Salad dressing?

AlexandraNK
AlexandraNK Posts: 54
edited September 20 in Recipes
Ok so we all know dressing is a killer on calories.... Any suggestions? I need a good low cal recipe or bottled.
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Replies

  • tiffanygil
    tiffanygil Posts: 478 Member
    My favs are the newman's own liten up, all of them are really good with 40 cals or less for 2 tablespoons, but my very fav is Free zesty Itailin dressing by kraft. I even cook with it instead of oil (veggies, eggs) and it has 15 for 2 tablespoons
  • tiffanygil
    tiffanygil Posts: 478 Member
    oh and I forgot.... i also use cottage cheese (fat free) and mix a packet of ranch seasoning with it and use about a 1/4 cup of the mixture for about 45 cals
  • blondageh
    blondageh Posts: 923 Member
    oh and I forgot.... i also use cottage cheese (fat free) and mix a packet of ranch seasoning with it and use about a 1/4 cup of the mixture for about 45 cals

    That sounds really good! I am going to have to try that as a dip for carrots, etc.

    I also use the Fat free Italian. It is the lowest calorie dressing I have found in the store.
  • shawley1
    shawley1 Posts: 25
    Buy the ranch dry packets and make the dressing recipe on the back with fat free mayo and skim milk!
  • MissingMinnesota
    MissingMinnesota Posts: 7,486 Member
    I like organic raspberry vinaigrette
  • sjcply
    sjcply Posts: 817 Member
    I like organic raspberry vinaigrette

    DITTO this.....very yummy!
  • sara_m83
    sara_m83 Posts: 545 Member
    I usually just drizzle my salad with balsamic vinegar, or balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
  • 00trayn
    00trayn Posts: 1,849 Member
    Trader Joes has a Champagne Pear vinegarette that is amazing! Its 55 calories for a serving and a little goes a long way. I bring it the cafeteria at work and use it instead of the salad dressing that they have there. Trader Joes has a few good ones that are yummy and low in calories, I remember seeing a raspberry one.
  • msdjsmith95
    msdjsmith95 Posts: 14
    Maple Grove Farms Fat Free Raspberry Vinaigrette has 30 calories in 2 tablespoons, and I agree that the Newman's Own Lighten Up Basalmic Vinaigrette has tons of flavor as well. Two tablespoons goes A LONG ways on a healthy-sized salad.
  • sjcply
    sjcply Posts: 817 Member
    Maple Grove Farms Fat Free Raspberry Vinaigrette has 30 calories in 2 tablespoons,

    this one is yummy too!!
  • cynthiaj777
    cynthiaj777 Posts: 787 Member
    Honey mustard vinagerette spray.....1 calorie per spray.
  • spob
    spob Posts: 206
    i never use low cal dressings, I do not like the taste and I think that they use a lot of chemical fillers. So I have two tricks. The first one sounds dumb but really works for me. I put the dressing on the side, dip my fork tines into the dressing before i take a bite of salad so that with each bite I get a bit of dressing. Dressing goes far this way! The other method was taught to me by a personal trainer: Take your favourite creamy dressing, place into bowl, In a food processor put equal amount of cottage cheese and blitz to smooth finish. Combine both well in a bowl. You can use this as a dip or dressing. You can add back some of the dressing to bring the taste up to your personal taste. This method cuts the calories, trims the fat, does not jeopardize rich taste and adds healthy calcium and a protein to your daily diet!
  • ScarryYo21
    ScarryYo21 Posts: 1
    I only like Ranch dressing...so I knew I would have a problem. I was looking through the store and near the veggie section I found Bolthouse Farms Yogurt Ranch dressing. I was surprised that it's really good and if you watch your portions it's not too bad for you.
    2 tbsp
    calories 70
    total fat 6 grams
    and It comes in a variety of flavors !
  • xarrium
    xarrium Posts: 432 Member
    I can usually tolerate the lower fat/calorie dressings (I like Kraft's Greek dressing the best), or sometimes I dice up pickles and toss them in the salad for seasoning. I've also recently discovered that a little lemon juice is sometimes good enough...
  • PJilly
    PJilly Posts: 22,240 Member
    I only like Ranch dressing...so I knew I would have a problem. I was looking through the store and near the veggie section I found Bolthouse Farms Yogurt Ranch dressing. I was surprised that it's really good and if you watch your portions it's not too bad for you.
    2 tbsp
    calories 70
    total fat 6 grams
    and It comes in a variety of flavors !
    I recently discovered the Bolthouse Farms Creamy Yogurt Blue Cheese dressing, and I really like it. I was wondering if the ranch was good too. I'll try that next. Thanks!
  • mrswaltz
    mrswaltz Posts: 8 Member
    I had no idea Bolthouse Farms made dressing! Now, thanks to you, I am SO excited to go to the store tomorrow :)
  • sandara
    sandara Posts: 830 Member
    Maple grove balsamic vinigraitte. 5 calories for 2 TBSP.

    Gonna hafta try the rasberry - haven't seen it yet :smile:
  • crazyjkgirl
    crazyjkgirl Posts: 123 Member
    I've personally found that if the salad contains high quality fresh ingredients I don't really need a dressing at all. On occasion, I will dole out a teaspoon of dressing onto a plate or in a cup and use my fork to dip and sneak some flavor. There are so many amazing dressing out there. I'm personally a fan of honey mustard and raspberry vinaigrette.
  • christadh
    christadh Posts: 4 Member
    A few different popular flavors of dressing (ranch, blue cheese, etc) are now being offered as a yogurt-based dressing which has reduced calories. But the absolute best thing to do is use a vinaigrette. Light zesty italian dressing is only a couple of calories per tsp as opposed to ranch which can be about 40 per tsp, depending on brand, etc.

    The thing about "lite" dressing is that when the manufacturer takes out some of the fat, they put in sugar instead. So it's really not as good for you as they would have you believe.

    I looove ranch, on chicken, sandwiches, salads, etc... But if you're serious about cutting calories then go for the balsamic vinegar and the like.
  • PJilly
    PJilly Posts: 22,240 Member
    A few different popular flavors of dressing (ranch, blue cheese, etc) are now being offered as a yogurt-based dressing which has reduced calories. But the absolute best thing to do is use a vinaigrette. Light zesty italian dressing is only a couple of calories per tsp as opposed to ranch which can be about 40 per tsp, depending on brand, etc.

    The thing about "lite" dressing is that when the manufacturer takes out some of the fat, they put in sugar instead. So it's really not as good for you as they would have you believe.

    I looove ranch, on chicken, sandwiches, salads, etc... But if you're serious about cutting calories then go for the balsamic vinegar and the like.
    The Bolthouse yogurt-based dressings are low-fat and have no added sugar. The blue cheese has only 50 calories for 2 tablespoons. I use half a tablespoon on my salad, so that's a whopping 12.5 calories. Not too shabby in my book.
  • HealthyChanges2010
    HealthyChanges2010 Posts: 5,831 Member
    i never use low cal dressings, I do not like the taste and I think that they use a lot of chemical fillers. So I have two tricks. The first one sounds dumb but really works for me. I put the dressing on the side, dip my fork tines into the dressing before i take a bite of salad so that with each bite I get a bit of dressing. Dressing goes far this way! The other method was taught to me by a personal trainer: Take your favourite creamy dressing, place into bowl, In a food processor put equal amount of cottage cheese and blitz to smooth finish. Combine both well in a bowl. You can use this as a dip or dressing. You can add back some of the dressing to bring the taste up to your personal taste. This method cuts the calories, trims the fat, does not jeopardize rich taste and adds healthy calcium and a protein to your daily diet!
    Both sound like great ideas! The fork trick I've tried and love it! The other one is new to me and sounds intriguing, can't wait to try it out:wink::bigsmile:

    Thanks to everyone for all the new ideas!
    Becca:flowerforyou:
  • HealthyChanges2010
    HealthyChanges2010 Posts: 5,831 Member
    A few different popular flavors of dressing (ranch, blue cheese, etc) are now being offered as a yogurt-based dressing which has reduced calories. But the absolute best thing to do is use a vinaigrette. Light zesty italian dressing is only a couple of calories per tsp as opposed to ranch which can be about 40 per tsp, depending on brand, etc.

    The thing about "lite" dressing is that when the manufacturer takes out some of the fat, they put in sugar instead. So it's really not as good for you as they would have you believe.

    I looove ranch, on chicken, sandwiches, salads, etc... But if you're serious about cutting calories then go for the balsamic vinegar and the like.
    The Bolthouse yogurt-based dressings are low-fat and have no added sugar. The blue cheese has only 50 calories for 2 tablespoons. I use half a tablespoon on my salad, so that's a whopping 12.5 calories. Not too shabby in my book.
    mm I'll have to say I've never actually craved 'dressing' before but looking forward to trying the Bolthouse yogurt ones you're sharing about PJilly .:laugh: :drinker:
  • LuckyLeprechaun
    LuckyLeprechaun Posts: 6,296 Member
    Newman's Own Low Fat Sesame Ginger... 18 cals per Tbsp. Very flavorful!!! Love it!
  • nuttyp
    nuttyp Posts: 2
    It's been brought to my attention that most bottles dressings are made with oils that your body holds on to. Even low fat/calorie dressings can make you store the bad fat from these harmful oils. I've been using only olive oil and lemon with some added spices in my salads, if you like avocado, it adds flavor. Natural is best for the body, and the body will flush the fat from olive oil and avocados, I've lost 9 lbs in 1 1/2 weeks from eating a more natural diet, no processed foods, and counting my calories on myfitnesspal.
  • Ryhenblue
    Ryhenblue Posts: 390 Member
    A few weeks ago, I looked at all the salad dressings trying to find one that was lower in calories and sodium. I noticed that my Italian dressing was 430g of sodium per serving defeating the healthy point of eating a salad. I found certain kinds of litehouse dressings had the best mixture of low calories and lower sodium than the rest of the dressings in the store (even in the health food section). I'm currently using Tangy Orange Citrus 45 cal, 10 carbs, and 150g sodium.
  • themetra
    themetra Posts: 174 Member
    Maple Grove Farms Fat Free Raspberry Vinaigrette has 30 calories in 2 tablespoons,

    I like Maple Groves Farm Fat free also. I use the Balsamic Vinagrette - 5 cals per 2 tablespoons!
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    You are sooooooo much better off making your own! Just make a big bottle and keep it in the fridge! This one is about 70-80 calories per 2 tablespoons, and healthy with nothing artificial!

    Garlic/Italian dressing
    4 tablespoons EVOO
    6-8 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (depending on how much you like vinegar)
    juice of one lemon
    fresh basil to your liking (if you have, or just the dried would work fine)
    1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    fresh garlic to your liking

    Blend all in a blender/magic bullet and you're ready to enjoy!
  • jamie31
    jamie31 Posts: 568 Member
    Maple Grove Farms Fat Free Raspberry Vinaigrette has 30 calories in 2 tablespoons,

    this one is yummy too!!

    The Balsamic Vinaigrette Sugar Free of Maple Grove has 0 calories and the Sugar Free Raspberry has 5 calories per serving
  • bellinachuchina
    bellinachuchina Posts: 498 Member
    Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Fat Free Balsamic Vinaigrette!

    My lifesaver, & only 5 calories for 2 tablespoons! Tastes awesome!
  • AlexandraNK
    AlexandraNK Posts: 54
    You are sooooooo much better off making your own! Just make a big bottle and keep it in the fridge! This one is about 70-80 calories per 2 tablespoons, and healthy with nothing artificial!

    Garlic/Italian dressing
    4 tablespoons EVOO
    6-8 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (depending on how much you like vinegar)
    juice of one lemon
    fresh basil to your liking (if you have, or just the dried would work fine)
    1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    fresh garlic to your liking

    Blend all in a blender/magic bullet and you're ready to enjoy!

    OMG that sounds so so good! I love making my own but the calories from the oil scared the crap out of me yesterday!
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