Unlike, say, bread or beer, salad dressing seems like it should be naturally gluten-free, right? Nope! Many salad dressings hide gluten-containing ingredients, especially if you’re buying bottled dressing from the store. Here’s a guide to which dressings are gluten-free, dressings that often contain gluten and what to watch for on the label.
Safe Gluten-Free Salad Dressings
In general, many salad dressings are naturally gluten-free. These options are generally safe. If you’re buying bottled salad dressing, always check the label. Many brands proudly call out that they’re gluten-free; if not, check the nutrition facts.
- Vinaigrette. Vinaigrette is almost always gluten-free, whether it’s made with red wine, champagne or balsamic vinegar. If you’re buying bottle vinaigrette, stop! It’s so easy to make homemade vinaigrette.
- Italian dressing. A vinaigrette jazzed up with herbs and garlic, most Italian dressing should be GF.
- Caesar salad dressing. Traditional Caesar dressing is gluten-free even if prepared with Worcestershire sauce. Unless you’re going homemade, best to check.
- Mayonnaise. Making tuna or potato salad? Mayonnaise, which is generally thickened with eggs, is almost always gluten-free.
- Yogurt- or buttermilk-based dressings. Perfect for creamy spring salads, dressings made with dairy tend to be gluten-free because they don’t require artificial thickeners.
- Ranch dressing. The beloved creamy dressing is typically available gluten-free, but be careful. Hidden Valley makes both Original Ranch Homestyle and Original Ranch Light gluten-free, but Organic Ranch is not GF. It’s tricky, so always check the label!
Our top-rated gluten-free recipes will please every eater.
Safe Gluten-Free Salad Dressing Brands
Many brands specialize in gluten-free dressing and clearly label their products. A few popular options include:
- Annie’s
- Cardini’s
- Drew’s Organics
- Ken’s Foods
- Marie’s
- Newman’s Own
- Organicville
- Primal Kitchen
- Skinnygirl
You might want to keep this list on your refrigerator. Then, bookmark our favorite allergy-free recipes for kids.
Warning Signs That Salad Dressing Contains Gluten
So, why would salad dressings even need to add gluten? Understanding why gluten is added can help you spot it more quickly.
For flavor: A gluten-containing ingredient might contribute flavor to the dressing. Malt vinegar always contains gluten. Soy sauce is generally made with wheat, so be careful around Asian-flavored dressings. Some brands of mustard and other condiments contain gluten. Blue cheese often contains gluten due to the cheesemaking process. The good news is, if gluten is added for flavor, it’s usually pretty obvious because it’s not a hidden or mysteriously named ingredient.
For thickening: Creamy or unctuous dressings may use gluten ingredients as thickening agents. Look for ingredients like “food starch,” “modified food starch,” and, of course, “flour” on the label.
As filler ingredients: This catch-all category is the trickiest to spot. Generally, the more processed and artificial a salad dressing is, the more likely that it will contain a sneaky gluten filler. Check the ingredients list for these vague, red-flag words: flavorings, artificial flavorings, natural flavorings, artificial color, Dextrin and spice blend.
If you’re new to eating gluten-free, it can seem overwhelming to learn what’s safe and unsafe. The good news is, more brands than ever are aware of gluten and are careful to label their products; many are even cutting out unnecessary gluten entirely. There’s no shame in skipping the fine print and only buying a product that’s clearly labeled.
Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes
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Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake
I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Apple & Sweet Potato Quinoa
When feeding three hungry boys, I rely on quick, filling and tasty meals. The guys aren’t big quinoa fans, but the sweet potatoes and apples won them over. —Cheryl Beadle, Plymouth, Michigan
Sesame Cilantro Shrimp
On days when I don't feel like spending much time in the kitchen, I reach for shrimp. I can have a hot meal in the table in 10 minutes. —Tami Penunuri, League City, Texas
Pronto Vegetarian Peppers
In the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Gluten-Free Chili Beef Pasta
After I got married, my aunt gave me her recipe for skillet spaghetti and told me it was ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Over the years I’ve tinkered with the ingredients and played with the seasonings to make it healthier. It's a dish my family truly loves. —Kristen Killian, Depew, New York
Pesto Portobello Pizzas
Super easy and delicious! Lunch, dinner or snack, we can’t think of a time when these pizzas wouldn’t come in handy. Serve quartered with toothpicks as appetizers. —Laurie Barmore, Waterford, Wisconsin
Chicken and Falafel Waffles
These gluten-free waffles made from garbanzo beans perfectly complement Moroccan-spiced chicken with cucumber relish. They're a savory, low-carb spin on a classic comfort dish. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Spicy Coconut Shrimp with Quinoa
Help yourself to a plate full—generous servings are still lower in calories and big on protein. If you have company, you can add a salad and call it a day. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Pistachio Baked Salmon
Next time you're rushed by last-minute guests, try this fancy, flavorful salmon. With pistachios, brown sugar and dill, it's a guaranteed hit. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio
Southern Pork & Rice
At our house, we're big on healthy eating. These ultra tender chops with colorful rice and black-eyed peas are a meal fancy enough for a dinner party. —Annie Holmes, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Broiled Chicken & Artichokes
My wife and I first made this chicken entree as newlyweds and have been hooked on it ever since, and make it almost weekly. It's so simple and affordable, yet delicious and healthy. Can't beat that. —Chris Koon, Midlothian, Virginia
Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice
My husband often ordered pineapple fried rice at Thai restaurants, so I surprised him by tweaking some similar recipes to come up with a version that's both simple and delicious. —Bonnie Brien, Pacific Grove, California
Pancetta and Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast
I was inspired by a stuffed chicken Marsala dish I had at a restaurant and wanted to come up with my own version using a different flavor profile. —Ashley Laymon, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Green Curry Salmon with Green Beans
Like a lot of people here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, my boyfriend, Michael, loves to fish. When we have an abundance of fresh salmon on hand, this is one way we cook it. —Amy Paul Maynard, Albany, Oregon
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter
This grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don't skip it! —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Thin-Crust Gluten-Free Pepperoni Pizza
My husband can't eat pizza with gluten or sugar in the crust. Because that leaves out boxed mixes and frozen pizzas, I decided to make my own. — Angela Sage, Waxhaw, North Carolina
California Burger Wraps
I love the way these fresh flavors blend together. It's a snap to throw this together using leftover burgers for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
I grow zucchini by the bushel, so this pizza casserole is one of my dinnertime go-to's. My hungry husband and kids gobble it right up. —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Ginger-Chutney Shrimp Stir-Fry
I made this recipe a lot when I was juggling college, work and a growing family. It tastes like you spent a lot of time making it, yet only takes minutes to pull together. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Vegetable, Steak and Eggs
Low-carb doesn't have to be skimpy with this lighter take on steak and eggs. I love cooking with squash, but feel free to toss in any vegetable combination you like. —Robert Deskin, Plantation, Florida
Sausage Potato Supper
One Saturday night a few years ago, I came up with this dish on the spur of the moment. It was dinnertime, and I had to use what I had on hand. It's been a hit with my family ever since. —Nancy Russell, Englewood, Colorado
Chicken Provolone
Though it's one of my simplest dishes, this version of an Italian classic is also one of my husband’s favorites. It’s quick to prepare and a garnish of fresh parsley or basil makes it look elegant. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
West African Shrimp
My girls have always loved seafood, so I invented a shrimp dish with coconut milk and ginger. They raved; I was delighted. It's great with jasmine rice. —Sharon Scaletta, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken
I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Asparagus Turkey Stir-Fry
When people try this dish, they ask for the recipe, just as I did when I first tasted it when visiting a friend's home. Tossed in a delicious lemon sauce, this simple skillet dish is sure to satisfy on the busiest of nights. It's a great way to use leftover turkey. —May Evans, Corinth, Kentucky
BLT Chicken Salad
Featuring all the fun fixings for a BLT chicken sandwich, this salad is so lovable. I can prep the ingredients ahead of time and just throw it together at the last minute. Barbecue sauce in the dressing gives it unexpected flavor. Even picky eaters love my chicken salads. —Cindy Moore, Mooresville, North Carolina
Hearty Shrimp Risotto
Super creamy and packed with shrimp, this impressive Italian meal maker is special enough to serve company. Laced with the warm flavors of white wine, goat cheese and fresh spinach, it’s scrumptious, comforting and so fast! —Lydia Becker, Parkville, Missouri
Herbed Pork Chops
Herbs are a fast and flavorful way to dress up pork. Plus, they make the chops look so pretty on a platter. I prepare these year-round as a way to capture the taste of summer. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
Zippy Turkey Zoodles
Eating healthy doesn't mean sacrificing flavor—and these spiced-up zoodles prove it. If you don't have a spiralizer, simply slice the zucchini julienne-style. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Quick & Easy New Orleans Shrimp
I’ve simplified my mom's Shrimp Creole—she made it for us growing up. Now it's effortless comfort food I make for my own family. —Crystal Milne, Urbana, Illinois
Cajun Sirloin with Mushroom Leek Sauce
In 30 minutes you‘ll have a restaurant-quality steak with a bold Cajun flair. The best part? You can skip the drive, the wait and the bill! —Joshua Keefer, Delaware, Ohio
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms
My husband and I are trying to add more fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California
Gluten-Free Skillet Pasta
This is always a good recipe to make when short on time. Lovely herb accents enhance this easy stovetop spaghetti. —Marv Salter, West Hills, California
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
This moist and tender chicken comes complete with its own creamy spinach side dish! It makes a pretty presentation and comes together in no time flat for a nutritious weeknight meal. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Shrimp & Feta Skillet
My friend's feisty Italian grandmother, Gemma, makes a dish similar to my shrimp with tomatoes. When I make it, I think of Gemma and smile while stirring. —Celeste Ehrenberg, Topeka, Kansas
Caribbean-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Peach Salsa
I love this recipe because of the depth of flavors and burst of colors. It's quick and easy to make. It's best when peaches are in season, but you could try strawberries or pineapple instead. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic and fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Scallops with Wilted Spinach
Two of my favorite foods are bacon and seafood. In this dish, I get them together with white wine, shallots and baby spinach. Serve with bread to soak up the tasty broth. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Pecan-Coconut Crusted Tilapia
When I have guests with dietary restrictions, tilapia coated in pecans and coconut makes everyone happy. It's gluten-free and loaded with flavor. —Caitlin Roth, Chicago, Illinois
Mahi Mahi & Veggie Skillet
Cooking mahi mahi with a mix of vegetables may seem complex, but I developed this skillet recipe to bring out the wow factor without the hassle and fuss. —Solomon Wang, Arlington, Texas
Dilly Barbecued Turkey
This is one of my brother-in-law's special cookout recipes. The onions, garlic and herbs in the marinade make a tasty, tender turkey, and the tempting aroma prompts the family to gather around the grill. —Sue Walker, Greentown, Indiana
Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples
If you've never grilled apples before, here's your excuse to start. I created this Alfredo-style chicken for a party. By the number of recipe requests, I knew it was a hit. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
Slow-Cooked Pork Roast Dinner
This delicious recipe will give you the most tender pork you have ever tasted! You can cut it with a fork, and it's just as moist and tender the next day—if there are any leftovers. —Jane Montgomery, Piqua, Ohio
Gluten-Free Grilled Flank Steak
Red wine and thyme are the perfect ingredients to turn tender steak into mouthwatering fare. While it offers the added bonus of being gluten-free, any guest at your table will love it. —Melissa McCrady, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Kelsey Rae Dimberg