The litmus test for an adult home hinges on the contents of its fridge. For instance, a young woman in her twenties might have an abundance of fresh foods on one shelf, and her favourite skincare products on the next.
A put-together flatshare will have a clear divide down the middle, with items rarely crossing the barrier over into the forbidden side of the icebox. The standard model for the modern adult home, however, consists of a fridge with at least two shelves bulging and bending under the weight of countless condiments, old pickle jars, and probably a dead sourdough starter or two.
The one and only time we’ll think to address the ever-increasing number of gone-off condiments lurking in the back of the fridge is when the time comes to move homes. Until then, we’d rather think about investing in a mini fridge to house any shop-bought or homemade extras. Who needs a wine fridge when you can have one dedicated to sauces, spices, dips and dressings?
When it comes to the final condiment on the aforementioned list, the choices are abundant. Some live by the motto that life is too short not to eat pizza and burgers. We don’t necessarily disagree, but those who tout this saying are yet to be opened up to the world of mouth-wateringly delicious and surprisingly healthy salad dressings which make eating your greens easier than ever.
Though dressings and loaded chopped salads are a decidedly American thing, we’re not going to be entirely American about this guide. You won’t find Ranch or Thousand Island dressing in this article – we’ll instead introduce you to even tastier alternatives. Plus, Thousand Island dressing is just a glorified combination of ketchup and mayonnaise that we don’t believe belongs on any adult dish except – at a push – chips.
Gone are the days of mixing olive oil with balsamic vinegar before pouring it over a pile of iceberg lettuce and calling that a salad. These dressings will inspire you to create countless loaded superfood salads just to be in with a chance of giving one of these delicious sauces a taste test. Keep scrolling for our top salad dressings to elevate your healthy eating habits.
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Brianna's Honey Mustard Dressing
We’re not exactly sure who Brianna is, but we’d deeply like to thank her for creating this deliciously addictive yet wonderfully healthy elixir. This honey-mustard dressing is smooth and thick, making it suitable for use as a dip as well as a dressing. The wonderful hint of sweetness afforded by the honey is tempered with the delicious, strong spiced flavour of Dijon mustard. No fridge is complete without a bottle.
Buy now £4.60, Ocado
Lucy’s Dressings – Lucy’s Favourites Bundle; Green Pesto Dressing, Lemon & Caper Zesty Dressing and Light & Tangy French Dressing
Just getting into the wonderful world of salads? We wholeheartedly recommend investing in this bundle of delicious salad dressings by the beloved Lucy’s. Featuring a hearty pesto dressing that can even be drizzled onto penne for a quick pasta salad, a lemon and caper dressing which packs a zesty punch, and a light, creamy yet tangy all-rounder French dressing – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Buy now £21.49, Amazon
Poon's London Chilli Vinegar Dressing
Constantly stuck when it comes to deciding whether to drench your salad in delicious, tangy vinegar or invigorating chilli oil? Look no further than the award-winning Chilli Vinegar dressing by Poon’s London. A twist on the Shanghainese traditional ‘red oi’ wonton sauce, this spicy and sour dressing goes beautifully with steamed veg, salads, noodles and whatever else you fancy.
An artisan product with the price point to prove it, bring out this delectable dressing for special occasions or simply to treat yourself.
Buy now £7.80, Selfridges
The Garlic Farm Pesto and Garlic Dressing
Garlic lovers will rejoice for this almost drinkable pesto salad dressing by The Garlic Farm. There’s not much else to it, it’s simply a runnier, drizzly pesto imbued with extra garlic. For the extreme allium lovers, try The Garlic Farm’s Vampire Botherer dressing – it’ll knock your socks off. IBS sufferers and night crawlers stay away.
Buy now £9.99, Fenwick
Waitrose Blue Cheese Dressing
For those who prefer a thicker salad dressing, you can’t go wrong with this simple yet incredibly tasty blue cheese option from Waitrose. Tangy and slightly sour thanks to the addition of white wine vinegar, this delectable dressing is smooth, creamy and oh-so addictive.
Buy now £2.35, Waitrose
Wagamama House Dressing
Wagamama’s House Dressing is the ideal topper for an Asian salad. This belongs in the home of any Wagamama enthusiast who adores the petite side salad that comes alongside the restaurant’s iconic Katsu Curry – for it’s the exact same soybean-based dressing used on that lovely bed of greens.
Buy now £2.50, Wagamama
Dr Will's Miso Tahini Dressing
Naturally sweet and beautifully smooth, this miso tahini dressing is perfect drizzled over a simple spinach salad to imbue it with nutty, umami taste.
Buy now £2.35, Ocado
