It’s a well-known fact that professional chefs prefer to create their own salad dressings. After all, using a store-bought dressing wouldn’t please many restaurant patrons. Chefs argue that making their own dressings allows them to adjust flavors and use high-quality ingredients, which allows the salad ingredients to shine. However, there is something undeniably appealing about the convenience of store-bought dressings. Surprisingly, many kitchen professionals have a soft spot for these bottled condiments. According to experts, there are eight supermarket dressings that are worth keeping in your pantry or fridge. These dressings can be found nationwide.
1. Newman’s Own Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
Newman’s Own is one of the most popular salad dressing brands in American grocery stores. Chefs are particularly fond of Newman’s Own Lemon Basil Vinaigrette. Executive chef Cameron Bryant describes it as a “great quality dressing with good balance” that can adapt to a variety of salad ingredients. Ekaterina Doshevska, executive chef for Chef’s Palette at Canvas Hotel Dallas, calls it “high quality” and “delicious”. She appreciates that it is free of gluten, artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives. Doshevska uses this dressing to marinate chicken before grilling and recommends adding fresh herb leaves like parsley and basil to freshen it up.
2. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
When it comes to ranch dressing, there is only one brand that stands out – Hidden Valley. Chefs are unanimous in their praise for this iconic dressing and believe it is perfect as is. Chef Alex Meyer adds that its thickening agents make it an ideal dip for chicken wings. Chef Cyrille Holota prefers Hidden Valley’s dry ranch dressing packets, which allows him to control the ingredients and make it as tasty and healthy as desired. He also recommends adding fresh herbs like cilantro or chervil and a splash of lime to jazz up the flavor.
3. Makoto Original Ginger Dressing
Chef Mike Friedman considers Makoto Original Ginger Dressing to be one of the best sauces available for livening up any salad. He describes it as savory, sweet, vegetal, and enhancing to everything it is paired with. Chef David Benstock agrees, finding it to be intensely flavorful and fresh. Benstock uses it as a marinade for fish and as a dressing on vegetables and fried rice. He believes that it doesn’t need any additional ingredients to enhance the flavor.
4. Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Salad Dressing
Trader Joe’s is known for its fresh products made with recognizable ingredients, and its salad dressings are no exception. Among its refrigerated options, Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Salad Dressing stands out. It is described as an organic, herb-infused dressing with cold-pressed lemon juice, garlic, chives, and basil. Brian Pancir, the corporate culinary director for Thompson Hospitality, recommends using it with fried chicken sandwiches and drizzling it on loaded pizza pies. For a spicy kick, Pancir suggests adding a pinch of Carolina ghost powder.
5. Kewpie Deep-Roasted Sesame Dressing
Kewpie is well-known for its Japanese mayonnaise, but it also produces a fantastic sesame-based salad dressing. Chef Valerie Gordon praises its delightful sesame soy flavor, describing it as creamy without feeling heavy. She suggests pairing it with Asian noodle salad or using it as a dip for crudités or as a side for chicken, salmon, or shrimp. For an added kick, Gordon recommends stirring in some Sriracha.
6. Marie’s Caesar Dressing
While vinaigrettes can easily be made from scratch, Caesar dressing is notoriously difficult to get right. Marie’s Caesar Dressing is a reliable option available in many grocery stores nationwide. Chef Tom Berry appreciates that it is sold in the refrigerated section and contains real pecorino and sour cream without any strange ingredients. He recommends using it for Caesar salads and wraps or as a dipping sauce for pizza. Berry suggests adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and Tabasco to give it a bit of zing.
7. Kraft Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing
Kraft dressings are widely available and beloved by chefs. Sophina Uong, chef-owner at Mister Mao, particularly enjoys Kraft’s toasted Asian sesame dressing. She describes it as the best dressing for…
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