Looking for an oil-free vegan salad dressing? Try this magical applesauce vinaigrette recipe. Easy, vegan, gluten-free, and healthy!
Cooking and baking are sometimes described as science… but I like to think of it more like magic. Because sometimes an idea unfolds and is realized in food form with a way that is almost mysterious, yet very exciting!
This week this magic happened with an idea for an oil-free salad dressing. I actually had this concept for a fat-free vinaigrette years ago, when I was writing Vive le Vegan.
I toyed with it, but left it behind at the time. As recipe developers, we sometimes do this. Either the notion becomes further developed down the road as our cooking evolves, or it never materialized.
Why Applesauce?
The idea that was with me for years and manifested this week is… wait for it… using applesauce in an oil-free salad dressing.
Sounds a little strange at first, right? But, think about the qualities of applesauce.
It has viscosity and moisture (the very things that help replace fat in baking) so why not aid a vinaigrette as well?
Initially the combination didn’t quite come together for me in terms of flavor balance.
After a few rounds of testing this week – ta-dah! The magic happened.
The applesauce blends and helps emulsify the other ingredients so that you have a thicker, more rich and full-bodied textured dressing.
Magical Oil-Free Vegan Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp mild miso ex: chickpea miso or brown rice miso
- 3/4 – 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup or more to sweeten to taste if desired
- 1/4 tsp rounded sea salt (or more to taste)
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Using an immersion blender and deep cup (if using a blender, you may need to double the batch for enough blending volume), combine all ingredients, whizzing through until very smooth. Taste, and if you’d like a little sweeter add another teaspoon or so of maple syrup. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper as well. If you’d like a thinner dressing, simply add a couple of teaspoons of water and blend through again.
What are your favorite vinaigrette and salad dressing ingredients?
Note: This oil-free salad dressing recipe is now in Plant-Powered Families.
Update: My OIL-FREE salad dressings now here!
kathryn says
Dreena…. We have had difficulty finding a whole food plant based/oil free/cashew free salad dressings we enjoy. I recently discovered this recipe but was tentative about the addition of applesauce and cinnamon so I made a single batch. But WoW…it is beyond delicious…spot on texture and hits every flavor note in perfect harmony. My hubby says it’s lip-licking delicious. I’m starting another double batch immediately…we want to have this on hand always…. thank you!!!
Dreena Burton says
Well, superb! So very happy to hear that, Kathryn. Bonus when it goes over well with family members. You might enjoy my oil-free dressing collection, as it’s all nut-free (or has nut-free options), with the exception of one recipe. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/2fIUmTO Hope you continue to enjoy the magical dressing!
Jenni says
I love this dressing and make it weekly! I usually make a double batch with maple, cinnamon and cumin for just a single batch—and I love it. Love that it’s oil free and healthy. I also use no sugar added applesauce. Yummies!!!
Dreena says
So happy you are loving it and using it regularly – thanks Jenni!
Patti says
One of the only vegan dressing recipes I like! Thanks so much for sharing.
Nina says
I love this recipe, especially since it’s oil free. It’s so hard to find oil free dressings in the store. Thank you for your tasty, low fat dressing recipes!
Dreena says
Thanks so much, Nina. xx
Paula says
Thanks, this is a really great recipe. I had a very ripe organic pear, so I substituted it for the applesauce, cored and with skins on. Used a mini chopper. It was delicious!
Dreena says
Hi Paula, thank you for the note, and what a smart idea to use really ripe pear. Thanks for sharing that!
Hailey says
This is delicious! Do you have the nutrition information for this?
Thank you!!
Michelle Giroux says
Fantastic. I just added a clove of garlic.
Laura says
thank you! Making this right now! But I’m not sure if you mean cumin seeds or cumin powder?
Dreena says
Hi Laura, cumin powder – little goes a long way in this one. Enjoy!
Laura says
Thank you! Trying it right now 🙂 But I’m not clear if you mean cumin seeds or cumin powder?
Ilene says
What can I substitute the mild miso for. I am trying to use items I already have at home but not really sure what I can use. I don’t want to make a run to the supermarket just for miso. Any suggestions?
Dreena says
No worries, you can omit and simply season with extra salt to taste if you like!
Allison says
OMG Stop it right now! How is this so delicious?! I usually stick with my fat free Italian dressing for all salads because it’s low in calories but – oh-my does it get boring! This is fantastic and I know it will be in my regular meal prep rotation!
Debbie says
I love this receipe. By far my Favourite…I have to 10 times the receipe because I don’t want to run out. My husband also likes it. It took a while to find a favorite salad dressing. But now have one. Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Katherine says
This was an absolute life saver for me! I have gallstones and I’m waiting for surgery. I cannot eat fat right now or will end up in severe pain.
Salad without dressing is just sad and inedible to me. I made this with samjang, Korean soybean paste, instead because I didn’t have miso. This is soooo yummy!
This really saved me and gave me something to eat that I could really enjoy when my food options are extremely limited. Thank you so much! I will recommend this to all my friends.
Dreena says
Thank you Katherine for this lovely feedback. I’m glad this recipe is helping you at this time, and I wish you the best with your surgery.
Corinne says
Have you ever frozen this please?
Ro Owen says
Dreena, this dressing is AWESOME!!! I have never made oil free dressings before, but I am a total convert now because of this dressing. I chopped up red cabbage, red kale, julienned carrot, diced celery, chopped red apple and spring onions and your dressing and …..YUMMO!!! Thank-you for your fabulous recipes! 🙂
Lisa Silver says
Wow! Just…WOW! I made this for a beet, apple, walnut salad with greens. OMG! It’s perfect! I will be using this on everything from now on. I would have never thought, “applesauce, let’s put applesauce in the dressing.” But it works wonderfully. If anybody is skeptical, just try it. You’ll be amazed!
Dreena says
Yay! Just wonderful to read, thank you Lisa. Sometimes odd combinations can work magically!
Eleanora M Hopkins says
What is the calorie count on this recipe? I have to watch my calorie intake carefully.
Dreena says
Hi Eleanora, I don’t have it but you can enter the ingredients to compute per tbsp here: http://nutritiondata.self.com/
Barbara says
Wow, this is amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Dee Dee morris says
My hubby and I are on the Engine 2 – 28 day challenge and finding an oil free dressing was soooo difficult! Until tonight. I made eggplant lasagna rolls and while they were baking a searched for an easy, quick dressing to throw together for a salad. Find this and although I would have normally questioned the ingredients, I just went for it, substituting where I had to (no dijon mustard so I used regular yellow…, no miso so I just omitted it) After not having a salad for 2 1/2 weeks, I was happy as ever to have a salad AND that the dressing was yummy!! Hubby wouldn’t try it so I devoured the salad, commenting as I ate. When I had nothing but a bit of dressing left in the bowl, he dipped his finger into it and then again and again, finally stating “okay, I could eat that, did you make more?” Yay! E2 win, hubby win, health win!!!
AMANDA says
IF I MADE A DOUBLE OR TRIPLE BATCH, HOW LONG WILL THIS STAY GOOD IN THE FRIDGE?
THANKS!
Dreena says
It keeps well up to a week or so.
Katie Loss says
Thank you, thank you Dreena for this no-oil, no-nut salad dressing. Since I follow Dr. Esselstyn’s plant “perfect” eating for heart health, it is wonderful to have this recipe. So many times I’m stymied from using no-oil recipes because of the inclusion of nuts or avocado or other high fat whole foods. You get the gold medal for this one!!
Dreena says
My pleasure Katie. So happy to know you can use (and enjoy!) this dressing. Feel free to share the recipe link with others in your heart health communities, I know it’s tricky (my own FIL followed a low-fat vegan diet after heart disease). I plan to do an ebook of oil-free salad dressings, so stay tuned! 🙂
Brooke says
Late to the table on this one, decided to make after recent post on Happy Healthy Librarian facebook page. This is a fabulous, OIL-FREE salad dressing! Great texture and flavors: savory, tangy, sweet, salty…versatile and so easy. Appreciate your work. THANK YOU!
Brooke says
Late to the table on this one, decided to try after featured on the Happy Healthy Librarian facebook page. SO fabulous – delicious combo of flavors, perfect texture, versatile. Thankful for NO-OIL dressings and most appreciative of your work. THANK YOU!
Alysa says
Where can I find the miso? Would the recipe work without it?
Dreena says
Miso is available in many grocery stores (with some of the refrigerated health food items like non-dairy milks and flax meal), and in health food/whole foods stores. I really like chickpea miso, but you can use any other mild miso.
Brittany says
It had never dawned on me that oil free salad dressings were a thing until I was researching some new yummy vegan dressings. I came across your site and am totally hooked. I made this dressing the same day and it is AMAZING. My boyfriend loves it and is now disappointed when we don’t have salad with dinner!! It’s the only dressing I’ve made in my house the last month and will probably continue to be for the next while, Thank You!
PS Trader Joes sells a Pomegranate vinaigrette that is awesome and works really well as a fun substitution. It allows you to use less maple syrup since the Pomegranate is already a little naturally sweet.
Laura Zimmerman says
Delicious dressing! I’m using it on salad, potatoes, and veggies too. I normally only like creamy nut based dressing but they are so high in calories I try not to use them very often. This is perfect, thanks Dreena!
Dreena says
Glad to hear it, thanks Laura!
Hazel says
This stuff is SO GOOD! I loooooove it. I eat a ton of salads so I am always looking for a new dressing to try. This one makes me never wanna try a new one again! Awesome flavor. My favorite part is that cumin, yum! Thank you so much for posting this 🙂
Felicia says
Just found your site, and am so excited about trying this vinaigrette. Do you have a printer friendly link that I’m missing?
Dreena says
Ah! Thanks for picking up on that Felicia. I posted that recipe before I implemented RECIpage – so I have just added the link now – you can go print/share as you like! 🙂
Kera says
I just made this for lunch and it was delicious! The applesauce really stands in for oil well. I left out the mustard because I don’t like it (even if I can’t taste it!) and am out of cinnamon so that was missing too. Very good anyway. I want to experiment with other dressings now! I think an Asian dressing would lend itself well to the applesauce method.
Christina says
This dressing is so good! Amazing flavors. It would make an amazing marinade too!
sharon says
i just made this dressing – it is so tasty and amazing – thank you!!
Dreena says
Wonderful to know, thank you Sharon!
The Cold Turkey Vegan says
I’m so excited to try this! I’m a long time balsamic fanatic (and Italiophile; brought BV home from Modena 🙂 and have often enjoyed it with strawberries to the delight & surprise of uninitiated friends. This is also timely for me as just recently I’ve been researching oil-free vinegrette options for myself and for a friend who needs a healthier option. Thanks, Dreena – you da bomb!!
Audrey says
This vinaigrette is fabulous! I have made it twice already and the second time I made a double-batch. I’ve experimented with adding some stevia in place of some of the maple syrup, and I’ve also reduced the salt and the dressing still tastes amazing! I found that the recipe not doubled makes about enough for 4 super large salads (at least for me!). For those of you with salt or sugar restrictions, just play around with until you get a combo that suits you. Some misos are also saltier than others, so you might want to keep that in mind if reducing the salt. Oh, I also used a whole grain mustard that adds a subtle spiciness. So this dressing is sweet, salty, tangy, savory and just delicious! I love the combo of cinnamon and cumin and have toyed with the idea of throwing in a bit of curry powder. I might have to try that next time!
Thanks for a genius recipe, Dreena!
Christine says
Could you share how much and what kind of stevia you used in this recipe?
Dreena says
I prefer to use maple syrup, but if you want to use stevia, add just a pinch or two to taste, adjusting until you like the flavor.
Jody says
Oh my. I just made this dressing and put it on my fresh tomato, roasted beet, and strawberry salad. I am deeply and madly in love. Thank you a million times!
Dreena says
You’re a million times welcome Jody!! I’m delighted you loved it so much, and your salad combo sounds dynamite!!!
Melissa says
This salad is beautiful!!! Do you cook or steam the zucchini ribbons?
Dreena says
Melissa, even easier – just use a vegetable peeler to make the ribbons. They are tender and don’t need any cooking that way. Here is a clip where I show how to do it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20tAKlX6wfk
vegancouchpotato says
that looks great! PS love the new site
Alicia @ Treble Tart says
This dressing looks so delicious! Yum!!
ellie says
This recipe sounds good- but I have a question. I do not like any kind of mustard. If I leave it out, will the dressing still taste good?
Thanks!
Dreena says
Ellie, yes, it will still taste good. The mustard adds flavor, but also helps emulsify vinaigrettes to make the elements some together – and traditionally, to emulsify the oil with the acidic components. Since there is no oil, it’s not quite as critical – so give it a whir! 🙂
Minnie(@thelady8home) says
Glutton free, thats what attracting me more to the recipe. 😀
I think even I would go for honey than maple syrup. Let me try it and then get back to you.
veganamericanprincess says
I’ve been waiting for a great fat-free salad dressing to come along!! This looks great!! Thanks!!! Can’t wait to try strawberries on my salad. This is great for summer!! http://veganamericanprincess.com
TD says
FYI – I put this recipe into my food program, and I’m wondering how many servings this makes? In the total recipe there is 888mg of sodium (more than half of the daily recommended amount) without adding additional salt to taste as you suggest. There is also 25 g of sugar and 30 g carbohydrate (which is equal to 2 servings of fruit). The food program is handy to check out the nutrition info. For those on a plant strong vegan diet because of health reasons, like heart disease or diabetes, this recipe would have to serve about 10 people to be acceptable.
Dreena says
Certainly you can reduce the salt – or omit the miso – if you like. You can also reduce the sweetener somewhat, but at some point the reduction of seasoning and sweetener really sacrifices flavor. I use my batch over about a week’s worth of salads for my husband and I, just a little drizzle works well (maybe 2-3 tsp per portion). I find if you toss it through the salad, a little goes a lot further as well (rather than having it poured over the top). That way you keep more of the flavor and enjoy your salad that much more! I appreciate your information for people with health issues.
(As a side, my father-in-law had a heart attack about 15 years ago and his cardiologist advised him to eat a plant-based diet and follow the Dr. Ornish program for reversing heart disease. My husband and I were already vegan at the time, but that inspired me to start writing cookbooks over ten years ago. I’m familiar with the fat, sodium, and sweetener limitations when disease reversal is necessary. Wishing you the best on your journey.)
Tina Schantz says
this sounds wonderful, do you think I can use agave instead of the maple syrup? Do you have any other thoughts about Agave nectar, good bad or otherwise? I heard that it is the worst sweetner and that it is made with corn syrup. My bottle is organic Agave and has no ingredient list, just states Organic Agave Nectar derived from the plant.
Dreena says
Hi Tina, certainly you can. I do often prefer maple syrup mostly for the flavor it imparts (including in this dressing), and also just how wonderful and versatile it is as a natural sweetener. I do use agave at times, if I don’t want the pronounced maple flavor – but will opt for maple syrup when I can. There isn’t corn syrup in agave nectar, but you may be thinking about corn syrup because comparisons have been made between the fructose content in agave vs corn syrup. Agave nectar has a lower glycemic index than other sweeteners, but some suggest that the higher fructose level makes it less of a healthy sweetener than originally thought. For me, the information is not entirely clear, so I use it more sparingly and choose maple syrup, or coconut sugar, or dates, etc, as sweetener options. That help any?
Mare says
I don’t like miso. Is something else I can substitute?
Dreena says
Mare, you can omit it and add extra salt. The miso flavor doesn’t come through too prominently in this dressing, but if you want to omit it then bump up the salt to about 1/2 tsp, and you can always adjust more to taste if you like.
Mare says
Thank you! I can’t wait to try this one!
Tiffany says
Hi Dreena,
This looks great!!
I believe I saw a recipe of your that was a miso salad dressing…now I can’t find it. I have your book Let them Eat Vegan and Eat Drink and be Vegan. Looked in both but I cant seem to find it. Maybe it was a miso sauce…not sure. Do you have a miso dressing that I am referring to?
Thanks!
Dreena says
Tiffany, I did do a miso gravy (very tangy) in my first cookbook ‘The Everyday Vegan’… but I also did and Orange Miso Vinaigrette (fat-free) for the PCRM kickstart last April – do you recall which of the two it was?
annette brown says
how long can this keep in refrigerator?
Dreena says
Hi Annette, with the vinegar in the dressing it will keep well for at least a week – probably two. It’s not a really large batch, so you would probably use it in that time.
Kaitlyn says
This was awesome! Thanks for the great recipe! Do you think I could substitute raspberry vinegar to make raspberry vinegrette?
Dreena says
You’re welcome Kaitlyn. 🙂 And, I think the raspberry vinegar would be a delicious substitute! Definitely a recipe you can play with, and you might want to use some raspberry, some balsamic, etc. Have fun!
Lisa Jachimiec says
I love to use an over ripe pear with balsamic. I used to hate having fruit get overly ripe but now things like over ripe bananas, pears and the like are sought after commodities.
Wendy Sailor says
Sounds good, always looking for good dressing. 🙂 Do you ever use chia gel? I like to use that in dressings.
Dreena says
Thank you Wendy! Chia is brilliant for dressings and so many things from baking to desserts and smoothies! Sometimes takes a little experimentation to get the proportions right, as too little can be ineffective and too much can be too ‘gloopy’! But, I love chia and use it a lot – great suggestion. 🙂
Audrey says
What a brilliant idea! I’m going to have to try this.
Christine S says
This looks so good. I will try it today. A big THANK-YOU to you!
Teresa G says
This sounds amazing and i can’t wait to try it but… excuse me for sounding dumb, but a Vitamix would count as an immersion blender right?
Dreena says
Teresa, an immersion blender is sometimes called a stick blender, this type of thing: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_17?url=search-alias%3Dappliances&field-keywords=immersion+blender&sprefix=immersion+blender%2Cstripbooks%2C218
I use it a lot for salad dressings and sauces, b/c mine fits perfectly in a jar and it’s also handy when you aren’t blending a large volume. If you do this in a vitamix (which would be totally fine!) you might need to double the recipe to get enough liquid to get moving in the jar. Here is a clip I did using my immersion blender so you can get the idea of how I use it in a jar/deep cup. 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVpPfPegQTY
Carla says
Dreena, watched your video with the immersion blender. Thanks because I did not even know what it was. Will buy one from BBB this weekend. I have several salsa jars I think they will be a perfect fit also. Thanks again for sharing.
Dreena says
Oh cool! I sometimes assume that the term is well-known, you’ve reminded me that it’s not always (just to me as I’m a bit of a food geek). 😉 You’re welcome Carla, and I think you’ll get good use with it… my very fave tool for pureeing soups!
Andy says
That sounds great – my 2 favorite basalmics are a pomagranite infused and a white pear infused basalmic – that way I don’t add any extra sugar. They are amazing!
Dreena says
Wow, I bet those have beautiful flavor Andy, I’m especially intrigued by the white pear one…
Emma says
Dreena- I believe you are a genius.
Allissa says
My family has been plant based for about 6 months now. We bought Plant Powered Families in hopes of making things exciting for my kids on our new journey. So far,so GREAT!
Tried this dressing today. I only had soybean miso and it still worked out beautifully!!!!!!!! I think my husband’s huge work salads are getting boring. I can’t wait for him to try this when he gets home.
I’m imagining this with roasted veggies!!!!!
Darlene Atwell says
Wow, that looks so…. good. Do you think I could replace the maple syrup with raw honey?
Love your site :)!
Dreena says
Hi Darlene, yes, I think it would work fine. I haven’t tested it with honey, but in this quantity the sub should be fine (you may want more/less to taste).
Michelle Keown says
Can’t wait to try this! It sounds delish!
Thank you!