Keto Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe – Low-Carb Salad Dressing

Red wine vinaigrette is a classic salad dressing that adds a tangy and flavorful touch to any salad. But for those on a keto diet, store-bought vinaigrettes can be a hidden source of sugars and carbs.

Here’s a simple red wine vinaigrette recipe that’s keto-friendly, free of additives, and made with all-natural ingredients.

What makes this recipe keto-friendly?

This red wine vinaigrette dressing contains zero carbs or preservatives, making it perfect for those following a nutritious low-carb diet.

This delicious salad dressing is made using extra light olive oil, which provides healthy fats your body needs for energy.

Instead of light olive oil, you can also use extra virgin olive oil, known for its profound health benefits. 

This recipe uses a pinch of powdered xylitol, a keto-approved natural sweetener without carbs and calories.

Unlike sugar and high fructose corn syrup, xylitol has a low glycemic index and won’t spike blood sugar or insulin levels, making it a great choice for people with diabetes and those following a Healthy Keto® diet. 

Adding fresh herbs such as parsley boosts not only flavor but also adds essential nutrients, such as vitamins C and K. 

Watch the video below to learn how to find a healthy salad dressing. 

Why you’ll love this recipe

If you’re following a keto diet, this red wine vinaigrette recipe is just what you need to enhance the flavors of your low-carb salads without compromising taste.

Here are some reasons why you’ll love this easy homemade salad dressing:

• Made with all-natural ingredients

• Low-carb and sugar-free

• Quick and easy to make

• 100 percent keto-friendly

• Packed with healthy fats and nutrients

• Budget-friendly 

In addition to being a delicious salad dressing, this versatile recipe can also be used as a marinade or sauce for roasted vegetables or meat.

It adds a delicious tanginess to vegetable pasta salad and can even be drizzled over feta cheese for a simple yet flavorful appetizer.

In addition, the ingredients in this recipe can easily be substituted to your liking, and you can add some fresh lemon juice or Dijon mustard for a more zesty vinaigrette.

Balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar can be substituted for red wine vinegar if you like experimenting with different flavors.

Additionally, freshly ground black pepper or fresh garlic can be added for an extra spicy kick, and homemade keto-friendly maple syrup can be used as an alternative sweetener to xylitol.

Benefits of red wine vinegar

Red wine vinegar is made by fermenting red wine, making it a great source of antioxidants and polyphenols.

Research published in Foods investigated the health effects of vinegar and concluded, "Fruit vinegar has shown in vitro improvement effect on inflammatory biomarkers, and can be clinically used to improve inflammation and obesity-related diseases."

Therefore, drizzling red wine vinegar on your salad not only adds flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory benefits and helps with weight management.

Red wine vinegar has also been linked to other health benefits, including improving digestion, lowering blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

In addition, red wine vinegar may have antimicrobial properties that could help fight against harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. 

Side effects of eating store-bought dressings

Store-bought dressings may seem convenient, but they often contain unhealthy refined oils such as soy, cottonseed, and canola.

"You want to avoid refined oils, as they’re filled with GMOs," explains Dr. Berg. "They’re also high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to an imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in your body, leading to health issues such as heart disease, cancer, and inflammation."

In addition, store-bought salad dressings often have stabilizers, additives, and synthetic ingredients to increase shelf-life and enhance their taste. However, these chemicals can cause digestive issues and irritate your skin.

Pre-made dressings can also be loaded with sugar, which can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Making homemade red wine vinaigrette gives you complete control over the ingredients and ensures it's free from harmful preservatives. 

Salad dressing storage tips

This red wine vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Olive oil may solidify in the fridge, and it’s best to take it out at least 30 minutes before use and shake well before serving.

Alternatively, you can store the vinaigrette without adding the oil and simply mix it when ready to serve for a fresher taste.

For longer storage, freeze the vinaigrette for up to three months, but make sure to thaw it in the fridge and give it a good shake.