18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (2024)

I’ve collected the very best vegan salad dressing recipes that are oil-free and gluten-free! No more dry salads or flavorless veggies! These recipes turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (1)
Jump to:
  • Ingredients to Avoid That Have Gluten
  • Ingredients to Avoid That Have Oil
  • Why is the use of oil discouraged on a whole food plant-based diet?
  • Where do you find an oil-free salad dressing that is vegan and gluten-free?
  • Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes
  • Vegan Sauce Recipes | Oil-Free and Gluten-Free
  • More Vegan Salad Recipes!

When it comes to flavor, it’s all about the dressing and the sauce. It’s the salad dressing that pulls the flavors of a salad together and the sauce that turns something simple into something incredible.

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (2)

If you’re following a whole food plant-based diet finding a store-bought oil-free salad dressing can be a challenge. When you’re also looking for one that is gluten-free, it’s even more difficult.

While you know most dairy-free dressings contain oil or other processed ingredients, you wouldn’t think there would be gluten in salad dressings.

But many store-bought salad dressings contain gluten because they’re either cross-contaminated or contain ingredients that have gluten.

Ingredients to Avoid That Have Gluten

If making your salad dressing at home or buying store-bought salad dressing avoid these ingredients, which contain gluten.

  • Alcohol
  • Miso
  • Soy Sauce
  • Artificial color
  • Dextrin
  • Ground spices
  • Natural Flavorings
  • Malt
  • Malt vinegar
  • Flour
  • Food starch

If you’re looking for store-bought gluten-free salad dressings, I recommend checking out this list from Very Well Fit.

Ingredients to Avoid That Have Oil

If you’re also following a whole food, plant-based no, oil lifestyle finding a store-bought dressing that is oil-free and gluten-free is an even greater challenge. Here is a list of ingredients to avoid that typically contain oil.

  • Vegan Mayonnaise
  • Olive Oil
  • Soybean Oil
  • Canola Oil
  • Corn Oil
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Safflower Oil
  • Peanut Oil
  • Grape Seed Oil

Why is the use of oil discouraged on a whole food plant-based diet?

Oil is one of the most calorie-dense foods, and is why a salad full of veggies can go from a healthy choice to a high-caloric meal.

Where do you find an oil-free salad dressing that is vegan and gluten-free?

Don’t worry! You’re not cursed to a life of bland salads and dry, flavorless meals.

I’ve collected a list of the top 20 Vegan Salad Dressing and sauce recipes that are vegan and gluten-free. They will leave you thinking, “Oil? Gluten? Who needs it!?”

These dressings and sauces are easy and quick to make too! Enjoy them on your salad, steamed vegetables, quinoa, rice, lentils, beans, baked potatoes, pasta, Buddha bowls, and so much more!

Let your creativity run wild and add flavor to your favorite stand-by recipes!

Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes

Get ready to dress your salads with gluten-free salad dressing recipes that are creamy and satisfying!

Avocado Ranch Dressing by Sustainable Cooks

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (3)

Smooth and creamy, you’ll flip for thisAvocado Ranch Dressing! Great as a dip, dressing, or sauce, this dairy-free ranch dressing is seriously addicting. With adaptable ingredients, this can be a Whole30, paleo, and vegan dressing.

Vegan Tahini Dressing

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (4)

This creamylemon tahini dressingis the perfect everyday plant-based dressing, delicious on salads, bowls, falafels, roasted vegetables, and so much more. It’s made with a handful of ingredients, including tahini, fresh lemon juice, water, garlic, and seasoning!

Celery Ranch Dressing by Spabettie

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (5)

Celery Ranch Dressing – this quick and easy veganrecipeis flavorful take on the classic that is a favorite of so many – celery adds a crisppop of flavor to this tangy cool ranch!

Vegan Thousand Island by Spabettie

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (6)

Vegan Thousand Island Dressing – this quick and easy recipe brings you the tangy flavor of the classic dressing – with an oil free version!

Citrus Tahini Dressing by Veggie Inspired

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (7)

This creamy dressing is the perfect drizzle for all of your leafy greens. Oil free, dairy free, gluten free, and sugar free.

Creamy Cumin Ranch Dressing by Veggie Inspired

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (8)

A creamy, tangy, herby, dairy free ranch dressing with a hint of southwest flavors. This dressing is super versatile!

Tomato Vinaigrette by Hungry Healthy Happy

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (9)

A dressing can really make or break a salad and this Tomato Vinaigrette definitely makes a salad. It’s light, fresh and low in calories, but best of all it is still full of flavor. Blendtogether some fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and balsamic and you have yourself a salad dressing that is ready in minutes.

Almond Turmeric Dressing by Meals with Maggie

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (10)

ThisAlmond Turmeric Dressingis abeautiful blend of turmeric, ginger, lemon and almonds makes the perfect dressing to put on just about anything. I fell in love with Trader Joe’s and had to make a copycat version.

Savory Garlic Dressing by A Plantiful Path

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (11)

This garlicky dressing is great on salad greens with some oven baked croutons. It’s also good on sandwiches and other vegetables.

Mango Dressing by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (12)

This sweet and spicy Mango Dressing is oil free and vegan. Mango gives it natural sweetness while the hint of cayenne gives it a spicy kick. Drizzle on salads, fruit, steamed vegetables, or sandwiches. It’s a 5 ingredient 5 minute dressing.

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Vegan Avocado Dressing by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (13)

This creamy Vegan Avocado Dressing is quick, easy! With only 6 simple ingredients, and 5 minutes, you’ll have a healthy oil-free whole food plant-based dressing for your favorite salads or Buddha bowls!

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Vegan Honey Mustard Dressing by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (14)

Sweet and spicy this vegan honey mustard dressing is sweetened with maple syrup.

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Vegan Sauce Recipes | Oil-Free and Gluten-Free

Sauces that are finger licking delicious! Pour them on your vegan burgers, baked potato, steamed veggies, and more. Let your creativity run wild and get saucy

Vegan Honey Mustard by The Hidden Veggies

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (15)

Thisvegan honey mustarddipping sauce is a sweet and tangy way to add flavor to your favorite vegan “chicken” nuggets, sandwiches, cauliflowernuggets, or tofu bites! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this “honey” mustard dipping sauce or dressing in minutes!

Creamy Chipotle Sauce by Vegan Huggs

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (16)

If you want something spicy, tangy and smoky to add to your life, you need to try this Creamy Chipotle Sauce. It’s easy to make, inexpensive and much healthier than store-bought varieties.

Vegan Tikka Masala by Masala Herb

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (17)

This Tikka Masala Sauceis vegan and gluten-free and so much tastier and healthier than the stuff you get in stores!

Vegan Cheese Sauce by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (18)

An easy creamy vegan cheese sauce made with raw cashews and spices. This versatile cheese sauce is perfect for nachos, quesadillas, steamed veggies, or using as a base for mac and cheese! It’s a vegan classic made with whole food ingredients that will become a staple in your kitchen!

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Vegan Alfredo Sauce by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (19)

Creamy, smooth, and big on flavor this Vegan Alfredo Sauce is easy to make with 6 simple ingredients, and fifteen minutes from start to finish. No need to soak your cashews!

It’s a whole food plant-based version of the classic Italian sauce that’s dairy-free, oil-free, gluten-free, and healthy.

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Homemade Sugar Free Low Carb Pizza Sauce by Low Carb Yum

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (20)

It’s so easy to create your own low carb and sugar-free pizza sauce. It’s a great way to use up some late summer crop of tomatoes or frozen skinned ones.

Vegan Tzatziki Sauce by Keeping the Peas

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (21)

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I hope you found some delicious vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free salad dressing and sauce recipes that you’d like to try!

More Vegan Salad Recipes!

  • Basil Sauce with Lemon and Garlic
  • Fattoush Salad
  • Vegan Greek Salad
  • Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Please comment below if you found this article helpful or have any additional questions. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more family-friendly vegan recipes!

18 Gluten Free Salad Dressing and Sauce Recipes Vegan and Oil-Free (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for olive oil in salad dressing? ›

You can use any nut oil as an olive oil alternative in salad dressings, but they will likely add a noticeable nut flavor. Vegetable oils such as canola, safflower, and sunflower will contribute less flavor than olive oil to salad dressings but bring the same body and texture.

What kind of salad dressing is vegan? ›

Popular Store-Bought Vegan Salad Dressings

Daiya (Homestyle Ranch, Creamy Caesar, Blue Cheeze, Hon'y Mustard, Creamy Italian) Follow Your Heart (Ranch, Thousand Island, Balsamic Vinaigrette, & Vegan Bleu Cheese) Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Is Kraft salad dressing gluten-free? ›

Kraft Classic Ranch dressing is gluten-free. While it is not certified gluten-free, the manufacturer does make a gluten-free claim on the packaging and there are no other indicators that this product contains gluten.

Can butter replace olive oil? ›

It couldn't be easier to substitute butter for oil using a 1:1 ratio. This should work with olive, canola, vegetable, and coconut oils. Simply melt and cool the butter to room temperature, then continue with your recipe. (If the recipe calls for ½ cup oil, use ½ cup melted and cooled butter.)

What happens if you use olive oil instead of vegetable oil? ›

Yes, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil, and it's a substitute you should try and make often. This is because the nutritional value of olive oil is substantially higher than that of vegetable oil.

What sauces should I avoid when gluten-free? ›

Condiments such as soy sauce, barbecue sauce, mustard, and gravy are often made with gluten containing ingredients, such as wheat, wheat starch or malt flavoring. Be sure to double check ingredients on condiments and sauces or look for gluten free varieties.

Is mayonnaise gluten-free? ›

Mayonnaise or “mayo” is typically made from naturally gluten-free ingredients: eggs, oil, vinegar, lemon and sometimes mustard/mustard seed or other spices. Mayo brands that have a gluten-free label have passed thorough testing and are safe to eat for people with celiac disease.

Does Olive Garden have vegan salad dressing? ›

Is Olive Garden dressing vegan? The famous house salad comes with tomatoes, olives, onions, and pepperoncini, though the default dressing from the menu has both eggs and romano cheese. Instead, grab the olive oil and vinegar for your salad.

What type of ranch is vegan? ›

Daiya, your go-to dairy-free brand, has a vegan ranch that you don't want to miss out on! The Plant-Based Homestyle Ranch Dressing is creamy, tangy, and ready to level up your salads, sandwiches, and beyond. For our pizza dippers, there are major bonus points available for dipping Daiya pizza in Daiya ranch.

Is co*ke a vegan? ›

Coca‑Cola does not contain any ingredients derived from animal sources and can be included in a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Is olive oil gluten-free? ›

The short answer is yes, olive oil is gluten-free. Extra virgin olive oil is made from the juice of olive fruits, which contain no gluten. As a result, olive oil itself is gluten-free and thus suitable for all gluten-free diets. In fact, most cooking oils are naturally gluten-free.

Which ranch dressing is gluten-free? ›

The short answer is yes, Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing is labeled gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease. Dairy is the only allergen listed. As always, check labels, and chooses carefully.

How do you know if dressing is gluten-free? ›

Look for the words "gluten-free" just below the list of ingredients. Not all salad dressings are safe—Sesame Ginger, for example, contains wheat-based soy sauce. Many of Maple Grove Farms' products contain only cider or balsamic vinegar, not distilled vinegar—again, check the label.

What do I use if I don't have olive oil? ›

We'll tell you which of these oils you should use for different types of cooking and what taste it adds to your finished meal.
  1. Grapeseed Oil. Grapeseed oil isa neutral-tasting oil, so it won't add any noticeable flavor to your food. ...
  2. Canola Oil. ...
  3. Sunflower Oil. ...
  4. Peanut Oil. ...
  5. Avocado Oil. ...
  6. Walnut Oil. ...
  7. Flaxseed Oil. ...
  8. Sesame Oil.

Is olive oil necessary for salad dressing? ›

Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for dressings as it introduces a strong peppery flavor to the mix. Even the simplest of salad dressings can be elevated by a high quality olive oil. Or, try finishing a basic tomato and mozzarella Caprese salad with just a drizzle of the finest extra virgin olive oil.

Which oil is better for salad dressing? ›

Oils rich in monounsaturated fat, phytochemicals, and alpha linolenic acid are best for salad dressings. These include extra virgin olive, canola, peanut, flaxseed, walnut, hemp, avocado, and almond oils. I would also add grapeseed oil to my recommended list because it's such a good source of vitamin E.

What is a low calorie alternative to olive oil? ›

Coconut oil is technically the lowest calorie oil to cook with, providing a little less than 117 calories per tablespoon. But the majority of popular oils — like olive, canola, and grapeseed — contain a similar 120 calories per tablespoon.

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