Some say the secret to a delicious salad is in the dressing. But with the numerous varieties of commercial dressings on the market, how can you be sure you're getting a salad dressing that's both tasty and healthful? Here's how:
What to Watch Out For
When shopping for dressings, look for those with the fewest ingredients and very little sugar. Any commercial dressing with less than three grams of sugar per two tablespoons is recommended on the South Beach Diet. Just remember to be careful of low-fat or nonfat dressings, as these often contain added sugar to improve the flavor.
Homemade Dressings Are Best
The healthiest salad dressings are homemade, using simple ingredients such as monounsaturated extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon or lime juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. By making your own salad dressing, you have control over what you eat. Store-bought dressings can be a bit more confusing and their ingredients require careful attention.
How to Serve Salad Dressings
There's no need to exclude any particular type of salad dressing (such as Caesar or blue cheese) as long as it fits the sugar requirement. We recommend using no more than two tablespoons of dressing per serving, but go easier on the creamier options.
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