Trade It Tuesday: Salad Dressings

Sexy topic, this week, isn't it?  I mean, who doesn't love a good Buttermilk Ranch or Balsamic Vinaigrette?  Have you ever looked to see what the ingredients are in your favorite brands?  You'd be surprised to know that salad dressings can contain their fair share of artificial ingredients. 

The Hidden Valley Ranch website will show you the ingredients list for their products, for which I applaud them (there's nothing I hate more than a food brand that makes it difficult to figure out the ingredients).  Here is the label for Original Ranch (hint:  always look at the end of the list first, that's usually where the unwanted ingredients are listed). 



See them?  Monosodium Glutamate (MSG - which is natural and "generally recognized as safe" but we don't eat it), and Artificial Flavors.  Lord knows what lurks in that catch-all phrase "Artificial Flavors".  And those little packets of Ranch Mix that you use in recipes?  Well, I'm actually not sure what Carboxymethylcellulos is, but it's in there along with "Artificial Flavors".  YUM!

The good news is that there are a TON of all natural salad dressings available in mainstream stores.  The following are some of our favorites.

Ranch Dressing Mix:  I've never tried any of these but a simple Google search turned up a few options that you can find here or go here to make your own mix.  I've never looked for a mix at Whole Foods but I bet they have one. 

Ranch Dressing:  Our favorite is Marie's Creamy Ranch which is located in the cold section with the produce.  However you can also get Bolthouse Farms (also in the refrigerated section, usually with produce), Newman's Own, Annie's Naturals, or 365 (Whole Foods Brand).  The Bolthouse Farms dressings are made with yogurt and are much lower in calories and fat than regular brands, plus they're delicious.

Italian or Vinaigrette:  My FAVORITE Italian dressing is the Annie's Naturals Light Italian.  I can't find it everywhere, so I make special trips to Sprouts every couple of months and stock up on a few bottles.  It is THAT good. 

I've also enjoyed the 365 (Whole Foods Brand) Balsamic Vinaigrette.  That's what I always use when I eat at their salad bar. . . . every time I'm at Whole Foods.   

Basically, you can find a dressing in any given flavor that is an all-natural version, if you stick to the brands that use quality ingredients.  Click on the links for each of these brands to see what flavors they offer:

Annie's Naturals  and Organics (found at any grocery store and Target)
Newman's Own (also found anywhere, but their website appears to be down right now)
Marie's
Bolthouse Farms Dressings and Vinaigrettes

Are these dressings going to be a little more expensive than the mainstream brands?  Yes, most likely.  And there's a chance they could expire more quickly too, especially Marie's or Bolthouse which you find in the refrigeration section.  Remember that brands use artificial ingredients because they are cheaper and last longer.  But natural certainly tastes better. 

Next time  you buy dressing, swap out your usual brand with one of these all natural choices and see if you notice how much better real food tastes.