Dress to Impress: The tastiest toppers for salads
Why did the tomato blush? Because it saw the salad dressing ☺
We all know that when it comes to a salad, the right dressing can transform a boring bowl into a palate-pleasing plate. As Paul Newman says, “From salad dressings, all blessings flow.” I couldn’t agree more, and that’s why I’ve lots of time in my kitchen working to perfect recipes for Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Caesar and so many more. These yummy versions are loaded with wholesome ingredients, which help you cut back on sodium, fat, sugar and calories. I guess you can say we’re raising the (salad) bar!
Dress to Impress
Why did the tomato blush? Because it saw the salad dressing ☺
We all know that when it comes to a salad, the right dressing can transform a boring bowl into a palate-pleasing plate. As Paul Newman says, “From salad dressings, all blessings flow.” I couldn’t agree more, and that’s why I’ve spent lots of time in my kitchen working to perfect recipes for Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Caesar and so many more. These yummy versions are loaded with wholesome ingredients, which help you cut back on sodium, fat, sugar and calories. I guess you can say we’re raising the (salad) bar!
Dress to Impress: Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is like magic sauce; pour it on a salad, serve it as a dip with crunchy carrots or use it as a topping for roasted broccoli—and poof!—watch those good-for-you veggies disappear. It’s creamy, thick, flavorful and savory; no wonder why it’s the most popular salad dressing in the United States. Making your own version at home is surprisingly simple, and allows you the advantage of controlling the ingredients. For instance, this Ranch rendition features protein-packed non-fat Greek yogurt as the base and mixes in delicious seasonings and herbs for the full flavor experience. You can also try fun spins, like Avocado Ranch Dip, Buffalo Ranch Dressing, Bacon Ranch Dressing and Blue-Cheese Ranch Dressing. It’s salad gold!
Dress to Impress: Caesar Dressing
Romaine calm: Caesar is a close second on the list of American’s favorite dressings. I put my own spin on the beloved condiment by adding a secret ingredient: Avocado. It adds a creamy smoothness in addition to a dose of healthy fats and nutrition to you bowl. You get all the same yumminess —garlicky goodness, cheesy perfection and a kick from the Worcestershire sauce— but in a lighter, healthier form. I made the anchovy paste optional because I know not everyone loves the fishy flavor (I typically skip it). It’s great on salads, and anything else that requires a Caesar dressing angle, like my Chicken Caesar Wrap and Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza.
Dress to Impress: Lemon Vinaigrette
A vinaigrette is a dressing made of two basic ingredients: oil and something acidic, like vinegar or lemon juice, in addition to herbs and seasonings. In this Lemon Vinaigrette, I mix extra virgin olive oil (the healthiest oil in town) with lemon juice and zest as well as rice vinegar for an aromatic and tasty topping for salad greens, sliced avocado and cucumbers and even grilled chicken. When life hands you lemons, make this refreshing and citrusy Lemon Vinaigrette!
Dress to Impress: Green Goddess Dressing
Hail to the green queen! This vibrant dressing is made of gorgeous, green-hued superfoods, including avocado, which boasts healthy fats in addition to delicious creaminess….and basil, which delivers a wonderful aroma and flavor. I’m not sure what’s more appealing: the fresh, tangy flavor or the eye-popping color. It’s love at first bite.
Dress to Impress: Pamplemousse Vinaigrette
No, I haven’t lost my mind—I actually made a salad dressing using my favorite LaCroix Sparkling Water flavor, Pamplemousse. The result is one palate-pleasing dressing. You’ll get a touch of tartness from the LaCroix Pamplemousse (French for grapefruit) and fresh grapefruit juice, a bit of sweetness from the honey and wonderful creaminess from the Dijon. This will quickly become a family favorite.
Dress to Impress: Balsamic Vinaigrette
This is a go-to for salad lovers, light and slightly sweet without being too overpowering, allowing the fresh and delicious flavor of your greens to really shine through. My version requires just 5 ingredients (plus water), and you can choose to dial the various ingredient amounts up or down depending on your taste buds. In addition to being a stellar salad topper, you can try drizzling it over roasted veggies or adding to sandwiches.
Dress to Impress: Chipotle Tahini Dressing
Creamy, smoky and totally satisfying, this dressing is a scrumptious surprise. The star ingredient is tahini, ground sesame paste, which has a mellow, nutty taste. I’ve combined it with chipotle peppers for some heat (we love it with heat, but I provide instructions for dialing it down) and adobo sauce for sweet, tangy flavor. Of course, I add garlic (it makes everything taste delish) and lime juice for brightness. No matter how you enjoy—drizzled, dolloped or dipped—you will be drooling!
