Creating your own salad dressing is a simple way to control ingredients and elevate your meals from good to great. The right tool for mixing, storing, and serving these homemade creations makes the process effortless and enjoyable. A dedicated salad dressing shaker ensures your vinaigrettes are perfectly emulsified and your creamy dressings are smooth every single time.
With so many options available, from high-tech mixing bottles to classic glass containers, finding the ideal shaker for your kitchen can be a challenge. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting the best salad dressing shakers on the market. We have considered capacity, material, ease of use, and special features to help you find the perfect match for your culinary style.
Our Top Picks for Salad Dressing Shakers
- OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker Clear Large
- Crema Culinary Salad Dressing Container for Oil and Vinegar
- Norpro 809 Salad Maker, One Size, Shown
- Whiskware Tritan Plastic Salad Dressing Bottle with BlenderBall
- Leifheit Glass Salad Dressing Bottle 10 oz
- 4 Pack Mason Jar Shaker Lids Stainless Steel
- Ball Wide Mouth Quilted Crystal Jelly Jars
- KITCHENDAO 2 in 1 Salad Dressing Shaker Bottle with Juicer
- Zyliss Easy Spin Salad Dressing Shaker
OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker Clear Large
This OXO Good Grips shaker is a versatile kitchen workhorse, ideal for mixing, serving, and storing a wide variety of dressings, sauces, and marinades. Its generous 1.5-cup capacity is perfect for preparing enough dressing for multiple meals. The wide opening makes it simple to add all your ingredients without spilling.
Clear measurement markings in cups, ounces, and milliliters are printed directly on the container, allowing for precise recipe creation. Built with the brand’s signature user-friendly design, this shaker is both practical and durable, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.
Crema Culinary Salad Dressing Container for Oil and Vinegar
For those who value convenience, the Crema Culinary container features a clever one-handed open and close mechanism. Simply flip the top lever back to pour and forward to seal it shut. This design is perfect for when you need to drizzle dressing with one hand while holding a salad bowl with the other.
Made from durable, BPA-free Tritan material, this 12-ounce bottle is a healthy choice for storing your homemade creations. It is also dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup, and the integrated measurement markings help you follow recipes with accuracy.
Norpro 809 Salad Maker
The Norpro Salad Maker is a classic glass shaker that includes a built-in recipe guide to inspire your culinary experiments. It features six popular low-fat recipes printed right on the container, such as Creamy Caesar and Italian Herb, taking the guesswork out of making delicious dressings.
With an 11-ounce capacity and an airtight lid, this shaker is designed for both preparation and storage. The glass construction ensures your dressings won’t absorb any lingering odors or flavors, keeping them fresh and tasting their best.
Whiskware Tritan Plastic Salad Dressing Bottle with BlenderBall
This Whiskware bottle takes the effort out of emulsification with its included BlenderBall whisk. This stainless steel wire ball agitates ingredients vigorously as you shake, creating perfectly blended and creamy dressings that stay mixed for up to an hour. It’s particularly effective for recipes with honey, mustard, or mayonnaise.
The large 2.5-cup capacity is great for bigger batches or families. An easy press-to-open spout allows for one-handed pouring, and the auto-closing mechanism seals automatically to prevent leaks and spills in your refrigerator.
Leifheit Glass Salad Dressing Bottle 10 oz
For a premium and eco-friendly option, the Leifheit bottle is crafted from thick, durable glass designed for long-term use. It resists cracks and damage, and its non-porous surface won’t retain stains or odors from strong ingredients like vinegar or garlic.
This bottle includes printed measurement lines and a selection of classic salad dressing recipes directly on the glass for quick reference. The smart non-drip spout is engineered for a clean, mess-free pour every time, ensuring you get just the right amount without wasting a drop.
4 Pack Mason Jar Shaker Lids Stainless Steel
This product offers a brilliant and economical solution for turning the mason jars you already own into functional dressing shakers. The four-pack includes stainless steel lids with built-in shaker tops, perfect for sprinkling dry spices or, with a different technique, shaking liquid dressings.
It is important to note that the manufacturer specifies these are not designed as leakproof cocktail shakers for liquids. However, for dry ingredients or for users who already have a collection of regular mouth mason jars, these lids provide excellent value and multi-purpose functionality.
Ball Wide Mouth Quilted Crystal Jelly Jars
While not a dedicated shaker, this set of eight 4-ounce Ball jars provides a classic and versatile system for storing and gifting homemade dressings. The small quarter-pint size is ideal for creating single-serving portions or for giving your signature vinaigrette as a thoughtful gift.
The wide mouth makes them easy to fill and clean. To use them as shakers, you would simply secure the lid tightly and shake the jar by hand. This is a fantastic option for those who appreciate the timeless look of mason jars and need small, individual containers.
KITCHENDAO 2 in 1 Salad Dressing Shaker Bottle with Juicer
Maximize your kitchen efficiency with this 2-in-1 shaker that includes a built-in citrus juicer. This innovative design allows you to juice a lemon or lime directly into the bottle, then add your remaining ingredients and shake to combine everything in one container.
Featuring a dripless pour spout and an airtight, leak-proof seal, this bottle is designed for a mess-free experience. The 1-cup capacity is marked with ounce and milliliter measurements, and its detachable parts are dishwasher safe for simple cleaning.
Zyliss Easy Spin Salad Dressing Shaker
The Zyliss Easy Spin Shaker offers a unique and fun approach to mixing dressings. Instead of a traditional shaking motion, this device utilizes an internal mechanism that is activated by a simple spin of the top, making the mixing process quick and easy with minimal effort.
This design is especially useful for those who may find vigorous shaking difficult or simply want a no-fuss method. It creates a vortex that effectively combines oil and vinegar, resulting in a well-emulsified dressing. Its compact design is practical for both use and storage.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Salad Dressing Shakers
When I started looking for a salad dressing shaker, I thought it would be simple. It’s just a container you shake, right? I quickly learned there’s more to it, and the right choice can make your kitchen routine much smoother. The best salad dressing shakers combine functionality, durability, and ease of use. Here’s what I consider before making a purchase.
First, I always check the material. Glass is my personal favorite because it doesn’t absorb odors or stains from oily dressings or strong ingredients like vinegar. It’s also easy to see what’s inside and how well my ingredients are emulsifying. However, glass is heavier and can break. If you need something for travel or have kids, a high-quality BPA-free plastic is a great, lightweight alternative. I look for thick, sturdy plastic that feels substantial in my hand.
Next, the seal is non-negotiable. A leaky shaker is a messy disaster. I look for a tight-fitting lid with a reliable silicone or rubber gasket. Many lids have a two-part design: a cap that seals the pouring spout and an outer ring that secures the main seal. I always test a new shaker with water first to avoid a vinaigrette spill in my bag. The pouring mechanism is also key. A well-designed spout prevents drips and allows for controlled pouring, whether I’m drizzling over a single salad or dressing a large bowl for a party.
Capacity is another practical point. I think about how I’ll use it. A smaller 8-ounce shaker is perfect for making a single serving or for taking my lunch to work. For family meals or meal prepping, a 16-ounce or larger container is much more useful. I also consider the shape; a tall, narrow bottle is easier to shake vigorously, while a wider, squat jar might be simpler to clean by hand.
Finally, I appreciate a good design. A shaker with measurement markings on the side is incredibly helpful for following recipes directly in the container. Ease of cleaning is paramount—I avoid any shaker with too many nooks and crannies or hard-to-reach spots. Dishwasher-safe is a huge bonus for me. By focusing on these aspects—material, seal, capacity, and design—you can find one of the best salad dressing shakers to own that fits perfectly into your cooking habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of using a dedicated salad dressing shaker over a regular jar?
The main advantage is control and consistency. A regular jar might work in a pinch, but a dedicated shaker is designed specifically for the task. It typically has a tight seal to prevent leaks during vigorous shaking, which is crucial for properly emulsifying oil and vinegar so they don’t separate immediately. The built-in spout allows for a clean, drip-free pour, letting you dress your greens evenly without drowning them. I find it much less messy than trying to pour from a jar lid.
Can I use these shakers for anything other than salad dressing?
Absolutely. I use mine for all sorts of liquid tasks in the kitchen. They are fantastic for making and storing homemade marinades, pancake batter, or even just simple lemon water. I’ve used one to shake up a quick cocktail when I didn’t have a cocktail shaker handy. The key is to make sure you clean it thoroughly after each use, especially if you’re switching between sweet and savory applications, to avoid flavor transfer.
How do I clean a salad dressing shaker, especially if the oil has congealed?
For everyday cleaning, warm, soapy water usually does the trick. If oil has solidified or residue is stuck, I have a simple method. I fill the shaker with warm water and a drop of dish soap, give it a good shake, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This loosens everything up. For stubborn spots, a bottle brush is a great tool. If your shaker is dishwasher-safe, that’s the easiest route, but I always check the manufacturer’s instructions first to be sure.
Are there specific features that make a shaker good for emulsifying dressings?
Yes, the internal design makes a big difference. The best salad dressing shakers to own often have a small metal whisk ball inside, similar to what you find in a protein shaker bottle. This agitator ball helps break up the oil and vinegar as you shake, creating a smoother, more stable emulsion that lasts longer. Without it, you have to shake much more vigorously. A jar with sharp interior corners can also help create more turbulence during shaking, which aids the emulsification process.
What should I look for if I want to take my dressing to work?
If portability is your goal, focus on three things: an unbreakable material, a guaranteed leak-proof seal, and a compact size. A sturdy plastic shaker is your best bet to avoid breakage in your bag. Double-check the lid mechanism—a locking cap or a screw-top with a solid gasket is essential. I also look for a smaller capacity, around 4 to 8 ounces, so it doesn’t take up too much space in my lunch bag.
Is it better to get a glass or plastic salad dressing shaker?
This comes down to your personal preference and how you plan to use it. I prefer glass for home use because it’s inert, meaning it won’t hold onto smells or flavors from strong ingredients like garlic or certain oils. It’s also generally easier to see through. However, for taking on the go, for kids, or for general durability, a high-quality, food-grade plastic is the safer and lighter choice. Just ensure it’s marked as BPA-free.