Nutritional Yeast Salad Dressing (Easy Dairy-Free Dressing)
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This nutritional yeast salad dressing is a quick, dairy-free vinaigrette with a savory, cheesy flavor and a bright, tangy finish. It’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and works well on salads, vegetables, and grain bowls.
This is a light, pourable dressing with a tangy flavor—not a thick, creamy dressing. If you prefer a richer texture, see the variation below for how to make it creamier.
I've been making my own homemade salad dressing for a long time. Our long-standing favorite used to be this Moroccan Vinaigrette, and then this homemade vinaigrette salad dressing that you can make 5 ways, but this nutritional yeast dressing is a great one as well.
And let me say that if you aren't making your own homemade salad dressing yet, I hope that this post gets you motivated to do so.
‘Cause I have another super simple salad dressing recipe that should be on your table.
I honestly can't remember the last time I purchased salad dressing. Maybe way back in my college days before I was into making my own just about everything.
You might not be as excited about making your own stuff as I am, but I hope you catch the bug.
Why Make Homemade Salad Dressings
- Using only wholesome whole food ingredients.
- Save tons of money.
- Reduce the impact on the environment by buying less packaged stuff.
- Avoid extra sugars. Many dressings are loaded with HCFS and other sweeteners. Particularly if you are on a candida diet, these will wreak havoc on your health.
The inspiration for this dressing came from Oh She Glows, a fabulous vegetarian blog. I made this Adzuki Bean Quinoa Tabbouleh, loved the dressing on it and decided to make my own version of it.
My kids quickly pushed aside the Moroccan Vinaigrette and our Favorite Salad Dressing – Five Ways and ate this one voraciously for the next few weeks. And now here it is for you to enjoy as well.
We use this not only as a salad dressing but to top all kinds of things.
What Is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast (called “nooch,” for short) is yellow flakes or powder that is deactivated yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). It's popular for its nutty, cheesy, umami flavor and as such it's a popular ingredient in dairy-free and vegan cooking.
Nutritional yeast is grown on molasses and then heated, dried, and crumbled and is used for adding cheesy flavor to all kinds of dairy-free and vegan dishes.
Notably, it doesn't cause fermentation like baker's or brewer's yeast and it's rich in B vitamins, protein and minerals.
Ways to Use This Easy Nutritional Yeast Salad Dressing
- on top of beans and rice for a jazzed up last minute meal
- atop cooked veggies. Marinate in the dressing for about 2 hours for added flavor
- as a dip for fresh veggies. My boys like to mix extra nutritional yeast into this easy salad dressing (actually they use a whole lotta nutritional yeast) to make it really thick.
And if you are looking for a nutritional yeast that does NOT contain added b-vitamins, this brand is your answer.
Other Homemade Salad Dressings
- Moroccan Vinaigrette
- Vegan Avocado Salad Dressing
- Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing
- Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette – check out all 5 versions of this delicious dressing
If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add tahini, soaked cashews, or a spoonful of nut butter to thicken this dressing while mellowing the tang.
Nutritional Yeast Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, but oh-so-necessary in our opinion)
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Pour olive oil and apple cider vinegar in serving container.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Stir to combine. Stir again to redistribute ingredients before serving.
- Store in refrigerator, preferably in a glass container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and preparation methods. Optional ingredients are not included. Net carbs are typically calculated by subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols (such as erythritol) from total carbohydrates. This information should not be relied upon for medical or nutritional purposes.
Enjoy!
Do YOU Make Your Own Salad Dressing?
Interesting article and interesting recipe for salad dressing too! now I don’t need to worry if my favorite salad dressing is out of stock in the market.
I’ve been making my own salad dressings or vinaigrettes since I spent so many years abroad where bought salad dressings couldn’t be found. I learned from the French to make my own dressings, in which Dijon mustard was a frequent addition along with fresh garlic and a variety of herbs to taste. I usually use lemon juice and virgin olive oil although I have used many types of vinegars including apple cider vinegar. I have never tried nutrional yeast, that is a new one for me. I love new ideas, will definitely try it!
Love your site with all the ideas and recipes. Have made several of your beauty products as well! Thanks so much!!
Thank you for the kind words!!! I love Dijon mustard but it’s pricey!
Do you know how long nutritional yeast lasts? I’ve had some for about a year and never used it. Do you think it is still good?
I just read 18 mos to 2 years in a cool and dry place. But I keep mine in the freezer and fridge and I buy it in super bulk. And have never had it spoil. 🙂
I love this Adrienne. I have never used nutritional yeast in a dressing, but it sounds like a great idea. I’m absolutely trying this.
Thanks, France. I’d love to hear what you think!
your dressing looks delicious – but I’ve never heard of using nutritional yeast. I’m definitely going to have to give this a try. I really enjoy making dressings as well
I am really enjoying using it again – PC Choc Chip Biscuits – wow :).
Will do as soon as I get a chance. I’m taking care of a sick and needy child at the moment.
Oh please – no hurry at all. Thanks and hope your little one feels better soon.
Hi Adrienne – what are the health benefits of nutritional yeast?
Well, it depends what kind you buy. It doesn’t affect candida. It is high in protein (about 8 grams per 2 Tbsp), and some have added B-vitamins to them. It’s great on popcorn, but I like our popcorn seasoning a little better 🙂
Hi Adrienne, do you know where I can get nutritional yeast w/o the added b vitamins? The ones I looked at added the synthetic folic acid.
KAL’s N Yeast doesn’t have the added B vitamins :). (affiliate link)
Adrienne,
Thank you for the suggestion. I just check it out and it looks like they do add folic acid + other b vitamins. I looked at the back of the label on the 4th picture down.
Do you have any other suggestions?
Thanks!
I am sorry – I don’t know what to say. I have heard for a long time that there are options w/o the b-vitamins. I just ran through the internet looking but I can’t find one. If you do please share. Is it MTHFR you are worried about?
Yes, it’s MTHFR. The nutritional yeast sound so yummy! Thanks for looking for me. 🙂 If I find something I’ll come back & share.
I have been looking into that. I am concerned about it but my 2 current practitioners say that when you work on detoxing your body things like MTHFR aren’t really an issue as the expression of the gene is affected by toxins in our bodies. Just something to think about – take care!
Regarding the nutritional yeast, KAL does contain added B vitamins (which is what I’ve also been using). Thinking of switching to one that I know ISN’T fortified with synthetic folic acid which is Dr. Fuhrman’s—a bit pricey ($9.95 per 4 oz, I believe the same price as Bragg) but nonetheless, there is this particular nutritional yeast for anyone looking for a healthier version (I already posted something to this effect many hrs ago and it never appeared. Hmm).
Hi again Dana. I am finding this comment now. I hope you can understand that I am merely swamped w/ emails and writing and comments and more. I don’t allow comments to go through unmodified b/c they are sometimes spam and I need to be careful. Thanks.
Right, I understand. Just want to make sure people do know that Dr. Fuhrman’s is a choice for unfortified NY (again, albeit a bit pricey). Thanks 🙂 https://www.drfuhrman.com/shop/nutritional-yeast.aspx
Great. It’s too expensive for me, but I am on the hunt for the other one. Hope I can figure it out :).
Sorry, Adrienne, but yes, it does. Maybe they changed the product, but it specifically states it is “fortified” with added B vitamins. See my comment sent in today: 5/3/24
Hi Carol! Yes, this was a comment from 2013. I don’t know why I thought it didn’t have them at the time. Here’s an unfortified one from KAL – yay! (affiliate link)
I make my own mustard. It’s super easy! I have the spicy mustard down pat, but I’m still working on a milder version.
Well, if it’s good, please share! I’ve had a few flops and hubby is loathe to try more !
I love making my own dressing. I learned a while back if you add a spoonful of Dijon mustard to your o/v dressing it will bind the oil and vinegar together so it’s all nice and blended.
I’ve seen dijon in a lot of dressings. Love it but it’s pricey. I’ve been trying to make my own “Dijon” additive to recipes. ‘Cause I make everything, remember :).
We have a favorite salad dressing we have been using for years and everyone loves is! Here it is if you’re interested ~
https://lorialexander.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-homemade-salad-dressing.html
People tell me they could drink it out of the bottle! 🙂
That looks great – but my oldest is deathly allergic to eggs. Wonder if I could sub that….
We use organic eggs and have never had a problem with it in the many years we have been making this dressing. You can make it without the eggs but it is just not as creamy.
I am not saying you’d have a problem. Just saying my son would die if he ate it. :(. It’s hard to rinse the white off the yolk enough. Looks good!