There is only one thing worse than standing in a long aisle of salad dressings, so overwhelmed by the different brands and flavors that you can't possibly choose the right one: a bland salad. Whether you're a lover of salads, or just looking to add something healthier to your diet, the dressing is a vital decision. It will ultimately make or break your meal.
Not only can salad dressings spice up your salad, but they can often be used for marinates, sandwiches, seafood, and other fun recipes. The best salad dressings are versatile and can be used in any salad and even other meals. Read on to see out top favorites and our expertly put together buying guide.
Quick List - Top Store Bought Salad Dressings
Good Seasons
Enhance Culinary Creations With Versatile Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix
Feast From The East
Sugar-Free Sesame Dressing: Sweet and Tangy, Perfect for Low-Carb Lifestyles
BRIANNAS
Versatile Organic Dressings: Flavorful Choices for Every Salad
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Our top 9 list features lots of excellent dressings. So how do you choose? Use the tips below to narrow down your choices. Consider flavors, consistency, health, and blending!
The abundance of flavors available in salad dressings offers anything you could possibly want. Decide ahead of time the flavor, or combination of flavors, that you are looking for.
Consider if you want something spicy or sweet. Are you looking for more of a kick, or perhaps something to balance bitter ingredients in your salad? For a spicier dressing, look for ingredients like chili powder, cumin, pepper, or sriracha. As for sweeter ingredients, honey, red wine vinegar, and any kind of fruit can be great additions.
Determine the level of flavor you are searching for. Sometimes, you may want a dressing that will add as much flavor as possible. Other times, you’ll want a more subtle dressing.
Occasionally, salad dressings come with an aftertaste, a lingering tang, or perhaps a slight bitterness. Ingredients like ground mustard and garlic typically add tang to the dressing, while a lot of vinegar leads to sourness.
After you’ve decided the type of flavors you want, the next component to consider is consistency. Creamier dressings will have more mayonnaise or yogurt, while lighter dressings typically have an oil and vinegar base.
For some salads, adding a dressing that is too heavy can cause it to become soggy. A lighter dressing, like vinaigrette or Caesar, is best for salads with fewer ingredients or lighter types of lettuce.
On the other hand, if a dressing is too light, it could be overpowered by the rest of the flavors in your salad. French dressing, ranch, or a creamy thousand island dressing can be a great addition to stronger salads.
If your goal is to choose the healthiest option, consider looking for dressings labeled "low-fat" rather than "fat-free" salad dressing. Some fat can actually benefit your health, slowing down the digestion process to make you feel fuller. In addition, it benefits your heart health. Meanwhile, fat-free dressings tend to be over-processed.
The healthiest salad dressings are usually simple. If you’re reading the ingredients list on the back of the bottle, the first three ingredients to look for are water, oil, and vinegar. These dressings allow you to add flavor to your salad without sacrificing your dietary goals.
Unsurprisingly, heavier, creamier dressings are higher in calories. Avoid dressings like thousand island, Buffalo ranch, and honey mustard if you desire a healthier salad dressing.
Finally, consider sodium and sugar intake. An abundance of sodium is dangerous for your heart health, while too much sugar leads to inflamed arteries and other health problems. 115 milligrams or less of sodium per serving is the healthiest option. Meanwhile, two grams of sugar or less is ideal.
The flavor, consistency, and weight of a dressing are all vital components to consider when choosing the right dressing for your lettuce.
Romaine lettuce is great with a variety of salad dressings. It typically goes well with anything but is especially good with Caesar dressing. Iceberg lettuce is a little bland, but crispy. It goes well with anything, but considering a strong, flavorful dressing can take this type of salad to the next level.
If you're making a salad with either of these types of lettuce, your options for dressings are endless. Consider the other ingredients in your salad when choosing, and look for something that will blend well with all of the flavors. Just know that you don't need to factor your lettuce into it; these are flexible lettuces!
Bibb lettuce is delicious but easily falls apart. To avoid your salad disintegrating, try a lighter dressing for this kind of lettuce, like a vinaigrette.
A lighter dressing with arugula will bring out its peppery flavor and crispness! Again, vinaigrette dressing, or even a lighter ranch dressing, will complement arugula well. Spring greens or baby leaf greens are great in a salad but tend to be soggy if you dress them too heavily. Vinegar, oil, or lemon-based dressings are perfect for this type of salad.
Spinach, especially newer leaves, tends to wilt very easily. To avoid this happening in your salad, you’ll want a lighter dressing. Vinaigrette dressings work well with spinach, but it would also be worth looking into dressings with bacon or mustard for some extra flavor.
Watercress and radicchio both benefit from salad dressings with a medium consistency. Avoid anything too light, because then it will be overpowered, or too heavy, as the greens will drown in it. Ranch, or more fatty dressings, are a great middle ground for these types of lettuce.
Frisee lettuce is a very bitter lettuce and requires a heavy, fatty dressing to balance it out. Thousand island dressings are perfect for this lettuce. Endive, like frisee, is very bitter. Thick, creamy dressings like blue cheese dressings blend very well with endive.
Dressings that are fruit-based or have a sweeter flavor are also great picks for salads with lettuces that tend to be more bitter.
Kale and Swiss chard both have very tough leaves. This can make the salad more difficult to eat. However, an acidic dressing like vinaigrette will help break them down and make them easier to eat.
Dressings that have a lot of vinegar, sodium, citrus, or oil can be some of the best dressings when enjoying a salad with kale or Swiss chard.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Volume | Flavor | Allergens | Form | Calories | |||||
1 | Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix|10 Pack | ![]() | Enhance Culinary Creations With Versatile Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix | 0.7oz, 10 Pouches | Italian | Soy, Wheat | Seasoning Mix | 5 | |
2 | Feast From The East Feast From The East®|12oz Sugar-Free Sesame Dressing | ![]() | Sugar-Free Sesame Dressing: Sweet and Tangy, Perfect for Low-Carb Lifestyles | 12 oz | Sesame | Gluten-Free | Dressing | 35 | |
3 | BRIANNAS BRIANNAS, Del Sol Food Co.|Organic Variety 3 Pack | ![]() | Versatile Organic Dressings: Flavorful Choices for Every Salad | 10 oz, 3 Bottles | Variety | USDA Organic, Vegan | Dressing | unknown | |
4 | Kraft Classic Ranch Salad Dressing | ![]() | Classic Ranch Dressing: Zesty Tang with Real Buttermilk | 16 oz | Ranch | Milk, Eggs | Dressing | 100 | |
5 | Hidden Valley® Hidden Valley Ranch |Buttermilk Recipe Restaurant-Style Dressing & Seasoning Mix|3 Pack | ![]() | Buttermilk Ranch Seasoning: Creamy Flavor for Every Dish | 0.4, Pack of 3 | Ranch | Gluten-Free | Seasoning Mix | 0 | |
6 | Skinnygirl Skinnygirl™|Honey Dijon | ![]() | Honey Dijon Dressing: Sweet & Savory Flavor, Guilt-Free | 8 oz | Honey Dijon | Vegan | Dressing | 10 | |
7 | Cardini’s Caesar Cardini’s ™|The Original Caesar Dressing | ![]() | Classic Caesar Made Better | 12 oz | Caesar | Fish, Gluten Free, Dairy, Milk, Eggs | Dressing | 140 | |
8 | Wish-Bone Wish-Bone® |Light Thousand Island Salad Dressing | ![]() | Light Thousand Island Dressing: Tangy Flavor Without the Guilt | 15 oz | Thousand Island | Soy | Dressing | 60 | |
9 | Pork King Good Ranch Seasoning | ![]() | Bold Ranch Seasoning: Flavor Innovation without Compromise | 3.25 oz | Ranch | Gluten-Free | Seasoning Mix | 0 | |
10 | Drew's Organics Roasted Garlic Peppercorn Dressing & Quick Marinade | ![]() | Creamy Roasted Garlic Peppercorn Dressing: Italian-Inspired Flavor Fusion | 12 oz | Roaster Garlic & Peppercorn | USDA Organic, Gluten-Free, Vegan | Dressing | 150 |
Flavor | Italian |
---|---|
Calories | 5 |
Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix offers a convenient solution for creating flavorful dressings, marinades, and more. This versatile mix requires only water, vinegar, and oil, providing a scratch-made taste without the hassle. With a shelf life of 12 months and a compact size that saves storage space, it's a practical addition to any kitchen pantry.
The mix is gluten-free and does not contain added sugars, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Its blend of spices, including garlic, onion, and red bell peppers, adds depth to salads and other dishes. Perfect for those looking to elevate everyday meals with minimal effort, Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix allows you to customize flavors to suit your taste preferences, ensuring freshness and quality in every use.
Volume | 0.7oz, 10 Pouches |
---|---|
Form | Seasoning Mix |
Flavor | Sesame |
---|---|
Calories | 35 |
Feast From The East® 12oz Sugar-Free Sesame Dressing offers a flavorful twist on traditional Asian sesame dressings without the added sugar and carbs. Ideal for those following low-carb, keto, or sugar-free diets, this dressing maintains the signature sweet and tangy flavor profile and robust toasted sesame aroma. Sweetened with Sucralose, it caters to dietary preferences without compromising taste.
Gluten-free and manufactured in the USA, it aligns with dietary restrictions and quality standards. Each serving contains just 35 calories and 4 g of fat, making it a guilt-free addition to salads or marinades. Whether enhancing a simple green salad or marinating chicken, Feast From The East® Sugar-Free Sesame Dressing offers a convenient and flavorful option for health-conscious consumers seeking authentic Asian-inspired flavors without the sugar content.
Volume | 12 oz |
---|---|
Form | Dressing |
Flavor | Variety |
---|---|
Calories | unknown |
BRIANNAS, Del Sol Food Co. Organic Variety 3 Pack offers a range of flavorful organic dressings perfect for enhancing salads and more. Each dressing is certified organic, gluten-free, and free from soy, nuts, trans fats, and high fructose corn syrup, catering to various dietary preferences.
The Rich Poppy Seed dressing provides a creamy, sweet option with hints of onions and poppy seeds, ideal for fruit salads or coleslaw. The Real French Vinaigrette balances vinegar, oil, garlic, and black pepper, versatile for vegetable salads and marinating meats. The Mango Vinaigrette adds a tropical twist with its sweet mango flavor, enhancing green salads and fruit dips. These dressings come in convenient 10 fl oz bottles and are perfect for those seeking organic, flavorful options without added sugars, making them a versatile choice for any culinary occasion.
Volume | 10 oz, 3 Bottles |
---|---|
Form | Dressing |
Flavor | Ranch |
---|---|
Calories | 100 |
Volume | 16 oz |
---|---|
Form | Dressing |
Flavor | Ranch |
---|---|
Calories | 0 |
Volume | 0.4, Pack of 3 |
---|---|
Form | Seasoning Mix |
Flavor | Honey Dijon |
---|---|
Calories | 10 |
Skinnygirl™ Honey Dijon combines the robust flavors of Dijon mustard and honey in a fat-free, sugar-free dressing perfect for salads and dips, offering a guilt-free indulgence with every serving.
Skinnygirl™ Honey Dijon dressing provides a flavorful option for health-conscious consumers looking to enhance their salads or use as a dip, featuring a blend of cider vinegar, mustard seeds, and a touch of honey. With only 10 calories per 2 tablespoon serving, it caters to calorie-conscious diets without compromising taste. The addition of natural flavors and spices like garlic and onion ensures a rich, balanced profile that complements a variety of salad greens and other dishes. Ideal for those seeking a low-fat, low-calorie dressing option, Skinnygirl™ Honey Dijon stands out for its ability to enhance the natural flavors of greens while offering a sweet and savory twist. Whether used at home or for gatherings, it provides a versatile and satisfying dressing choice that aligns with dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Volume | 8 oz |
---|---|
Form | Dressing |
Flavor | Caesar |
---|---|
Calories | 140 |
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Cardini's Caesar Dressing, crafted without preservatives for a fresh, authentic taste. Full of robust Caesar flavor, this dressing elevates any salad with its smooth, savory profile, bringing a restaurant-quality experience to your kitchen.
With no MSG and free of gluten, dairy, eggs, and other common allergens, Cardini’s Caesar Dressing is a perfect choice for those seeking delicious flavors with mindful ingredients. Whether you're drizzling over crisp greens or using it as a marinade, each serving delivers a burst of timeless taste.
Volume | 12 oz |
---|---|
Form | Dressing |
Flavor | Thousand Island |
---|---|
Calories | 60 |
Volume | 15 oz |
---|---|
Form | Dressing |
Flavor | Ranch |
---|---|
Calories | 0 |
Volume | 3.25 oz |
---|---|
Form | Seasoning Mix |
Flavor | Roaster Garlic & Peppercorn |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Drew's Organics Roasted Garlic Peppercorn Dressing combines mellow slow-roasted garlic with a creamy peppercorn base, crafted from organic sunflower oil and apple cider vinegar, perfect for salads and marinades, with zero added sugars.
Drew's Organics Roasted Garlic Peppercorn Dressing stands out for its commitment to organic ingredients and Vermont craftsmanship, ensuring a flavorful, natural product free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Ideal for health-conscious consumers, this dressing boasts a rich blend of organic spices like oregano, basil, and black pepper, providing a robust Italian-inspired taste. Its versatility shines as both a dressing and quick marinade, enhancing dishes with its low-sodium profile and wholesome ingredients sourced from non-GMO seed stock. Whether used to complement fresh greens or elevate grilled meats, Drew's Organics offers a premium dressing option that aligns with a natural and flavorful culinary experience.
Volume | 12 oz |
---|---|
Form | Dressing |
No. 1: Good Seasons|Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix|10 Pack
No. 2: Feast From The East |Feast From The East®|12oz Sugar-Free Sesame Dressing
No. 3: BRIANNAS |BRIANNAS, Del Sol Food Co.|Organic Variety 3 Pack
No. 4: Kraft|Classic Ranch Salad Dressing
No. 5: Hidden Valley® |Hidden Valley Ranch |Buttermilk Recipe Restaurant-Style Dressing & Seasoning Mix|3 Pack
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