Five creamy Yogurt Salad Dressings made with NO MAYONNAISE! These healthier creamy salad dressings taste so good, you might ditch that jar of mayo for good.
Choose from an all purpose Lemon Yogurt Dressing, a No Mayo Potato Salad Dressing, a flavour packed healthier Yogurt Caesar Salad Dressing, Yogurt Ranch Dressing AND a wickedly creamy oil-free Honey Mustard Dressing! Brought to you in partnership with Farmers Union Greek-style Yogurt.
Today, I’m sharing my favourite Yogurt Salad Dressing recipes that I use in place of popular mayo based salad dressings.
There will always be occasions that call for a grand classic Potato Salad or everyone’s favourite Coleslaw, in all it’s mayo-loaded glory! But in these parts, especially with my group of friends, non-mayo salad options are in high demand.
So over the years, I’ve built up an arsenal of creamy yogurt based salad dressings and it’s high time I shared. Here’s my top 5:
1. Creamy Lemon Yogurt Salad Dressing – all purpose beauty!
2. Yogurt Potato Salad Dressing – I love the little pops of mustard seeds in this.
3. Oil Free Honey Mustard Dressing – take my favourite Honey Mustard Dressing and switch all the oil with yogurt = same creamy lusciousness with less guilt!
4. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing – another all purpose beauty (because I use this on everything).
5. Healthier Yogurt Caesar Dressing – this packs a serious flavour punch, just like the classic Caesar Salad Dressing.
The essential base ingredient for all these dressings is THIS – a good thick Greek yogurt. My choice: Farmers Union Greek-Style Yogurt. Always has been, for as long as I can remember.
Here’s a rundown on each of the dressings and what to use them for.
1. Creamy Lemon Yogurt Salad Dressing (The All Rounder)
This is my all purpose yogurt dressing, the one I use for any salad whether it’s a simple garden salad, a full loaded chicken salad, a pasta salad (like classic Macaroni Salad), Creamy Broccoli Salad or Coleslaw. It’s made with Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, and a nice hit of freshness from lemon.
2. Healthier Yogurt Potato Salad Dressing
A fabulously creamy, flavour loaded potato salad dressing made without mayonnaise IS possible! Made with Greek yogurt, a good dose of both Dijon and wholegrain mustard, plus a nice hit of fresh herbs, any potato salad tossed with this Yogurt Potato Salad Dressing is terrific on the day but is even BETTER the next day…. Just use this Potato Salad recipe and switch the dressing for this one!
3. Oil-Free Honey Mustard Dressing
The classic Honey Mustard Dressing is made with equal parts honey, mustard, vinegar and oil. When you give it a big shake, the oil emulsifies with the other ingredients so you end up with a beautiful creamy dressing.
In this healthier version, the oil is switched for yogurt. It’s just as creamy and luscious and indulgent tasting, with far lower calories. It’s a winner!
4. Healthier Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
A healthier version of America’s most popular salad dressing! Usually made with mayonnaise and buttermilk, this healthier Ranch Dressing is made with Greek Yogurt and olive oil, plus a good dose of Ranch Dressing seasonings.
Ranch Dressing is so good, I use it as an all purpose dressing for anything that usually calls for a creamy dressing, from garden salads to pasta salads and corn salad.
But my favourite is to use it for what I call a SouthWest Salad, pictured below. Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, optional chicken and bacon, drizzled with this Yogurt Ranch Dressing. It’s so good!!
5. Healthier Yogurt Caesar Dressing
If you have it in your head that yogurt dressings are bland, try this healthier Yogurt Caesar Salad Dressing. It will knock your socks off! It’s SO GOOD it really makes me question why I should ever make the mayo version again! Use this classic Caesar Salad recipe (optional chicken) with this healthier Yogurt Caesar Dressing.
THESE ARE VERY, VERY GOOD
“Healthy” has a bad reputation for meaning “bland”. There’s no denying that when you strip fat out of salad dressings, you lose a certain element of creaminess on your palette as you munch through a pile of crunchy greens.
But by using a good, thick yogurt in place of mayonnaise and adjusting seasonings to compensate for the loss of fat in the dressings, you can still make very, very good creamy dressings that you can use generously on your salads. I use these dressings far more frequently in day to day life than I do mayonnaise based ones.
I’d really love to know what you think if you try any of them! – Nagi x
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
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Healthier Creamy Yogurt Salad Dressings
Ingredients
Creamy Lemon Yogurt Salad Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt , preferably Greek
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic , minced
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Yogurt Ranch Dressing:
- 1 cup plain yogurt , preferably Greek
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove , minced
- 1/4 tsp EACH dried dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, black pepper
- 1/2 tsp EACH onion powder, mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp white sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
Yogurt Potato Salad Dressing:
- 1 cup plain yogurt , preferably Greek
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tsp white sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh chives , finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, onion powder
Oil-Free Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt , preferably Greek
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp EACH garlic powder, salt and pepper
Yogurt Caesar Salad Dressing:
- 1 cup plain yogurt , preferably Greek
- 1/2 garlic clove , minced
- 2 anchovy fillets or 3/4 tsp Anchovy paste (Note 2)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 – 4 tbsp milk (adjust consistency)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
All Dressings except Caesar:
- Mix ingredients in a bowl. Set aside for 30 minutes+ to allow flavours to develop.
- Use milk to adjust to desired consistency.
Caesar Salad Dressing:
- Blitz in a food processor until smooth. Use milk to adjust consistency.
Recipe Notes:
2. Ranch: Great all rounder, use for leafy greens, garden salads, SouthWest Salad (Note 3), Creamy Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad, drizzle over iceberg wedges.
3. Potato Salad Dressing: For potato salad.
4. Honey Mustard Dressing: Use for leafy greens, garden salads, a chicken saladlike this one, would also be great with this Roast Sweet Potato Salad.
5. Caesar Salad: For Caesar salad – chicken is optional. Also terrific to dipping in crisp lettuce leaves and vegetable sticks. Would also be terrific on this Mexican Corn Salad.
1. Yogurt – I use Farmers Union Greek-style Yogurt (available widely in Australia). Plain yogurt will work fine too. Just ensure it’s a good thick one. Low fat will also work but cut back on the sour (vinegar) in the dressings (as low fat yogurt is more sour than full fat) 2. Anchovy fillets are key to achieve a true restaurant quality flavour for Caesar Salad. You can’t taste it, it’s the salt for the dressing. Use the dark brown anchovy fillets in oil , not the white anchovy fillets that are brined in vinegar, not oil. Substitutions: If you really prefer not to use anchovies, 1 tsp of fish sauce will be an adequate substitute. If you’re allergic to fish, use 1 tsp light or all purpose soy sauce. 3. Storage – These dressings keep for 3 days in the fridge, best to take them out 30 minutes prior to using.
LIFE OF DOZER
He spends a lot of time doing this.
I spend a lot of time vacuuming that darn rug. It fills my entire Dyson, every time!!
PS Yes, his Modesty Daisy will always be present when he’s splaying it all out like that. 😂
Today’s recipe is brought to you courtesy of Farmers Union. I’ve used their Greek style natural yogurt for as long as I can remember. So it was a no brainer when they asked if I’d create a recipe for them!!
Hi Nagi,
In USA I use Fage(when I don’t make my own)… However in Australia the Greek Yoghurt all seems to be Greek STYLE yoghurt, ie it is made with cream or thickeners rather than a true strained yoghurt. Do you have any suggestions for a Greek yoghurt (strained) in Australia?
Hi Janis, I usually just use Farmers Union yogurt – N x
The Farmers Union like the Jalna has cream in it ie Greek STYLE – so not like Greek yoghurt which is high protein(due to straining) but instead a lot of fat. Less obvious if you don’t eat both – very obvious “greasy” feel if you are used to the real Greek yoghurt. You don’t find the greasiness off putting? Taste also seems a little lacking to me… but then I make my own in USA or get the Fage – which is fantastic yoghurt! For some reason this creamed yoghurt has become popular lately in Australia. It stands out when you make a choclolate yoghurt pudding where the yoghurt flavour is a large part of the taste. I thought the dressing would also have the same?
Hi Nagi! I don’t have a food processor at home. What’s an alternative to blitz the ceasar dressing? I only have a Nutribullet. Thank you!
Nutribullet is perf! I use mine all the time 😇
Nagi, these look wonderful but can you tell me how many tablespoons, or servings the make so I can calculate the points? Thanks!
Hi Ricki, I suppose it depends on personal preference and how much dressing you put on a salad, I can calculate the total for you if you’d like?
The ranch dressing rocks! It’s even good with nonfat yogurt. Great recipe!
Thanks for letting me know what you think ❤️
Ok I have to confess I was a like suss about the taste and creaminess of these dressings vs mayo dressings BUT I was pleasantly surprised to to discover that these are delicious! Plus I don’t feel guilty having a second serve 🙂
I’m so glad you’re converted Maria!!
Don’t want to use sugar
You can leave it out if you prefer, I just find it balances out the flavours – or you could substitute with a little honey. N x
Like
Nagi, you’re a blast! Ran into you looking for slow cook Turkey receipe, it was stupendous, many thanks. Yogurt dressings, I almost gagged when my 40 year old son said his favorite salad dressing was grocery store ranch, so I was delighted to see & send your YOGURT version, it sound wonderful & I’m waiting for his rave review. Many thanks. A newer member. PS. I miss my “Dozer”, love yours.
Haha! I’m so happy you loved the turkey! It’s just so easy to make salad dressings at home – I hope he loves it and I’ll await to hear his feedback!
this is just suggestion. I love your salads and dressings in fact I love all your recipes.
Could we please have salads and perhaps dressings as a separate category . Im not a patient teacher sorry
Hi Lola, I usually do a dressing that suites the salad it’s going over so incorporate them into the salad recipe itself ☺️
Hi There
Can I omit the sugar or substitute it for something else?
I like a touch to balance out the flavours – try honey instead ☺️
These all look delicious Nagi! I have used greek yoghurt a lot in salad dressings, however, I haven’t added as much variety to mine yet as you have done. Your video and post is thought provoking and interesting how engaged you are with creating each individual dressing. Thanks for sharing! P.S If you get a robot vaccuum, that will clean the rug then you can spend more time coming up with fabulous recipes 🙂
My iRobot always gets STUCK on that damn rug!!! I always get notifications saying it’s stuck on a cliff! 😂
…besides it might get confused by the “modesty daisy”…tee hee 🙂 Sticking these recipes on my fridge. Thanks for the recipes and the Dozer giggles x
I made the lemon dressing for a green salad to serve with monte cristo sandwiches and it was lovely. Looking forward to trying the other dressings, and will look for something to replace the anchovies, since I’m vegetarian. Thanks for a great recipe!
MONTE CRISTOS!!!! YUUUUUMMMM!!!
My darn browser stopped working and I couldn’t even get google to work for 2 days! 😡😩😭
Only google is working now!
These salads look yummy! I’ll be trying the ranch one first. Some of my family uses ranch dressing like it was ketchup…on everything! 😂
I eat yogurt alot cuz mayo makes me sick…lactose.
My dog always lays like that and he sheds alot, but he doesn’t have a daisy like Dozer does. 😂
Delicious! I look forward to trying all of these!!
Hope you and Dozer are well!
Dozer, Dozer….yes agree it’s lots of hard work to clean up. As for salad dressing am happy to use yoghurt. Can’t wait for more stable temp so I can make my own yoghurt. Yum! Last two days was hot, bit hi it but yesterday all day heavy clouds. Was happy spend both days at beach, lots of walking and bit in water. But yesterday around 04 Pm big storm, thunder, heavy downpour in 15 min flash flooding when people are going home. Will be more storms over next3 days and two days will be unusual cold snap, brrrr, brrr. Will be cooking yesterday got whole roast chicken for 04.50 dollars so am making salad, chicken spread for s/w with hips of fresh herbs from garden, and risotto with mosh room and chicken. Also got them cheap ,400 gr only 04.00. Love cucumber salad with dill, garlic, yoghurt and smoke paprika, yum. Have good week!
I love blue cheese dressing any tips to make this or use your non mayo and add
Just off to eat my ziti. Just love your recipes and your dog
I love blue cheese dressing any tips to make this or use your non mayo and add
Hi Val! I would add it to the Ranch Dressing 🙂 SO amazing!!!
Thank you Nagi! I adore your salad dressings. I’ve been making the Thai Chicken Salad one a lot lately. And the other day my Other Half and I thoroughly enjoyed the naughty version of the Honey Mustard dressing. I’m definitely going to try some of these lighter yoghurt ones!
We like Jalna Greek yoghurt in this house because it is Willow approved. Willow is our cat. She LOVES yoghurt but not all yoghurts… When we were looking for a new brand, she rejected most of them except Jalna! (You can tell who’s in charge at our house).
Yay Nagi. Just the dressings I wanted as some of my family just don’t like mayo so I always struggle to compromise especially with potato salad and slaw so I will be making these and see what their reaction is. Thanks a heap for all your fantastic recipes and also for our daily dose in the life of that beautiful pet Dozer. 🙂 xx
These look amazing, I can’t wait to try the honey mustard dressing!!!
I have a question, how long can I store these dressings for?
Thank you!
BC