Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

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This Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing contains curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, that shows a significant improvement in morning stiffness, walking time, and joint swelling, with the complete absence of any side effectsin people with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder.

this RECIPE

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I am not one to use terms such as 'anti-inflammatory' lightly. But the evidence is clear. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a safe and effective ingredient in helping to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Turmeric is the dried powdered root stalks of the turmeric plant—a member of the ginger family—from which the orange-yellow pigment curcumin can be extracted. The spice turmeric is what makes curry powder yellow, and curcumin is what makes turmeric yellow.

Adding black pepper enhances the bioavailability of curcumin, increasing its effectiveness. Piperine, the compound responsible for the pungent flavor in pepper, plays a crucial role in this synergy. The combination of curcumin and piperine significantly boosts the bioavailability of curcumin, and surprisingly, just a small amount of black pepper is sufficient for this effect!

Tahini enhances this effect even more. Heart-healthy fats, the type found in tahini, increase the absorption of curcumin, so it goes directly to the bloodstream and bypasses the liver. (The liver makes molecules more water soluble so they are easily excreted and therefore less bioavailable. Black pepper and fat suppress that process so more ends up in the bloodstream.)

This healthy salad dressing was inspired by my 3 Healthy Salad Dressing recipes on this site, as well as this Miso Tahini Dressing.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
  • 🧄 Substitutions
  • 📖 How to Make Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing
  • ✔️ Top tip
  • 🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽 Related Recipes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing (2)
  • Tahini
  • Lemon
  • Ginger
  • Maple syrup
  • Turmeric
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper

See the recipe card for quantities.

🧄 Substitutions

  • Tahini - instead of tahini, use cashew or coconut yogurt, adjusting the quantity to taste
  • Turmeric and black pepper - Substitute with ½ teaspoon curry powder or to taste. (Curry powder typically contains both black pepper and turmeric.)
  • Ginger - substitute with ⅛ teaspoon ginger powder instead as needed
  • Lemon - use apple cider vinegar instead as needed
  • Maple syrup - substitute with agave as desired

This dressing pairs deliciously with my Roasted Vegetable Salad on this site. For more healthy salad dressings, visit my Vegan Dressing Recipes page.

📖 How to Make Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing

For the full recipe with quantities, scroll down to the bottom of the post. This is an overview.

Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing (3)

Step 1. Blend or whisk:Transfer the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, turmeric, and garlic powder to a medium bowl or blender.

Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing (4)

Step 2. Add 2 tablespoons warm water. Blend or mix well until the desired consistency.

Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing (5)

Storage: Refrigerate Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

✔️ Top tip

When substituting ingredients, ensure to incorporate heart-healthy fat along with black pepper to harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of curcumin found in turmeric.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

What are some foods that may help with inflammation?

Foods that might help reduce inflammation include tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, collards), nuts (almonds and walnuts), and fruit (blueberries, cherries, strawberries). To fight inflammation, choose whole, unprocessed foods with no added sugar.

Do nightshades cause inflammation?

The controversial link between nightshades and increased inflammation is not backed up by research. Numerous studies have failed to find evidence that eating nightshade vegetables gives rise to inflammation. Some of the researchers theorize that, while not a direct cause of inflammation, nightshade vegetables may aggravate existing inflammation in some people.
However, everyone's food intolerances are different, so if you feel worse after eating nightshades, it is understandable that you would avoid eating them.

Are turmeric supplements safe?

I recommend consuming turmeric in its natural and ground form. However, if you are interested in its supplemental forms, while they are generally considered safe when third-party tested, you should check with your doctor first. High doses of turmeric could have a blood-thinning effect, and if taken on top of prescribed anticoagulants, this could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding.

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I would love it if you would ⭐️ rate this recipe and leave a comment. Thank you in advance.

📖 Recipe

Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing (10)

Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing

Nisha Melvani

This Anti-Inflammatory Salad dressing contains curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, that shows significant reduction in joint swelling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Dressing

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 5 servings

Calories 134 kcal

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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons tahini
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 small lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ½ inch ginger (grated if not using a blender)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Blend or whisk: Transfer the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, turmeric, and garlic powder to a medium bowl or blender. Add 2 tablespoons warm water. Blend or mix well until the desired consistency.

Notes

    • Tahini - instead of tahini, use cashew or coconut yogurt, adjusting the quantity to taste
    • Ginger - substitute with ⅛ teaspoon ginger powder instead as needed
    • When substituting ingredients, ensure to incorporate heart-healthy fat along with black pepper to harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of curcumin found in turmeric.
    • Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Healthy Dressing Recipes

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  • Vegan Green Sauce Recipes
  • The Best Avocado Dressing Recipe For A Healthy Salad
  • Curry Dressing (Paleo)

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Lillie

    Where is the recipe for the salad, please?

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      https://cookingforpeanuts.com/roasted-vegetable-salad-high-protein/

      Reply

  2. MBrola

    Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing (15)
    This is really a glow dressing and on first inspection appears to be a honey mustard because it is so bight but it is not what it appears, still tastes great even when I had a cheap unsalted tahini it balanced out nicely with a bit more maple syrup and some distilled water, another winner! Thank you kindly!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Great that it still tasted great with cheap tahini! That stuff can be challenging to work with:)

      Reply

  3. Lorraine Norton

    I made this tonight. I double checked the recipe..it is very thick. Added more water, still thick. Has this happened to you? Is it supposed to be thick? It is not pourable. Smells wonderful but purplexed. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Hi, Did you add the 2 tablespoons warm water before blending? Also, what brand of tahini did you use? I prefer Soom Foods and Seed + Mill. Also, the tahini can seize depending on the brand but this should not happen with this recipe as it is blended and has sufficient liquid.

      Reply

  4. Paiten

    Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing (16)
    Just started incorporating tumeric into my diet and this was perfect. Loved the tumeric tahini combo with the other spices. Overall very tasty and you can leave thicker like a sauce or thin more for a salad dressing. Will definitely make this again!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      I'm so glad it was a hit! Thank you.

      Reply

  5. Matt Foster

    Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing (17)
    Wonderful, love the dressing. My kids are crazy about it!
    It would great if you could include measurements in grams as well!
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Hi. I will work on doing that! Thank you. Have a great week.

      Reply

      • Jessica

        Yes please in grams !

        Reply

        • Nisha Melvani, RDN

          Will look into this.

          Reply

    • Michelle

      Can’t wait to make this. Could I use fresh whole turmeric? Just bought a bunch at Trader Joe’s. If so, how much?

      Reply

      • Nisha Melvani, RDN

        Yes! Absolutely. Use 1 tablespoon grated fresh for 1 tsp dried/ground.

        Reply

Anti-Inflammatory Salad Dressing (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest dressing to put on your salad? ›

6 healthy salad dressings you can make in less than 3 minutes
  • Classic lemon and olive oil. This is a very easy dressing that is good with strong-flavoured leaf salads, such as rocket or kale. ...
  • Lime and chilli dressing. ...
  • Simple balsamic vinaigrette. ...
  • Raspberry vinaigrette. ...
  • Creamy cucumber dressing. ...
  • Creamy mint dressing.

Are salad dressings inflammatory? ›

Omega-6 fatty acids – Mayonnaise, peanut oil and salad dressing are culprits when it comes to fatty acids, which can stimulate inflammation.

What is an anti-inflammatory breakfast? ›

The 6 Best Breakfasts for Fighting Inflammation
  • Smoothies.
  • Breakfast Salads.
  • Berries and Yogurt.
  • Avocado Toast.
  • Whole Grains and Nuts.
  • Eggs and Greens.
Jun 16, 2024

What kind of salad dressing can you have with gastritis? ›

When it comes to selecting salad dressings, opt for options that are made with ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. These dressings are typically lower in fat and acidity compared to creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese.

What is the unhealthiest salad dressing? ›

Depending on the ingredients, some dressings tend to be less healthy than others.
  1. Caesar. And at the top of that list? Caesar dressing. ...
  2. Thousand Island. Next in line is Thousand Island. ...
  3. Blue cheese. The delicious crumbles that make blue cheese dressing a fan favorite can also make it dangerous for a balanced diet.
Oct 27, 2023

What is the number 1 salad dressing? ›

Ranch Dressing

The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper.

What is the number one inflammatory food? ›

In particular, experts recommend avoiding these inflammatory foods: Red meat, such as steak and hamburgers. Processed meat, such as bologna, bacon, sausage and lunchmeat. Commercial baked goods such as snack cakes, pies, cookies and brownies.

Is balsamic vinegar anti-inflammatory? ›

Last but not least, consuming balsamic vinegar can have an anti-inflammatory effect as well. Long-term, high levels of inflammation can be extremely detrimental to your health, and research shows inflammation plays a role in whether you develop chronic conditions, diseases, and even cancer.

What can I drink in the morning to reduce inflammation? ›

Here are seven research-backed drinks that can help fight inflammation in your body.
  • Baking soda + water. ...
  • Parsley + ginger green juice. ...
  • Lemon + turmeric tonic. ...
  • Bone broth. ...
  • Functional food smoothie. ...
  • Matcha anti-inflammatory tonic. ...
  • Greens and berries smoothie.
Mar 16, 2023

Can I eat eggs if I have inflammation? ›

Various functional foods, nutrients and vital components have shown to modify the inflammation response in the body. Functional foods such as eggs contain a variety of essential nutrients and vital components including egg proteins, phospholipids, lutein and zeaxanthin that curb inflammation.

What are 3 best foods to fight inflammation? ›

Foods you should eat to help fight inflammation
  • Nuts and seeds. Studies have found that consuming nuts and seeds is associated with reduced markers of inflammation and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  • Some oils and fatty fish. ...
  • Coffee, cocoa and green tea.
Dec 7, 2023

What foods heal the stomach lining? ›

Eat foods high in B vitamins and calcium, such as almonds, beans, whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables. Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar. Eat lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.

What to drink in the morning for gastritis? ›

Green tea with manuka honey

One study showed a significant difference in people with gastritis that drank tea with honey just once a week. Manuka honey has also been shown to have antibacterial properties that effectively keep H. pylori in check.

Can you eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with gastritis? ›

Smooth, unsweetened peanut butter may be tolerated by some individuals with gastritis, as it is not typically acidic. However, it's essential to consume it in moderation and monitor for any adverse reactions. Avoid peanut butter with added spices or additives that may irritate the stomach lining.

What is the healthiest thing to put in a salad? ›

leafy greens such as romaine, arugula, kale and spinach. whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice and bulgur. chopped or shredded vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, cabbage, and beets.

Is it better to eat salad with dressing or no salad at all? ›

But that doesn't mean you should skip the dressing. Studies have shown that fats — such as in avocados — actually help your body absorb the nutrients from some vegetables. The key is to choose the right ingredients and, ideally, make your own dressing at home.

Which is healthier, balsamic vinegar or vinaigrette? ›

So the next time you're dressing a salad, reach for the balsamic vinegar–in the long run, not ingesting that extra fat and sugar makes a big difference!

Which oil is healthiest for salad dressing? ›

Extra-virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest oils varieties, but it has a low smoke point; therefore, we recommend using it for raw food preparations (i.e. salad dressing) rather than cooking.

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