Preview: This Low-Calorie Salad Dressing Recipe makes a Creamy Balsamic Dressing with yogurt that won’t break your calorie budget.
Do you ever get in a rut with salad dressing? If so, I feel your pain. I eat a huge salad almost every single day. Variety is key to sustaining the habit.
This recipe is for Crystal, a reader who specifically requested a low-calorie salad dressing. I think she was in the same rut.
Why make your dressing at home?
Making a low-calorie and healthy salad dressing more imaginative than a little bit of oil and vinegar is not all that easy.
Most published recipes for homemade dressing are high in calories because they contain lots of fat and sugar. While some types of oils are healthy in moderation, overdoing it can be tempting. (Speaking for myself here.)
Then I thought about my favorite food group–YOGURT.
Why add Greek yogurt to a salad dressing?
- It’s creamy.
- It can be low-calorie
- Not as tart as regular yogurt.
- Greek yogurt
is readily access ible these days. I keep it in my refrigerator at all times. Make it yourself, (but it’s certainly not necessary.)
Substituting nonfat Greek yogurt for some of the oil makes the calorie count more reasonable. My personal standard for salad dressing is 80 calories or below per serving.
Incidentally, a serving of salad dressing is usually two tablespoons. Going overboard is easy. Whenever I’m being obsessive and measuring it out…well, two tablespoons is rarely enough. Just sayin’.
What kind of flavors are in this dressing?
Sweet-and-sour describes the honey/balsamic combination of flavors. Subtle umami notes from the soy sauce and Dijon mustard add to the fun. Creamy Greek y
What should I serve with this Low-Cal Salad Dressing?
Try this Balsamic and Yogurt Salad Dressing recipe with a lettuce/fruit and nut combination. For example, I love it with chicken and sliced oranges, or dried cranberries and almonds, or dried blueberries and toasted pecans.
More healthy condiment recipes:
- Creamy Strawberry Yogurt Salad Dressing
- Homemade Mayonnaise That Stays Fresh for a Month
- Cajun Dip for Sweet Potato Fries
- Cilantro and Green Chili Pesto
- An Amazing Way To Keep Chopped Romaine Lettuce Fresh
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Did you enjoy this recipe? If so, you can help others and me by leaving a 5-star 🤩 rating inside the recipe below. No comments required.
Hope to see you again soon!
Paula
p.s. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can email me privately: paula at saladinajar.com.
Low-Calorie Salad Dressing with Balsamic Vingegar and Greek Yogurt
A low-calorie dressing with nonfat Greek yogurt as the base. Light on fat, heavy on flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt (see notes)
- 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil.
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Store in refrigerator.
Notes
1. Makes 6 servings/2 tablespoons each.
2. You may substitute regular nonfat yogurt but finished product will be a thinner consistency.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 61Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 310mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 3g
30 Best Low Calorie Salad Dressing Recipes - Best Recipes Ideas and Collections
Tuesday 2nd of February 2021
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Maria Simjen
Sunday 2nd of August 2020
I love this light dressing, thank you, but I find the balsamic sweet enough so I leave out the honey.
Paula
Sunday 2nd of August 2020
Good for you, Maria. Since balsamic vinegars vary, it probably depends on the brand and type you buy--and of course, the intensity of your sweet tooth.
Leah
Monday 25th of November 2019
Yum!! Thanks, what great flavor!
Paula
Monday 25th of November 2019
Glad you liked it, Leah.
Amy Tipton
Wednesday 14th of November 2018
Yummy! Lots of flavor!
Paula
Thursday 15th of November 2018
Glad you enjoyed it Amy. Thanks for the rating!
Jenn
Sunday 14th of May 2017
Several people have asked how long it will keep in the fridge, but there has been no reply/answer... I live alone and to make this would be a waste without knowing how long it will last.. Helloooooo, any answers????
Paula
Sunday 14th of May 2017
Hi Jenn, Unfortunately, homemade dressing doesn't have all the preservatives found in a commercial dressing. A week is a conservative estimate for how long this dressing will keep in the fridge. Yours might last a little longer depending on how fresh the ingredients are to begin with. Hope this helps.