Fat Free Salad Dressing
A light, tangy fat-free salad dressing with a sweet and vinegary flavor profile, perfect for fresh salads and suitable for health-conscious or low-fat diet followers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put water, cornstarch, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a blender and blend for half a minute on high speed.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and stir constantly on high heat until it comes to a boil.
- Boil hard for half a minute.
- Remove from heat.
- Whisk in the celery seed, thyme, and tarragon.
- Allow the dressing to cool.
- Store in a sealed container; will keep for 3 weeks.
Tips & Substitutions
To thicken the dressing further or adjust sweetness, consider adding more cornstarch or sugar gradually as you blend. If you prefer a different flavor profile, substitute apple cider vinegar for a milder taste or use maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier alternative. This dressing can also be customized with herbs like dill or basil for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This fat-free salad dressing is perfect for drizzling over fresh greens or as a marinade for grilled vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Pineapple Christmas Salad or can be used to enhance the flavor of Fat-Free Dilled Potato Salad. Try it over a bed of quinoa for a light meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 weeks. If it thickens too much after chilling, simply whisk in a little water to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fat Free Salad Dressing contains roughly 86 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute different types of vinegar such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar depending on your flavor preference. Each will impart a unique taste to the dressing while maintaining its fat-free properties.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar amount by half or substitute it with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie option. Just be sure to adjust the quantities according to the sweetness level you prefer.
How can I make this dressing more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic or shallots to the blender before mixing. Additionally, consider incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a fresh taste that complements salads and grilled dishes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).