Best Store-Bought Salad Dressing, According to Dietitians

Store-bought salad dressings often get a bad rap as overly processed with a laundry list of ingredients. But some store-bought salad dressings deserve a place on your shelf. They’re convenient, save time in the kitchen and make healthy eating more realistic and enjoyable. “Dressing can be a great tool in the kitchen to enhance the appeal of foods like vegetables and lean protein sources,” explains Patricia Kolesa, MS, RDN.

We asked four dietitians for their favorite store-bought salad dressing, and they all picked the same one: Yo Mama’s Sugar-Free Greek Dressing. Here’s why it’s their go-to pick.

Why Yo Mama’s Sugar-Free Greek Dressing Is the Best Store-Bought Salad Dressing

Yo Mama’s Sugar-Free Greek Dressing fits many health goals thanks to its short, recognizable ingredient list, making it a versatile option for a variety of diets, explains Kiran Campbell, RD. “It stands out because it relies on real pantry staples like canola oil, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, lemon and herbs,” she adds.

A 2-tablespoon serving provides the following nutrition:

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 17 g (1.5 g saturated)
• Carbohydrates:
• Added Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 230 mg

It’s Packed with Healthy Fats

Since oil is the base of salad dressings, they tend to be high in fat. Yo Mama’s Sugar-Free Greek Dressing uses canola and olive oil—two excellent sources of healthy unsaturated fats. “With 15 grams of unsaturated fats per serving, this is a great choice for those looking to support their cholesterol and overall heart health,” notes Kolesa.

Salads are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including fat-soluble vitamins, which require fat for proper absorption and processing, explains Haley Jensen, M.S., RDN, LDN. That’s where salad dressing comes in: the healthy fats in the dressing helps your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients in the salad ingredients, such as beta-carotene in carrots.

It Has No Added Sugar

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends keeping added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories. For someone consuming 2,000 calories per day, that’s roughly 50 grams—or about 12 teaspoons—of added sugar.

Sugar can add up quickly throughout the day, so being mindful of where it comes from is key. By choosing a sugar-free salad dressing, you’re reducing your sugar intake while leaving room to enjoy it elsewhere—like in your favorite dessert or sweet treat.

It’s Versatile

Yo Mama’s Sugar-Free Greek Dressing has a simple and straightforward ingredient list that makes it incredibly versatile. It can be a great flavoring agent for marinated meals, salads, sauces or roasted vegetables, says Kolesa. But that’s not all: “It can even double as a sandwich or wrap condiment, making it easier to add flavor without relying on sugary sauces or creamy dressings,” adds Campbell.

Beyond its culinary versatility, this dressing is compatible with a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions, like dairy-free, gluten-free or vegan, notes Kolesa.

It Provides Flavor Without Additives

Yo Mama’s Sugar-Free Greek Dressing contains just oils, vinegars, lemon, garlic, oregano and black pepper—the same ingredients you’d find in a homemade salad dressing. “The ingredients provide flavor without relying on additives,” says Bess Berger, RDN, CDN, CLT.

This simple recipe lets the natural flavors shine while keeping the dressing as close to homemade as possible. Plus, if you ever run out, the straightforward ingredient list makes it easy to whip up a DIY version at home, says Campbell.

What to Look For in a Store-Bought Salad Dressing

• Review the Nutrition Facts Label. “Taking a peek at the Nutrition Facts label can help you make an informed decision as to what salad dressing to purchase,” says Kolesa. What to focus on may vary depending on your health and nutrition goals. Pay attention to the serving size listed and compare it to how much you typically use.
• Opt for an Oil-Based Dressing. Creamy or dairy-based dressings tend to be higher in saturated fat and calories, explains Kolesa. Instead, choose an oil-based dressing or an option with less than 10% of the Daily Value of saturated fat. Higher saturated fat intakes are linked to elevated cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease.
• Look for Low Sugar. “Added sugars are often found in store-bought dressings,” says Kolesa. Choose dressings with less than 10% DV added sugars per serving or ideally none.
• Check Sodium Content. Most sodium in the diet comes from packaged foods and dining out—including store-bought dressings. If you’re looking to reduce your sodium intake, opt for a salad dressing labeled low- or reduced-sodium, recommends Kolesa.
• Review the Ingredients List. “When choosing a store-bought dressing, the ingredient list will tell you more than the front label ever will,” says Campbell. Look for whole-food ingredients and avoid any unnecessary additives, preservatives, artificial colors or thickeners.

Our Expert Take

Store-bought salad dressings can absolutely fit into a healthy eating pattern, and the right one can make meals more satisfying. Dietitians agree that Yo Mama’s Sugar-Free Greek Dressing stands out for its heart-healthy unsaturated fats, lack of added sugar and short, recognizable ingredient list that delivers big flavor. It’s proof that convenience and healthy eating can go hand in hand.