What are your favorite salad dressings?

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tekkiechikk
tekkiechikk Posts: 375 Member
I love green salads. I also love Marzettis Lite Blue Cheese dressing. But at 90 calories for 2 TBS (which does not go a long way in a salad), it's depressing how fast the calories rack up. I also like using plain vinegars (apple cider, balsamic), but sometimes want a creamy dressing that doesn't taste like pourable chemicals. Know of any good salad dressings that don't compromise on taste? Or do you make your own? Thanks!
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Replies

  • Amitysk
    Amitysk Posts: 705 Member
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    I have found that Bolthouse Farms brand is really tasty. You can find in the refrigerated case in produce. They are yogurt based and usually run about 40 calories per serving.

    The only creamy dressing I make on my own is with the Hidden Valley packets. You can make that light by using skim milk and light mayo.
  • dklibert
    dklibert Posts: 1,196 Member
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    I make Hidden Valley packet with low fat buttermilk, substitute 1/2 light mayo and 1/2 non fat greek yogurt for the mayo called for on the packet.

    This yogurt mayo from Dr. Oz made a great artichoke and veggie dip. I want to try it as the base of a dressing soon. doctoroz.com/recipe/greek-yogurt-mayo

    Here is a creamy cucumber dressing it is great too! soupspiceeverythingnice.blogspot.com/2014/04/creamy-cucumber-dressing.html

    Creamy+Cucumber+Dressing+2.jpg
  • ladybg81
    ladybg81 Posts: 1,553 Member
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    Try some of the Walden Farms dressing. They are zero calories and not terrible at all
  • gothchiq
    gothchiq Posts: 4,598 Member
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    Light ranch by hidden valley, light honey mustard by Ken's (or homemade).
  • tekkiechikk
    tekkiechikk Posts: 375 Member
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    Thanks for the suggestions! I've seen the Walden Farms dressings, but at zero calories have always wondered how good they taste. I'll check them out. Love Hidden Valley and will experiment using some of the substitutes suggested. Have never heard of Bolthouse but will look for it. The creamy cucumber has my mouth watering already :)
  • jakj00
    jakj00 Posts: 97 Member
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    I agree on the Bolthouse Farms...low calorie and delish!
  • jaggerjia
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    just a matter of preference, but i like thick dressing as a dip and much thinner for a salad dressing, so i will take ranch (1 or 2 T) and put it in a small glass and add an equal amount of water or milk and stir it up, it thins it out and makes it go a lot farther, and i find it delicious.
  • nilbogger
    nilbogger Posts: 870 Member
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    You can always thin down a creamy dressing with some vinegar.
  • krithsai
    krithsai Posts: 668 Member
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    I make my own. I always have a few ingredients available - balsamic, white and apple cider vinegar, good quality olive oil, fresh garlic, lemons, italian seasoning and greek yogurt. From there, I just wing it. I made this dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, crushed fresh garlic and red chilli flakes yesterday - YUMMY! I've sometimes made a "creamy" dressing by whipping together greek yogurt, lemon zest and some lemon - yummy! Homemade dressing recipes are very forgiving. You can add flavors as you go and really measure out your portions to make logging easy.
  • PowerfulHunt
    PowerfulHunt Posts: 281 Member
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    Kraft - Lite Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing (25 cals for 2 Tbsp)
  • MayMaydoesntrun
    MayMaydoesntrun Posts: 805 Member
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    I use blue cheese crumbles instead of actual blue cheese dressings. It's 110 calories for 3 tablespoons and it really goes a long way. Love my crumbles!
  • palwithme
    palwithme Posts: 860 Member
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    MaryBBrown wrote: »
    I use blue cheese crumbles instead of actual blue cheese dressings. It's 110 calories for 3 tablespoons and it really goes a long way. Love my crumbles!

    Agree. Better option.
  • GameGirl777
    GameGirl777 Posts: 60 Member
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    I make my own. 1 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup honey, Italian seasoning, maybe a squeeze of lemon.
  • MeowMix66
    MeowMix66 Posts: 14 Member
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    Whole Foods 365 Lemon Tahini dressing. 30 calories per 2 tablespoons. http://www.fooducate.com/app#page=product&id=52EFBFDA-7166-348F-4399-A170313488CC
  • LifeInTheBikeLane
    LifeInTheBikeLane Posts: 345 Member
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    I use Maries Yogurt Blue Cheese. It's 70 calories for 2tbsp.

    I also use Sweet baby rays BBQ sauce sometimes. It's not a dressing but it is enjoyable!
  • MoiAussi93
    MoiAussi93 Posts: 1,948 Member
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    If I have salad at home I make my own lemon dijon vinaigrette. Just olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper.
  • exstromn
    exstromn Posts: 176 Member
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    Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Raspberry Vinaigrette Fat Free (contains no high fructose corn syrup) and is great on spinach and shrimp salad. I also like Hidden Valley Ranch lite to which I add a little garlic powder and lemmon pepper. mmmmmmmm
  • NikiMG1681
    NikiMG1681 Posts: 36 Member
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    Ken's Bleu Cheese Vinegrette!!!!

    Yum. But, unfortunately, it totally eats up my calories and fat.

    So. I dont' have a good answer. I just don't eat salad anymore. I steam spinach in the microwave.
  • tekkiechikk
    tekkiechikk Posts: 375 Member
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    Apparently, I've really been missing out on using Greek yogurt for a dressing base. I love eating it just as yogurt, but will be trying some of the combinations. And I'll pick up a container of lite bleu cheese crumbles. Thanks also for all the bottled suggestions, I'm making a list.
  • cruelas01
    cruelas01 Posts: 10 Member
    edited February 2015
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    I made an almost oil free salad dressing from stuff in my fridge. My husband even likes it, so I always keep it on hand.

    2T Lemon juice (or other citrus, I have tried lime and limequat - all good)
    2T Rice Vinegar
    1t Hot Sauce (optional, I use Tapatio)
    1t Light Ranch Dressing

    This is two servings (but I now mix up larger batches)
    I have also tried mashing up some avocado and mixing it in. This is really good too!

    Per serving (without avocado):
    calories 10
    Total Fat 1 g
    Sodium 77 mg
    Potassium 19 mg
    Total Carbohydrate 2 g
    Sugars 1 g
    Vitamin C 12 %