Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes: Part 6 – Salad Dressings Made Safe & Flavorful

⚠️ Disclaimer: If you have celiac disease or severe gluten allergies, always verify ingredients and manufacturing processes. Cross-contamination risks vary by brand and kitchen. This is not medical advice—consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.

🥗✨ Say goodbye to boring salads! These gluten-free (GF) vegan dressings are packed with flavor, free from hidden gluten, and safe for celiacs when prepared correctly.

🔍 Gluten-Free Vegan Dressings: Safety Check

🚩 Red Flags for Hidden Gluten in Dressings:

• Soy sauce/tamari (unless certified GF—many contain wheat)
• Malt vinegar (made from barley, not GF)
• Pre-made dressings (thickeners like wheat starch or hydrolyzed wheat protein)
• “Natural flavors” (sometimes derived from gluten-containing grains)

✔ Must-Have GF Vegan Dressing Staples:

• Acids: Apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, balsamic (certified GF)
• Emulsifiers: Tahini, aquafaba, flaxseed gel
• Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave (avoid malt syrup)
• GF Soy Alternatives: Coconut aminos, certified GF tamari

🛡️ Cross-Contamination Prevention:

✔ Use dedicated utensils & bowls (no shared whisks with gluten-containing dressings).
✔ Buy certified GF spices (some contain anti-caking agents with gluten).
✔ Make dressings from scratch to avoid factory cross-contact.

5 Gluten-Free Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes

1. Creamy Tahini-Lemon Dressing 🍋🌿

Flavor Profile: Tangy, rich, with a garlicky kick

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup tahini (check for GF certification)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp water (adjust for thickness)
• ½ tsp cumin (certified GF)

Method:

1. Whisk all ingredients until smooth.
2. Thin with water if needed.

Pro Tip: Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy twist!
Source: Oh She Glows by Angela Liddon

2. Zesty Avocado-Cilantro Lime Dressing 🥑🌶️

Flavor Profile: Fresh, creamy, with a spicy finish

Ingredients:

• ½ ripe avocado
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 small jalapeño (optional)
• 3 tbsp water

Method:

1. Blend until smooth.

Hack: Use frozen avocado for a thicker texture.
Source: Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking

3. Balsamic Maple Mustard Dressing 🍯🍁

Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, with a Dijon kick

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar (certified GF)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (check for GF label)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Method:

1. Whisk together until emulsified.

Pro Tip: Add chopped shallots for extra depth.
Source: The Gluten-Free Vegan by Susan O’Brien

4. Spicy Peanut-Sesame Dressing 🥜🔥

Flavor Profile: Umami-rich, nutty, with a chili kick

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp peanut butter (100% peanuts)
• 1 tbsp GF tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sriracha (check for GF)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Method:

1. Whisk until smooth, thin with water if needed.

Hack: Add grated ginger for extra zing.
Source: Asian Vegan Kitchen by Hema Parekh

5. Ranch-Style Cashew Dressing 🥬🧄

Flavor Profile: Creamy, herby, with a garlic-dill punch

Ingredients:

• ½ cup raw cashews (soaked 2+ hours)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dill (certified GF)

Method:

1. Blend until ultra-smooth.

Pro Tip: Add chives for an oniony bite.
Source: The Vegan 8 by Brandi Doming

📌 Meal Prep & Storage Tips

✔ Store in glass jars (lasts 4-5 days in the fridge).
✔ Double the batch and freeze creamy dressings (except avocado-based).
✔ Shake well before use (natural separation occurs).

🔔 Final Safety Reminder

✔ Re-check labels every purchase—ingredients change!
✔ When dining out, ask:

• “Is the balsamic vinegar certified GF?”
• “Do you use shared blenders for dressings?”

Which dressing will you try first? Tag #GFVeganDressings!

📚 Sources Recap:

• Oh She Glows (Tahini-Lemon)
• Minimalist Baker (Avocado-Cilantro)
• The Gluten-Free Vegan (Balsamic-Maple)
• Asian Vegan Kitchen (Peanut-Sesame)
• The Vegan 8 (Cashew Ranch)