What kind of dressing can you have on Whole30?

October 19, 2025 •

2 min read

Over half of all commercially produced salad dressings contain added sugar, dairy, or grains, making them non-compliant for the program. So, what kind of dressing can you have on Whole30? The answer lies in simple, whole-ingredient recipes or careful label-reading for certified products.

Quick Summary

Whole30-compliant dressings must avoid added sugar, dairy, and grains, relying on healthy fats, vinegars, citrus, and herbs for flavor. You can make them at home or find pre-made, approved brands like Primal Kitchen or Tessemae's by checking the ingredient lists carefully.

Key Points

Check Labels: Always read the ingredients list carefully for hidden sugars, grains, dairy, and soy in store-bought dressings.
Homemade is Best: Making your own dressing gives you complete control over ingredients and ensures freshness.
Seek the Logo: Look for the official 'Whole30 Approved' logo on store-bought products for peace of mind.
Emulsifiers Are Key: Use compliant mayonnaise or Dijon mustard to create creamy textures for dressings like ranch or Caesar.
Flavor Bases: Rely on healthy oils (avocado, olive), vinegar, citrus, and a variety of herbs and spices for flavor.
Versatile Uses: Homemade dressings double as marinades or dipping sauces for meat and vegetables.

The Whole30 Rules for Dressings

To adhere to the Whole30 program, dressings must be free of common additives. Non-compliant ingredients include added sugars such as cane sugar, honey, or fruit juice concentrate. Also prohibited are grains like corn starch, legumes such as soy and soy lecithin, and dairy found in creamy options. Be mindful of other additives like sulfites and carrageenan.

Homemade Whole30 Dressing Recipes

Making your own dressing ensures compliance. Here are a few simple recipes:

Classic Whole30 Vinaigrette

This vinaigrette is made with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic or apple cider vinegar, compliant Dijon mustard, and seasoning. Simply shake ingredients together in a jar.

Creamy Whole30 Ranch

A dairy-free ranch can be made with Whole30-compliant mayonnaise, unsweetened nut milk, and common dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth.

Zesty Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Blend avocado oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and salt for a fresh dressing.

Approved Store-Bought Brands

Convenient Whole30-approved options are available, but always check labels as not all products from these brands are compliant. Brands with compliant products include Primal Kitchen (many options made with avocado oil), Tessemae's (read labels carefully), The New Primal, SideDish (certain flavors), and the official Whole30 Brand. Look for the official Whole30-Approved logo or meticulously read ingredient lists to avoid sugar, dairy, grains, or soy.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Whole30 Dressings


Feature	Homemade Dressings	Store-Bought Dressings
Cost	Typically more budget-friendly	Can be more expensive due to premium ingredients
Ingredient Control	Absolute control over every single ingredient	Must rely on label reading and brand trust
Convenience	Requires preparation time and effort	Ready-to-use, saves time
Taste & Freshness	Fresher, and flavor can be customized	Consistent flavor, but may lack freshness
Shelf Life	Shorter shelf life, usually 1-2 weeks	Longer shelf life due to processing

Conclusion

Enjoying flavorful salads on Whole30 is achievable by understanding compliant dressing ingredients. Opt for homemade options using whole foods or carefully selected store-bought brands that avoid added sugars, grains, dairy, and soy. Look for the 'Whole30 Approved' logo for easier shopping. For comprehensive program rules, visit the Whole30 program rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many Primal Kitchen products are Whole30-approved. They offer a variety of compliant dressings, including Ranch, Caesar, and Greek vinaigrette, typically made with avocado oil.

Yes, but it must be made with compatible ingredients. Most store-bought balsamic vinaigrettes contain added sugar, but compliant versions from brands like Tessemae's and Whole30 Brand exist, or you can make your own.

Most commercial dressings contain non-compliant ingredients such as added sugars (like corn syrup), dairy, grains (as thickeners), or soy-based ingredients (like soy lecithin).

You can make a delicious, creamy ranch by combining a Whole30-compliant mayonnaise (such as avocado oil-based mayo), unsweetened nut milk, and a blend of herbs and spices like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Most vinegars are allowed on Whole30, including balsamic, apple cider, and wine vinegars. A common caution is checking if any non-compliant ingredients are added to flavored vinegars.

You can thicken dressings naturally by using a compatible emulsifier like a whole egg, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard (after checking for sugar), or compliant mayonnaise. Blending fibrous vegetables like carrots can also help.

Yes, Whole30-compliant dressings often work excellently as marinades for meat, poultry, and vegetables. Recipes like citrus vinaigrettes or chimichurri sauce are particularly versatile for this purpose.