams fat and 57 milligrams sodium per 2-tablespoon serving
  • wwk10
    wwk10 Posts: 244 Member
    Instead of balsamic vinegar, use a balsamic glaze.
    Balsamic glaze is just balsamic vinegar that has been reduced so its thicker and sticky.
    Publix has Russo Gia.
    Or make your own by simmmering vinegar until it is reduced by 2/3
  • wwk10
    wwk10 Posts: 244 Member
    Jenready,

    I just stole all your recipes
  • I don't measure I just mess with the ratios by taste/what I need for that meal (more/less fat for example)


    dijon mustard
    lemon juice
    salt and pepper
    little extra virgin olive oil depending on your taste/caloric/fat goals
    I also all fresh or dried herbs if I have them on hand thyme/rosemary/basil all yummy!

    I like this one of fresh kale/carrots/red cabbage salad
    seasoned rice vinegar
    just a dab of sesame oil
    pinch of sugar/stevia/agave whatever sweet thing you like
    salt and pepper
  • Sharonks
    Sharonks Posts: 884 Member
    Season some greek yogurt. It makes a nice, thick dip or dressing. If it's too thick, add a bit of milk or buttermilk. I throw in some garlic crushed or powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper whatever sounds good. Stir it up and let it sit for a while and you will have a yummy dressing without the guilt.

    If you want it richer, throw in a little mayo, then it will really taste like ranch.

    I just had an artichoke dipped in Greek Yog dipping sauce for lunch. Yummmm.

    I often use vinegars with a drizzle of olive or flavored olive oil. Right now I have a lemon infused one that is really good.
  • Agefyter
    Agefyter Posts: 105 Member
    SALSA! Tomatillo has only 10 cals per 2 tbls
  • Deletrius
    Deletrius Posts: 18 Member
    I don't have a recipe but if you're looking for low calorie I suggest Walden Farms salad dressing. They have 0 calories and actually taste really good! You can order online or I know some grocery stores carry their stuff.

    http://www.waldenfarms.com/products/dressings.html
  • dme1977
    dme1977 Posts: 537 Member
    so far they ALL sound delish... and definitely a way to add some variety to my greens (ive been kinda *yawn* with them lately)

    :love: might just fall back in love with them again..... :heart:
    ... here I come daaahhhhling,
    im commin to get my baby spinach greens and romaine..... and you better be "dressed" :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • Makethefatcry12
    Makethefatcry12 Posts: 133 Member
    I get the hidden valley buttermilk ranch packet, add a cup of light mayo and a cup of lowfat 1% buttermilk and use that. It's soooo good! Like restaurant ranch! And it's 72 calories for 2 Tbsp!
  • DataBased
    DataBased Posts: 513 Member
    I don't have a recipe, sorry -- but I can recommend that you go to your neighborhood Sprouts store and find "Follow Your Heart - Low Fat Ranch Salad Dressing" The nutrition info is at the company's website. Other stores might carry it also - it's very good!

    Nutrition info:
    http://store.followyourheart.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=11012&Show=ExtInfo
  • laursey
    laursey Posts: 307
    I only use good quality Balsamic Vinegar, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar as dressing. It's 10-15 calories max. I like my salads tart, especially with beets, walnuts and a bit of goat cheese.

    ^ This. Save your calories for something else. If you need some sweetness add craisins or mandarin orange segments.
  • HWeatherholt
    HWeatherholt Posts: 283 Member
    It is not a recipe. But, saw on Today Show the other day some suggested brands with low calories and sodium that supposedly tasted good.

    Wasn't specifically looking for them the other day, but found them when I went to get a few groceries. Picked up Boathouse Farms Blue Cheese and Ranch. The Blue Cheese has only 35 calories for a 2 tablespoon serving and the Ranch has 45 for a 2 tablespoon serving.

    I put them in the fridge when I got home and then opened them and tasted them when I was cooking dinner and they are pretty good.
  • DizsJourney
    DizsJourney Posts: 83 Member
    I make a balsamic dijon dressing:

    2 tbsp sugar free pancake syrup
    1 tbsp dijon mustard
    1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
    1 tbsp water (if wanted )

    for this entire thing its 43 calories & sodium is 238. of course that may vary slightly depending on brands but not much. I've been really watching my sodium the last few weeks, so I always go with the lower sodium choices. this has worked well for me & i always have more than i really need. can also be used as a glaze (no water). The original recipe called for equal parts of all ingredients, but I find it tastes better with the extra syrup. hope this helps!
  • IvoryParchment
    IvoryParchment Posts: 651 Member
    Have you tried the stuff they serve in Japanese restaurants? It's actually very healthy, if you ignore the sodium content:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/402918-japanese-carrot-ginger-salad-dressing
  • reshapemariah21
    reshapemariah21 Posts: 184 Member
    3/4 cup fat free sour cream
    3/4 cup fat free Greek yogurt
    1/3 cup Hellman's light mayonnaise
    1 tsp garlic powder
    1 tsp onion powder
    1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
    1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
    1 tsp salt
    freshly ground pepper
    1-2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
    2 cups 1% low fat buttermilk
    Directions:
    In a small bowl or large measuring cup,
    combine the sour cream, yogurt,
    mayonnaise, garlic, powder, onion powder,
    parsley, chives, salt, and cracked pepper.
    Mix well.
    Stir in the white balsamic vinegar; then
    buttermilk.
    52.3 Cal's for 1/4 cup.
  • truecountrygirl
    truecountrygirl Posts: 100 Member
    this is my all time favorite that i make up myself and it is really good.

    1/2 cup maple syrup
    2 tbsp canola oil
    6 tbsp cidar vinegar
    6 tbsp dijon mustard
    1/2 tsp pepper

    it is only 41 calories per tablespoon
    i put my lettuce in a big bowl and stir it really well with the dressing that way you dont have to use as much
    it is a simple recipe and you know what you are putting in your body when you make your own
  • jaxbeck
    jaxbeck Posts: 537 Member
    I LOVE the "Marie's Greek Vinaigrette. It's amazing & only has 110 calories & 12 grams of fat, just 2 from sat. It also has no sugar. It's perfect IMO

    this is homemade??? Ill google it and see what it comes up with...thanks.

    No its not homemade, I must of missed the homemade part of the question, my bad
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