Is Salad Dressings At Restaurants Vegan? (Italian, Vinaigrette)

I

When you go out to eat, salad becomes the go-to choice for anyone on a vegan diet.

But unless you go to a vegan restaurant, it’s hard to know if salad dressing is or isn’t vegan.

Obviously, it makes sense to ask, but even then not all waiters/waitresses know the ingredients in their dressings, or even understand what vegan foods are.

So it depends on whether or not you want to take a risk that a dressing is free of animal products.

Is Vinaigrette Dressing Vegan?

After checking out the ingredients of many store-bought vinaigrette and homemade recipes, I’ve found that about half of vinaigrette dressings are vegan.

The base is usually really simple:

  • Vinegar of some king (balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, etc.)
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice

But then you’ll find many ingredients added on top of those:

  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Sugar
  • Mustard
  • Herbs (e.g. dill)
  • Parmesan
  • Honey

Obviously those last 2 are not vegan friendly.

SUMMARY

While some vinaigrette dressings are vegan, many are not. Always check the ingredients or ask a server if out at a restaurant.

Is Italian Dressing Vegan?

While researching this, I learned that Italian dressing is actually a specific type of vinaigrette.

So it has the same core ingredients (vinegar and oil), but has herbs added to it that we consider an Italian mix, including:

  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary

On top of those ingredients, there are usually other flavoring ingredients added, just like any other vinaigrette. Unfortunately, this commonly includes those 2 trouble ingredients from before:

  • Parmesan
  • Honey

I’ve found that these are even more common in Italian dressing than in general vinaigrette dressing.

SUMMARY

Many Italian dressings contain parmesan or honey (or both). So while you can make vegan Italian Dressing, it can be hard to find one at a restaurant or store (although possible).

Other Salad Dressings That Are Likely Vegan at Restaurants

There are 2 more options that are typically safe options for vegans:

  • Olive oil and lemon juice (you can usually just ask for this)
  • Sesame dressing

You’ll want to avoid the obvious non-vegan dressings like caesar or ranch, which just about always have animal ingredients (typically dairy and egg).

Pretty much anything that sounds or looks creamy usually has eggs, cream, buttermilk, or some form of dairy in them.

One final option is to buy vegan salad dressing packets and carry a few around with you in case you go to a restaurant. Ask for no dressing and use your own.

SUMMARY

Most “regular” salad dressings are not vegan. Unless you go to a vegan restaurant, you should ask about the dressing before ordering, or skip it altogether.

Which Salad Dressings At Panera Are Vegan?

To wrap things up, why don’t we look at a practical example. Some quick research found that quite a few people wonder if Panera salad dressings are vegan, so let’s take a closer look.

According to their 2020 allergen guide (the dressings are near the bottom):

  • BBQ Ranch – Not Vegan, contains milk and egg.
  • Caesar – Not Vegan, contains egg and fish.
  • Chile Lime Ranch – Not Vegan, contains milk and egg.
  • Green Goddess – Not Vegan, contains milk and egg.
  • Greek – Possibly vegan.
  • Thai Chili – Possibly vegan
  • Asian Sesame – Possibly vegan
  • White Balsamic Apple Vinegar – Possibly vegan
  • Peanut Sauce Drizzle – Possibly vegan

I couldn’t find a clear indication that those last 5 sauces are vegan for sure, but since the main non-vegan ingredients in salad dressings are dairy, they probably are vegan friendly. The only other main ingredient to worry about is a non-vegan sweetener like honey.

FAQs

Are there any common ingredients in salad dressings that are often overlooked by vegans?

The most common animal products that can be accidentally overlooked by vegans include sweeteners like honey or other non-vegan alternatives, the inclusion of Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce that may contain anchovies, creamy dressings often containing dairy or buttermilk, and the occasional presence of fish sauce in some Asian-style dressings.

Which types of salad dressings are most likely to be vegan?

When it comes to identifying vegan-friendly salad dressings, certain types are more likely to align with a vegan diet. Vinaigrette dressings that have a simple combination of oil, vinegar, and herbs are often a safe bet. Olive oil and lemon juice, as well as sesame dressing, are typically plant-based. Additionally, homemade dressings allow individuals to control the ingredients and ensure they are vegan. However, it’s always advisable to check labels or inquire about specific ingredients when dining out, as formulations can vary between brands and restaurants (even of the same chain).

About the author

Dale Cudmore

Your friendly neighborhood vegan from Toronto. I've spent over 6 years as a freelance nutrition writer and researcher. During this time, I've tested over 50 vegan protein powders, and over 100 other types of vegan supplements.