Salads are a great way to incorporate a variety of nutrients into your diet, especially when you’re trying to lose weight. However, many store-bought salad dressings are high in calories and unhealthy ingredients, such as added sugars and preservatives. Making your own salad dressings at home is a simple way to cut down on calories while still enjoying delicious and flavorful salads.
Here are five low-calorie homemade salad dressing recipes that are perfect for weight loss:
1. Lemon vinaigrette:
Lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing dressing that pairs well with a variety of salads. To make this dressing, you’ll need fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt and pepper.
Lemon juice is low in calories and packed with vitamin C, which supports immune function and may help with weight loss by reducing inflammation. Olive oil is a healthy fat that contains monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Dijon mustard is low in calories and adds a tangy flavor to the dressing. Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties.
To make the dressing, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, and salt and pepper to taste. This recipe yields about 6 servings, with each serving containing around 50 calories.
2. Balsamic vinaigrette:
Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic dressing that adds depth and flavor to any salad. To make this dressing, you’ll need balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and salt and pepper.
Balsamic vinegar is low in calories and high in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radical damage. Olive oil, as previously mentioned, is a healthy fat that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Dijon mustard and garlic add a zesty kick to the dressing, while salt and pepper enhance the flavor.
To make the dressing, mix together 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 clove minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. This recipe yields about 6 servings, with each serving containing around 60 calories.
3. Greek yogurt dressing:
Greek yogurt dressing is a creamy and tangy dressing that’s low in calories and high in protein. To make this dressing, you’ll need plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic, and salt and pepper.
Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and contains probiotics, which can support gut health and aid in weight loss. Lemon juice adds a bright and fresh flavor to the dressing, while fresh dill and garlic add a burst of herbaceousness.
To make the dressing, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 clove minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. This recipe yields about 6 servings, with each serving containing around 25 calories.
4. Honey mustard dressing:
The honey mustard dressing is a sweet and tangy dressing that’s perfect for those who love a little bit of sweetness in their salads. To make this dressing, you’ll need Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
As previously mentioned, Dijon mustard is low in calories and adds a tangy flavor to the dressing. Honey is a natural sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing and may have antibacterial properties. Apple cider vinegar is low in calories and can help regulate