Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes
by Marly McMillen
Finding the perfect vegan salad dressing recipes is the secret to transforming a bowl of boring greens into a meal you actually crave. Whether you’re looking for a creamy, dairy-free classic like Ranch or a zesty vinaigrette, making your own at home is faster, cheaper, and infinitely more delicious than anything you’ll find in a bottle.
I’ve rounded up my absolute favorite plant-based dressings—from bold sauces to seasonal specialties—to help you level up your meal prep game and keep your salads exciting all week long.
They don’t call me the Salad Queen for nothing! For years, I struggled to find store-bought dressings that weren’t loaded with preservatives or weird aftertastes. I realized that the magic happens when you control the ingredients—balancing the tang of fresh lemon with the richness of tahini or the savory punch of fresh herbs.
This collection is a peek into my personal kitchen rotation; these are the drizzles and dollops that my family asks for on repeat. Trust me, once you try the Avocado Green Goddess or that Vegan Blue Cheese, there’s no going back to the bottled stuff!
Check out how I prep my favorite Vegan Steak Salad over on my YouTube channel! I use a zesty dressing that you could say is a variation of the Chimichurri. It’s a game changer!
Creamy Vegan Classic Dressings
Nothing beats the comfort of a rich, creamy dressing. These dairy-free versions of your favorite classics (like my thick Vegan Ranch or tangy Vegan Thousand Island) are perfect for hearty wedges or as a cooling dip for spicy cauliflower wings.
For a refreshing twist, try the Avocado Green Goddess on a crisp cucumber salad, or use the Vegan Blue Cheese to level up a classic vegan Cobb Salad.
Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
Spice up your salads with this healthy avocado green goddess dressing. Made with a blend of avocado, it will boost the flavor of every meal.
Vegan Thousand Island Dressing
Serve this creamy vegan Thousand Island Dressing over salads, or as a tangy sweet condiment on veggie burgers and crispy potato wedges.
Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing
Vegan blue cheese dressing combines the best of creamy and tangy textures and flavors. It’s a favorite dressing that makes salads special.
Vegan Ranch Dressing
This creamy, herb-infused vegan ranch dressing takes the traditional recipe to another level because it’s dairy-free, creamy, and flavorful.
Zesty Vinaigrettes & Fruity Favorites
If you prefer a lighter, punchy finish, these vinaigrettes are for you. They are excellent for massaged kale salads or grain bowls that need a hit of acidity.
I love using the Strawberry Vinaigrette on a spinach salad with toasted pecans, while the Lemon Tahini Dressing (found in my Kale Chickpea Salad) adds a velvety, bright finish to almost any roasted veggie bowl.
Kale Chickpea Salad
Finally, a kale chickpea salad that doesn’t taste like a decorative hedge. Featuring tender massaged kale, crispy spiced chickpeas, and a velvety lemon tahini dressing.
Italian Vinaigrette
Serve this tangy and delicious Italian vinaigrette recipe on your favorite salads, steamed vegetables, or even pasta. It also makes a zesty marinade for tofu. You’ll love how easy it is to make and the flavor it adds to your favorite plant-based dishes!
Strawberry Vinaigrette
This strawberry vinaigrette recipe is made with fresh, delicious ingredients like strawberries. Drizzle this tasty vinaigrette on salads, steamed vegetables, and even use it as a condiment for sandwiches.
Marly’s Tips
Pro-Tip: Always let your vinaigrettes sit for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld!
Bold & Savory Sauces
Sometimes a “sauce” can do double duty as a “dressing”. These recipes are bold enough to stand up to grilled tofu, roasted potatoes, or even vegan tacos. My Chimichurri Sauce adds a vibrant, herby kick to steak-style mushrooms but can also be drizzled over a bowl of greens for ultimate flavor.
The Tahini Sauce serves as the perfect creamy base for falafel-inspired salads. Don’t overlook the Vegan Honey Mustard—it’s just as good as a dip for pretzels as it is drizzled over greens!
Vegan Honey Mustard
This vegan honey mustard dressing is creamy, sweet, and savory all at the same time. Serve it over salads or as a dip, or as a condiment.
Chimichurri Sauce
This chimichurri sauce combines fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro with garlic in oil, and creates the perfect sauce for adding flavor to your favorite dishes!
Tahini Sauce
This rich and creamy tahini sauce Combines tahini paste with lemon juice,, garlic, and a bit of water to make it smooth. Vegan & Dairy-free.
Unique & Seasonal Flavors
For those moments when you want something a little different, these unique blends offer a creative twist on the standard salad. The Vegan Pumpkin Ranch from my Vegan Harvest Salad is a must-try during the autumn months.
And if you’re a DIY fan, keep a jar of my Vegan Ranch Seasoning in the pantry—you can whisk it with a little plant milk and vegan mayo whenever a craving hits for a custom-strength dressing in seconds.
Vegan Harvest Salad
This tasty vegan harvest salad features smoky chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, pecans, apples, and a creamy vegan pumpkin ranch dressing.
Vegan Ranch Seasoning
Make your own vegan ranch seasoning with this easy recipe! Our blend of herbs and spices creates the perfect flavors for your favorite dishes.
Marly’s Tips
To turn ranch seasoning into a dressing, simply whisk 2 tablespoons of the mix with ½ cup of vegan mayo (or plain vegan yogurt) and a splash of plant milk.
Frequently-Asked Questions
How long do homemade vegan dressings last?
Most oil-based vinaigrettes will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge, while creamy, nut-based, or mayo-based dressings are best enjoyed within 5–7 days.
Can I freeze vegan salad dressings?
Vinaigrettes freeze well, but creamy dressings containing vegan mayo or tahini may separate or change texture once thawed, so it’s best to make those fresh!
How do I thicken a thin vegan dressings?
A teaspoon of tahini, a dollop of vegan yogurt, or a small amount of blended silken tofu are all great ways to add body without changing the flavor profile too much.
Are all salad dressings vegan?
Not necessarily! Many store-bought dressings contain hidden animal products like honey, anchovies (common in Caesar), egg yolks (in creamy dressings), or dairy derivatives like whey or casein. To be safe, always check the label for these ingredients or—better yet—make your own at home using the recipes in this guide to ensure they are 100% plant-based and delicious!
Parting Thoughts
There you have it—a complete collection of vegan salad dressing recipes to keep your meals fresh and flavorful! Making your own dressings at home isn’t just about avoiding preservatives; it’s about finding that perfect balance of flavors that makes you actually look forward to eating your veggies.
I’d love to hear from you! Which of these are you most excited to try first? Or do you have a secret ingredient you always add to your homemade dressings? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram if you whip one up. I love seeing your creations!
Looking for more? Check out my Vegan Salads category page for hearty grain bowls, massaged kale salads, and more!
About the Author
Hi! I’m Marly McMillen. I’m the founding editor, author, recipe developer, vegan home chef, and food stylist behind Namely Marly. I’m so grateful to you and every member of my audience for your support and dedication. More about Namely Marly ›
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