10 Keto Salad Dressings to Elevate Your Low-Carb Diet
The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a highly effective strategy characterized by low carbohydrate intake and high fat consumption. This dietary approach has been linked to numerous health advantages, making it an appealing option for many. However, sticking to keto can feel restrictive, particularly when it comes to flavor variety. Fortunately, innovative food combinations and modern culinary techniques have made it easier to explore delicious options without sacrificing your dietary goals.
Non-starchy vegetables, particularly salad greens, are an excellent choice for keto enthusiasts. Yet, many struggle to find flavorful low-carb salad dressings. To help you in your quest for tastiness, here are ten scrumptious keto salad dressings, each with 4 grams of carbs or less per serving.
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1. Homestyle Ranch Dressing
This keto-friendly ranch dressing substitutes buttermilk with a creamy blend of sour cream, mayo, and heavy cream, maintaining vibrant flavor while minimizing carbs and maximizing fats.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp chopped chives
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1–2 tsp (5–10ml) fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar and mix well.
- Chill for a few hours for enhanced flavor or serve immediately.
- Calories: 84
- Fat: 8 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
2. Keto Italian Vinaigrette
This classic Italian dressing complements a variety of salad greens and is a pantry staple for those committed to the keto lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup (240 ml) light olive oil
- 4 Tbsp (60 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a sealed container and shake vigorously.
- Allow to sit for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Calories: 198
- Fat: 22 grams
- Carbs: negligible
- Protein: less than 1 gram
3. Creamy Jalapeño-Cilantro Dressing
This spicy and refreshing dressing adds a delightful zing to salads and grilled dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (25 grams) chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2–1 chopped jalapeño
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
- Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to develop flavor.
- Calories: 41
- Fat: 3 grams
- Carbs: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
4. Keto Honey-Mustard Dressing
This dressing works perfectly as both a salad dressing and a dipping sauce for your keto snacks.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) full-fat sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp (10 grams) granular erythritol or a keto-friendly sweetener
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until combined.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Calories: 38
- Fat: 2.5 grams
- Carbs: negligible
- Protein: less than 1 gram
5. Keto Thousand Island Dressing
Enjoy a keto version of this beloved classic, combining flavors of sweetness and acidity without the carbs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230 grams) mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp (35 grams) reduced-sugar ketchup
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp (20 grams) finely chopped pickles
- 2 Tbsp (20 grams) finely chopped onion
- 1/8 tsp stevia
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients except for one tbsp each of onion and pickles until smooth.
- Stir in remaining onions and pickles, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Calories: 96
- Fat: 10 grams
- Carbs: negligible
- Protein: less than 1 gram
6. Quick Keto Caesar Dressing
This five-minute recipe allows you to whip up a flavorful Caesar dressing for an easy salad.
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 1/2 tsp (10 grams) anchovy paste
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp (10 grams) Dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup (175 grams) mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together garlic, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Add mayonnaise and mix until fully combined, then season with salt and pepper.
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 10 grams
- Carbs: negligible
- Protein: less than 1 gram
7. Creamy Keto Blue Cheese Dressing
This dressing is perfect for those who enjoy the bold flavors of blue cheese in a clean, natural form.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230 grams) mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup (115 grams) crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup (10 grams) fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well blended.
- Calories: 106
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbs: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
8. Wasabi-Cucumber-Avocado Dressing
This vibrant dressing adds a refreshing kick during the summer and pairs beautifully with veggies year-round.
Ingredients
- 1 avocado
- 2–4 stalks of green onion
- 1/2 cucumber, finely diced
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 2 Tbsp (15 grams) wasabi powder
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) avocado oil
- 2 tsp (10 ml) vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth using a food processor or blender.
- Calories: 75
- Fat: 7 grams
- Carbs: negligible
- Protein: 1 gram
9. Asian Peanut Dressing
Say goodbye to store-bought peanut sauces filled with sugar. This healthy version captures the essence of traditional flavors without the carbs.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (80 grams) natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp garlic
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth in a food processor or blender.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For added sweetness, mix in a few drops of stevia extract as desired.
- Calories: 91
- Fat: 7 grams
- Carbs: 4 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
10. Keto Raspberry-Tarragon Dressing
This antioxidant-rich dressing combines fresh raspberries with tarragon and MCT oil, making it ideal for salads or marinades for proteins.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) MCT oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp (30 grams) Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh tarragon (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/4 tsp keto-friendly sweetener
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) fresh raspberries, mashed
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients, excluding raspberries, until creamy.
- Add the mashed raspberries and mix well. Adjust sweetness as needed.
- Calories: 158
- Fat: 17 grams
- Carbs: 1 gram
- Protein: less than 1 gram
Dressings to Avoid on a Keto Diet
While many salad dressings can fit within a keto framework due to their favorable fat-to-carb ratio, some contain added sugars or excessive carbs, making them unsuitable. Avoid:
- French dressing
- Fat-free salad dressings
- Traditional honey-mustard dressing
- Catalina dressing
- Pre-bottled vinaigrettes
Although homemade options are fresher, quality store-bought dressings are available. When shopping, look for:
- Healthy fats (olive, avocado, or MCT oil) listed first.
- Minimal, recognizable ingredients such as herbs, spices, lemon juice, and vinegar.
- No added sugars.
The keto diet may seem limiting, but these ten dressings transform salads into flavorful meals without the guilt. Many of the recipes can be stored in the refrigerator for a week or longer, providing you with versatile options. With wholesome ingredients and healthy fats, these dressings are ideal for enhancing your low-carb culinary experience.
Reading 10 Keto Salad Dressings to Spice up Your Low-Carb Lifestyle