10 Keto-Friendly Dressings That Are As Delicious As They Are Low-Carb

One of the simplest and easiest ways to keep your low-carb diet on track is to stock up on keto-friendly dressings. Not only are they the perfect way to add flavor and texture to salads, but they can also be used to make all sorts of delicious keto meals. Eating meals that you enjoy is half the battle when it comes to sticking with a diet. It can be hard to know which ingredients and brands to look for at the grocery store or online. Not to mention, most store-bought dressings are loaded with unhealthy additives, sugars and carbs. That’s why we’ve put together this list of keto-friendly dressings to help you stay on track with your diet. From creamy ranch and Caesar to tangy vinaigrettes, here are 10 tasty dressings you can use for your next meal.

Are Salad Dressings Keto Friendly?

Yes and no. Salad dressings that are specifically labeled as “keto-friendly” can be a great way to add flavor and style to your salad without worrying about going over your carb limits. However, not all dressings are created equal and some may include hidden sources of sugar or carbs that can add up quickly. 

When looking for a keto-friendly dressing, look for ones that list the following ingredients:

• Olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or a combination of oils
• Vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice
• Spices and herbs
• Salt and pepper
• A low-carb sweetener (such as stevia or erythritol)
• A low-carb thickener (such as xanthan gum, guar gum, or arrowroot starch)

Steer clear of any dressings that list one or more of the following high-carb ingredients:

• Cane sugar
• High fructose corn syrup
• Honey
• Agave nectar
• Barley malt
• Cornstarch
• Dextrose
• Maltodextrin
• Rice syrup
• Tapioca starch
• Wheat flour
• Fruit juice concentrate

When in doubt, you can always make your own keto-friendly dressing using healthy fats and low-carb sweeteners. We’ll show you how in the next section.

Remember, even if it’s specifically labeled as “keto-friendly,” you should read the nutrition facts and ingredients list on any dressing before adding it to your salad. This is the best way to make an informed decision about portions; after all most dressings are calorie-dense and should be consumed in moderation.

Read More: Is Soy Sauce Keto-Friendly?

What Are Some Keto-Friendly Salad Dressings?

We’ve curated the following dressings recipes that are easy to make at home with a few simple, keto-friendly ingredients. 

Keto Ranch Dressing (1)

Ranch is a traditionally creamy and tangy dressing that’s perfect for salads or dipping vegetables. This keto-friendly version will quickly become a kitchen staple because it’s delicious, simple and requires just a few ingredients. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp fine pink salt
• 3 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sour cream until blended.
2. Add heavy whipping cream, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, pepper and salt. Stir until combined.
3. Pour in lemon juice and stir until smooth.
4. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 25 minutes before serving.

Nutritional information per serving (1 tbsp; recipe yields 20): Calories: 99, Total carbs: 0.5g, Fat: 10g

This recipe is courtesy of lowcarbspark.com

Keto Avocado Cilantro Dressing (4)

Fresh, zingy, and creamy, this keto-friendly dressing pairs well with salads of all kinds. It is especially perfect for adding to low-carb tacos and burrito bowls. It can also go on your grilled meats (chicken, steak, etc.) for a bit of extra flavor. 

Ingredients:

• 1 Avocado, I use Haas
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons shallot
• ½ teaspoon Pepper

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor, except for the olive oil and process until smooth.
2. Stream in the olive oil and process until incorporated.
3. Transfer to a jar or container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutritional information per serving (recipe yields 10): Calories: 84, Fat: 9g, Carbohydrates: 2g, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 1g

This recipe is courtesy of ketocookingchristian.com

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Keto Caesar Dressing (3)

Your Caesar salad will never be the same once you add this delicious and creamy keto-approved version.

While the traditional ingredients call for anchovies, this recipe leaves them out to make it vegetarian-friendly. Instead, a cheese-based variation gives it a savory umami flavor. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup avocado mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 small garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp avocado/olive oil
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp pink himalayan salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, oil, dijon mustard, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce until blended.
2. Season with salt and pepper then whisk again.
3. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional information per serving (2 tbsp; recipe yields 12 servings): Calories: 170, Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 1g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Protein: 2g

This recipe is courtesy of ketoconnect.net

Keto Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing (10)

Nothing beats adding a creamy, tangy blue cheese dip that can also work as a salad dressing. This version is made from real chunks of blue cheese and is paired with sour cream for the ultimate creamy kick. 

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces blue cheese crumbled
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice optional
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch fine sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together blue cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise until blended.
2. Add parsley, lemon juice (optional), garlic powder, pepper and salt. Stir until combined.
3. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 25 minutes before serving.
4. Serve with your favorite salads or as a dip for veggies, crackers or chips! Enjoy!

Nutritional information per serving (recipe yields 10): Calories: 93, Fat: 9g, Carbohydrates: 1g, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 1g, Protein: 3g

This recipe is courtesy of lowcarbspark.com

Keto Thousand Island Dressing (8)

Thousand island is one of those classic American dressings that takes you back in time. It’s traditionally made for salads but can also be used as a dip or to top burgers. This keto-friendly version lives up to the original with its creamy, rich flavor. 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons keto ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 gherkins/whole pickles, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce until blended.
2. Add gherkins/pickles and stir until combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
4. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutritional information per serving (recipe yields 4): Calories: 98, Fat: 11g, Carbohydrates: 1g, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 1g, Sodium: 334mg, Potassium: 11mg, Vitamin A: 4IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg

This recipe is courtesy of thebigmansworld.com

Read More: How To Make Perfectly Crispy Keto Chicken Nuggets At Home

Keto Chipotle Ranch Dressing (5)

Craving the delicious smoky sauce that’s usually found in Mexican restaurants? This keto-friendly one is just as good as the real thing; you’ll spread it all over your salads, burgers and tacos! 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend together mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder and dill.
2. Add lime juice, garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve with salads, tacos, burgers or as a dip with your favorite chips.

Nutritional information per serving (recipe yields 8): Calories: 148, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 2g

This recipe is courtesy of betterthanbreadketo.com

Keto Sesame Ginger Dressing (9)

Savory, nutty and the perfect balance of sweet and sour, this Keto Sesame Ginger Dressing is ideal for Asian-inspired salads or just to add a little zing to your regular meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons raw ginger peeled and minced
• 2 cloves garlic crushed
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium, gluten-free soy sauces (may substitute tamari or coconut aminos)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon almond butter (may substitute miso)
• 2 teaspoons allulose
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mince the garlic and ginger with a sharp knife; add to a bowl.
2. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, avocado oil and sesame oil; whisk until completely combined.
3. Stir in the almond butter and allulose until completely incorporated.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
5. If using a food processor, add all ingredients and blend until smooth.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutritional information per serving (2 tbsp; recipe yields 12 servings): Calories: 55, Fat: 6g, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 1g, Sodium: 114mg, Potassium: 7mg

This recipe is courtesy of simplysohealthy.com

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Keto Raspberry Vinaigrette (2)

Savory dressings are ok, but what about something fruity and sweet? Frozen raspberries may be just what the doctor ordered. This Keto Raspberry Vinaigrette is sweet, light, and perfect for salads or as a marinade. 

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen and thawed (40 g / 1.4 oz)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (15 ml)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil ( 60 ml/ 2 fl oz)
• 1-2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp MCT oil (30 ml)
• 1 tbsp powdered Erythritol or Swerve (10 g/ 0.4 oz) or 5-10 drops liquid stevia
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp onion powder or garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Place raspberries, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, water, MCT oil, Erythritol or Swerve, Dijon mustard, onion powder and sea salt in a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutritional information per serving (2 tbsp; recipe yields 6 servings): Fat: 5.6g, Carbohydrates: 1.3g, Fiber: 0.5g, Protein: 1g,Sugar: 0.6g, Sodium: 100mg, Potassium: 27mg

This recipe is courtesy of ketodietapp.com 

Keto Honey Mustard Dressing (6)

As far as sweeteners go, we all know honey isn’t allowed on keto, but this honey mustard dressing is the exception. With an allulose-based sweetener and just a touch of Dijon mustard, this dressing will make your taste buds think it’s the real thing. 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or almond milk)
• 3 tbsp low carb powdered sugar (Swerve Confections or Lakanto Confectioners)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or white vinegar)
• 1/4 tsp granulated garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp dried tarragon, rubbed between fingers (or dill)
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and mustard until combined.
2. Add in the cream or almond milk a little at a time, whisking until combined.
3. Add in the powdered sugar, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, tarragon and cayenne pepper; whisk until combined.
4. Taste, and add salt and pepper as desired. Adjust sweetness as needed, as well.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutritional information per serving (recipe yields 5 servings): Calories: 248, Fat: 26.4g, Carbohydrates: 0.11g, Sodium: 192mg

This recipe is courtesy of lowcarbmarven.com

Keto Italian Salad Dressing (7)

A multi-purpose dressing that can be used for salads, marinades and more, this Keto Italian Salad Dressing is the perfect finishing touch to any meal. With a zesty combination of herbs and spices, this dressing is sure to tantalize your taste buds. 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (180 ml/ 6 fl oz)
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (60 ml/ 2 fl oz)
• 2 tbsp water (30 ml/ 1 fl oz)
• 1 heaped tbsp grated Parmesan cheese or other Italian hard cheese (10 g/ 0.4 oz)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine the liquid ingredients (olive oil, vinegar and water) in a glass jar with a lid.
2. Add the remaining ingredients (grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, sea salt and black pepper) to the jar and shake until combined.
3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.  Shake before using as needed.

Nutritional information per serving (2 tbsp; recipe yields 10 servings): Calories: 151, Fat: 16.5g, Carbohydrates: 0.6g, Fiber: 0.2g, Protein: 0.4g, Sodium: 250mg, Potassium: 13mg

This recipe is courtesy of ketodietapp.com 

The Bottom Line

Keto friendly dressings can be the difference between a boring meal and a delicious one. From tangy vinaigrettes to creamy mayonnaise-based dressings, there’s a flavor for everyone. Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile for yourself.