The Savvy Five: Salad Dressings

Summer time is salad time, with all those yummy veggies to be eaten. So this month’s Savvy Five is all about the dressing. We’ll start you off with the easiest, yummiest homemade balsamic vinaigrette but we’ve also got four store-bought dressings that we love as well—and we’re very picky!

Sarah’s Moms Group Balsamic Vinaigrette
Good for: Adding a touch of gourmet to any salad
Why It Made the List: It’s easy to impress everyone with your gourmet culinary skills when you have the simple secret for this yummy salad dressing. Combine 6 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard in an old jam jar and shake for 30 seconds (very important). Make extra and keep in the fridge—you may never find yourself in the salad dressing aisle again.

Neal Brothers All Natural Toasted Sesame Salad Dressing
Good for: Asian-style salads with carrots, almonds and shredded cabbage or just to liven up your usual salad fare
Why It Made the List: This Japanese-style dressing is free of the kind of ingredients you can’t pronounce and you don’t have to go to a Japanese restaurant to get the yummy flavours of toasted sesame and rice vinegar. (350 ml, $3.99)

Maille Dijon Mustard Dressing
Good for: Lighter salads such as those with Boston or Bibb lettuce
Why It Made the List: We’re suckers for things with the French flag on the label and the light, mustardy flavour of this versatile vinaigrette definitely makes us feel like we’re enjoying a meal at a local bistro in France. We like this one with fish as well—use as a marinade and then drizzle a little more on the fish once it’s on the plate for an added ‘fancy restaurant’ touch. (250 ml, $4.99, widely available)

President’s Choice Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Good for: A touch of Canadiana on every salad
Why It Made the List: This is one of a very few store-bought salad dressings we’ve tried that does not come with that ‘chemy’ aftertaste (perhaps it’s the no artificial colours or flavours) and the hint of maple adds just enough sweetness and interest to this variation on the traditional balsamic vinaigrette. It’s especially delicious with a Cobb salad or a combination of spinach, peaches and blue cheese, and the price is right too. Leave it to the President to come up with a classic. (250 ml, $2.99)

Kraft Calorie-Wise Creamy Cucumber Dressing
Good for: A little break from the ubiquitous Ranch
Why It Made the List: Back in the late 70s (yes, we’re that old), before Ranch dressing’s rise to dominance, Kraft Creamy Cucumber was a childhood fave of ours. We loved the creamy yet zesty flavour. Meanwhile, back at the ranch in the 21st century, our savvy taste tester families agree that this is still a great go-to salad dressing and dipping sauce for veggies and chicken fingers alike, and the Calorie-Wise version is trans fat free and has 60% less calories and fat than the original version. (475 ml, $3.49)

So enjoy the salad days of summer. We know how important it is to be well dressed.

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