Taste test: The best salad dressings

Real Simple Magazine

Shake up your dinner routine with a salad dressed to thrill. These eight zesty winners make it easy to turn over a new leaf.







Best Asian


Maple Grove Farms Sesame Ginger
The "big and bold aromatic flavors" in this dressing put one taster in a creative mood: "I'd pair it with greens, chicken, and mandarin oranges," she said. Another loved the delicate crunch of the sesame seeds. It's so good that one fan was moved to beg, "More salad, please!"
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To buy: $4.50 for 12 ounces.











Best Balsamic
Briannas Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

"Thick and delicious" was the general consensus on this lush blend of honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Dijon mustard. "There's just the right level of acidity and a nice, surprising sweetness," noted a volunteer. Said a second, "The Mediterranean taste would be great on a Greek salad."
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To buy: $4.70 for 12 ounces.










Best Blue Cheese
Kraft Blue Cheese Dressing and Dip


"This is the real deal," declared a panelist. "Great for drizzling on a wedge of crunchy iceberg or dipping wings into." Said an enthusiast, "It tastes comforting, like the version I grew up eating." "It's like a drug," confessed another. "The more I eat it, the more I like it."
Related:10 Delicious and Surprising Salads

To buy: $4 for 16 ounces.















Best Ranch
Cardini's Parmesan Ranch Dressing


"I love the crazy pepperiness," said one tester. "This is what you hope ranch dressing will taste like, but it usually doesn't." Added a devotee, "With this dressing, a salad could be a meal―it's so rich and savory." The creaminess makes it a great pick for kids, observed one mother.
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To buy: $4.30 for 12 ounces.










Best French
Briannas Zesty French Dressing

"I like the spicy edge and the lovely orange color," enthused a panelist about this dressing made with red and green bell peppers and paprika. "This would rock on tomatoes," said a second. "Sweet and zingy, with a great flavor punch! Much livelier than the usual French dressings on the market."

To buy: $4.70 for 12 ounces.

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Images By: Chris Bartlett