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PlantPlate.com is here to provide the recipes, information, and practical advice needed to follow a healthy plant-based diet. Whether you're interested in improving your health, losing weight, or eating more sustainably, a whole foods plant-based diet may be the perfect solution for you.

My name's Emma, and I started PlantPlate in 2013 with the help of my husband Scott, a web developer and fellow plantivore. I’m a certified Plant-Based Nutritionist who loves to cook, and I've followed a plant-based diet for over a decade. Having lived in various locations throughout the world - sometimes on a shoestring budget, and often with irregular and demanding work schedules - I’ve had to constantly adapt my diet in order to make it work. It’s taught me a lot, and it’s motivated me to show others just how accessible and enjoyable this way of eating can be.

The recipes featured on PlantPlate are based on minimally processed plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. They're free from all animal products, processed oils and refined carbohydrates, and are made with simple and affordable ingredients. Our articles are aimed at providing you with plant-based know-how when it comes to shopping, cooking, nutrition and day-to-day living. We have answers to common questions and share practical knowledge that we have acquired through experience. Finally, the resources section contains links to books, DVDs, and video presentations from some of the world's leading experts on plant-based nutrition. It is our hope that these resources will help you to fully understand and evaluate the health benefits of this wonderful way of eating.

Welcome to PlantPlate!  We hope you enjoy your visit. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at contact@plantplate.com.

The information on this website is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat health problems or illnesses without first consulting your doctor.

Six Simple Oil-Free Salad Dressings

Guide By PlantPlate
Make your salads better than ever, with these 6 delicious and easy-to-make salad dressings.

So you've heard that a whole food plant-based diet doesn't include any oils, and now you're wondering what on earth you're going to put on your salad! If the idea of a plain, undressed salad does not appeal to you, don't worry. You can use citrus dressings, vinegar, garlic and fresh herbs to create delicious oil-free dressings, and enjoy your daily greens as much (or more!) than ever.

Below are recipes for six of my all-time favourite salad dressings. Most can be made in double batches and kept in the fridge for 4-5 days.

 

ORANGE BALSAMIC DRESSING
Fat Free
For a zingy dressing that's perfect on green salads, mix equal parts of balsamic vinegar and freshly squeezed orange juice. 

If you want your dressing to have a a little more body, you can make an orange-balsamic reduction. Use 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup of orange juice, and bring to a boil on the stove. Reduce the heat to medium, allow it to simmer and thicken slightly, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Transfer to a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate before using.

 

SIMPLE CITRUS DRESSING
Fat Free
Another simple combination is a mixture of lemon or lime juice with either agave or maple syrup. Combine 3 parts citrus juice to 1 part syrup, and use as needed. Throw in some garlic and fresh herbs, such as dill or chives, for extra flavour.

 

SOY GINGER LIME DRESSING
Fat Free
This is a great dressing for Asian-inspired salads, and you can make it as mild or as spicy as you like. Combine the following ingredients in a bowl or jar, mix well, and use as needed:

  • 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp. Chinese rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. pure maple or date syrup
  • 1 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 small red chili (more or less, as desired)
  • 1 tbsp. finely grated ginger (more or less, as desired)

 

RANCH-STYLE DRESSING
Low Fat
A delicious, creamy dressing with no added oil or animal ingredients. Whisk together the following ingredients, and use as needed:

  • 1/3 cup plain unsweetened soy yogurt
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1.5 tsp. cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. dried garlic granules
  • 1/2 tsp. pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp. water
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley

 

TAHINI AND LEMON DRESSING
This is a delicious and simple creamy dressing that's also great on cooked greens. Whisk or blend together, and use as needed:

  • 2 tbsp. tahini
  • 3 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2-3 tbsp. water
  • 1 clove crushed garlic (optional)
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley (optional)

 

AVOCADO HERB DRESSING
Raw
My favourite raw dressing! The creaminess of the avocado will add body to your salads, but be sure to use it sparingly if you are monitoring your fat intake for health purposes. 

Blend the following ingredients until creamy and smooth:

  • 1 whole ripe avocado (skin and seed removed)
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon or lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, dill, chives, mint or cilantro (coriander)

 

 

Article photo courtesy of alexbrn via Flickr