Cooking and Meal Prep Recipes Diabetes-Friendly Lemony Salad Dressing By Elizabeth Woolley Elizabeth Woolley Elizabeth Woolley is a patient advocate and writer living with type 2 diabetes. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 01, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Kristy is a licensed registered dietitian nutritionist and trained culinary professional. She has worked in a variety of settings, including MSKCC and Rouge Tomate. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Moment / Getty Images (198 ratings) Total Time: 10 min Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 0 min Servings: 2 Nutrition Highlights (per serving) 186 calories 20g fat 2g carbs 0g protein Show Nutrition Label Hide Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings: 2 Amount per serving Calories 186 % Daily Value* Total Fat 20g 26% Saturated Fat 3g 15% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 582mg 25% Total Carbohydrate 2g 1% Dietary Fiber 0g 0% Total Sugars 1g Includes 0g Added Sugars 0% Protein 0g Vitamin D 0mcg 0% Calcium 5mg 0% Iron 0mg 0% Potassium 31mg 1% *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. This go-to lemony salad dressing recipe is suitable for people with type 2 diabetes since it's low glycemic and contains nutritious ingredients. It's fast, easy, and flavorful, and you can quickly mix it up in a cup and pour it over a large salad. It's also vegetarian and vegan. It's a simple dressing recipe with ingredients that have been found to be beneficial for people living with diabetes: Olive oil is an excellent source of monounsaturated fat that is heart-healthy and is a source of antioxidants along with the cardiovascular benefits. Garlic has antimicrobial properties and supports cardiovascular health. Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and also contains polyphenols. Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, flavonoids, has a low glycemic index, and may also help lower blood pressure as part of a balanced diet. Ingredients Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon, according to taste, including pulp 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove (or more to taste), smashed or minced 1/2 tsp salt (to taste) Dash of pepper Optional: 2–3 tbsps of water Preparation In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice and pulp, plus the olive oil, smashed garlic clove, and salt and pepper. Taste the salad dressing. If the taste is too strong, add a tablespoon of water or additional lemon juice and seasonings until you get the flavor you desire. Remember, you want it to be a bit strong since it will be poured over greens and tossed. Variations and Substitutions Try this recipe with lime juice and add a pinch of chili powder or a chili powder spice mixture, such as Tajin Clasico Seasoning. Or, keep the lemon juice base and try adding a tablespoon of sesame seed paste. You can also experiment by adding your favorite dry or fresh herbs like rosemary, dill, or thyme. Cooking and Serving Tips If you do not have a garlic press, you can chop up the garlic, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and smash with a fork.To maximize the health properties of garlic, crush or smash it at room temperature and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before serving. Rate this Recipe You've already rated this recipe. Thanks for your rating! 3 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nocella C, Cammisotto V, Fianchini L, et al. Extra virgin olive oil and cardiovascular diseases: Benefits for human health. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2018;18(1):4-13. doi:10.2174/1871530317666171114121533 Arreola R, Quintero-Fabián S, López-Roa RI, et al. Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds. Immunol Res. 2015;401630. doi:10.1155/2015/401630 Oikeh EI, Omoregie ES, Oviasogie FE, Oriakhi K. Phytochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of different citrus juice concentrates. Food Sci Nutr. 2016;4(1):103-109. doi:10.1002/fsn3.268 By Elizabeth Woolley Elizabeth Woolley is a patient advocate and writer living with type 2 diabetes. 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