How to Build a Healthier Salad: Smarter Dressing Choices That Actually Support Your Goals
Recently, I had the fantastic opportunity to sit down once again with Jewell Hilary on WGN Weekend Morning News to talk about one of my favorite topics: simple, healthy meal upgrades that make a real difference.
This time, we focused on something almost everyone eats — salads.
But here’s the truth:
A salad is only as healthy as the ingredients you put on it. And for most people, the most significant hidden culprit is the dressing.
So in this segment, I walked viewers through easy, flavor-packed dressing swaps that reduce sugar, improve digestion, and turn your salad into a nourishing meal you’ll actually enjoy.
Why Salad Dressings Matter More Than You Think
Many people assume that if they choose a salad, they’re automatically making a “healthy” choice.
But store-bought dressings are often loaded with:
- Added sugars
- Processed oils
- Corn syrup
- Preservatives
- Artificial flavors
Even a clean-looking bottle can hide 8–10 grams of sugar per serving.
And because dressing is the first thing your greens get coated in, it becomes the biggest determining factor of how your body responds to your meal.
So instead of focusing only on the toppings, I always tell clients:
Start with your dressing.
It’s the easiest upgrade with the biggest payoff.
My Simple Rule: Keep It Real, Keep It Fresh
During the show, I shared the same advice I give my private clients:
If you want your salad to nourish you, your dressing should support you — not sabotage your progress.
Fresh, simple ingredients help you:
- Improve digestion
- Avoid post-meal fatigue
- Reduce inflammation
- Balance blood sugar
- Actually feel satisfied
When you choose clean dressings, your salad becomes a robust foundation for better energy and mood throughout your day.
The Dressing I Recommended on WGN
In the segment, I featured one of my personal favorite swaps:
California Balsamic, a brand I love because:
- Their ingredients are clean and minimal
- They offer a vast range of flavors
- You can use them for salads, marinades, bowls, or even roasted veggies
- They make eating healthy feel simple instead of stressful
Flavors like Balsamic, Blazin’ Habanero, Tangerine, and Sicilian Lemon give you big flavor without the sugar crash.
If you’re someone who struggles to stay consistent, having dressings like this on hand makes healthy eating effortless.
Want to Try a Homemade Option Instead?
Here’s one of my go-to 5-ingredient dressings you can make in under 90 seconds:
Simple Lemon-Tahini Dressing
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
- Salt + pepper to taste
- Add warm water until it reaches your preferred consistency
This dressing hits all the right notes — creamy, bright, slightly tangy — without the heaviness of store-bought options.
A Balanced Approach to Everyday Eating
Healthy eating doesn’t have to feel rigid or complicated.
If there’s one thing I emphasized on WGN, it’s this:
Small, thoughtful switches build long-term wellness.
Whether you’re trying to:
- Improve gut health
- Reduce inflammation
- Lose weight without dieting
- Boost energy
- Build better everyday habits
…the goal isn’t perfection — it’s consistency.
Choosing a better dressing for your salad may seem like a slight shift, but these upgrades create real momentum in your wellness journey.
Ready to Refresh Your Eating Habits?
If you’re craving balance or struggling to create healthy routines you can stick to, I’m here to help.
My one-on-one coaching and custom wellness programs are designed to help you:
- Repair your relationship with food
- Improve your energy
- Reduce cravings
- Build sustainable habits
- Feel more confident in your body
- Enjoy food again — without guilt
You can learn more at AudreeLeeHealth.com or connect with me on Instagram for daily inspiration, recipes, and wellness tips.
Wishing you a nourished, vibrant, and delicious week ahead.
— Audree Lee
For those who love using high-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients during the holidays, explore artisanal balsamic vinegars and oils from California Balsamic here.