Chili Lime Vinaigrette Recipe - Healthy Salad Dressing or Marinade (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest dressing for a salad? ›

Oil and vinegar.

“This is a great option, because it won't have any added sugar or salt,” says Allers. “But the type of oil is important. Opt for olive or avocado oil over an alternative like canola or soybean oil.” These healthy oils are packed with antioxidants, and can even help lower cholesterol.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Martin says, "It's got a hint of sweetness with little to no added sugar and is packed with heart-healthy unsaturated fats." Plus, the lack of sugar can be good for those looking to lose weight in particular, as well as for those on low-sugar and low-carb diet plans.

There are 240 calories in 1 serving of Mcalister's Deli Chili Lime Vinaigrette (3 oz).

Caesar dressing. Made up of mayonnaise, cheese, salt and oil (and all too often, anchovies), Caesar tends to be one of the least healthy options out there. Those ingredients cause it to be high in both saturated fats and sodium.

Crunchy Noodles, Wontons, and Tortilla Strips

All they add to your salad are calories (around 120 per half cup) and fat (half of those calories, at around 60 grams). Same goes for tortilla strips or wontons.

A balsamic vinaigrette typically involves adding oil, sugar, and/or mustard to balsamic vinegar, along with seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. While it can be made in a way that makes it healthier than several other salad dressing options, it can't compare to simply using the vinegar and oil.

Some types of salad dressings that are often high in sodium include Caesar, blue cheese and Thousand Island. Just like with sugar, Rifkin said the amount of salad dressing you may use is likely higher than what the nutrition label lists as a serving size.

Balsamic vinegar

Popularly used as a salad dressing, balsamic vinegar is prepared from reduced grape juice and all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients of the fruit are present in this vinegar. This is one of the healthiest and most nutritious varieties of vinegar.

Give steak, chicken, fish, tofu, or olives a bold and tangy flavor profile by using balsamic vinaigrette as a quick and easy marinade option. The longer you let your favorite protein soak up the flavors, the better!

Which vinegar is best for salad dressing? ›

Red wine vinegar

Sometimes just called red vinegar, this vinegar is a byproduct of fermented red wine. It has a sharp tang and a relatively strong flavor profile, making it a good choice for more robust salads as well as meat marinades.

Balsamic Vinaigrette (90 calories, 6 g fat, 380 mg sodium), Light Classic Ranch (90 calories, 8 g fat, 360 mg sodium) or Fat Free French (70 calories, 0 g fat, 170 mg sodium) are your best choices for salad dressings. Be sure to ask to substitute one of the lighter dressings when you order.

Our number one seller! The Savannah Chopped Salad comes with mixed greens, grilled chicken, dried cranberries, Gorgonzola cheese, honey roasted almonds, tomatoes & cucumbers. Served with our tangy sherry shallot dressing. One bite and you will know why this salad is a guest favorite.

Kraft Foods Zesty Lime Vinaigrette Dressing (2 tbsp) contains 3g total carbs, 3g net carbs, 5g fat, 0g protein, and 60 calories.

While ranch dressing is the clear winner, Caesar, buttermilk, elderberry vinaigrette and bleu cheese dressing also appear in the top five. Are you a salad dressing fanatic? Here's everything you need to know about its impact on your health.

Lower-Calorie Alternative to Creamy Dressings

Italian dressing makes a better alternative than many other higher-calorie options. It adds taste to salad and offers good fat. Though many calories come from fats, it is better than primarily cream-based dressings like ranch, a thousand island, or blue cheese.

adding salad dressing helps you absorb fat-soluble nutrients (A, D, E and K), found in veggies. With salad dressing, it's likely that you'll also stay fuller for longer because fat can also help make you feel satisfied after eating.

leafy greens such as romaine, arugula, kale and spinach. whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice and bulgur. chopped or shredded vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, cabbage, and beets.