Trader Joe’s is known for its diverse and flavorful selection of salad dressings that can turn a simple salad into a gourmet experience. But with so many options, which one truly stands out? I taste-tested and ranked nine of Trader Joe’s best dressings, focusing on freshness, flavor, and overall quality. Here’s how they measured up.
9. Organic Italian Dressing With Romano Cheese $3.69/12 oz
This Organic Italian Dressing combines the tanginess of vinegar with the richness of Romano cheese. While it’s a solid choice for classic Italian salads, it didn’t quite match the freshness of some other contenders on this list.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30mL)
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: less than 1g
Ingredients
Olive oil, red wine vinegar, Romano cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Great for drizzling over a classic garden salad or using as a marinade for grilled vegetables.
8. Buttermilk Ranch Dressing $3.99/11 oz
A creamy and classic choice, Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Ranch is rich and flavorful, making it a favorite for dipping and drizzling. However, it ranks lower due to its heavier consistency, which may not appeal to those seeking a lighter option.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: less than 1g
- Protein: less than 1g
Ingredients
Sour Cream (Cultured Cream), Cultured Lowfat Buttermilk (Cultured Lowfat Milk, Nonfat Milk, Salt, Vitamin A Palmitate), Mayonnaise (Canola Oil, Salted Egg Yolks [Egg Yolk, Salt], Lemon Juice from Concentrate [Water, Lemon Juice Concentrate], White Wine Vinegar, Water, Mustard Flour), Water, Red Wine Vinegar, Garlic, Parsley, Sea Salt, Shallot, Chive, Dill, Granulated Onion, Granulated Garlic, Black Pepper, Xanthan Gum.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Ideal for dipping veggies, chicken wings, or topping a hearty salad.
7. Romano Caesar Dressing $3.99/12 oz
The Romano Caesar Dressing is a robust and savory option with a bold flavor profile that pairs well with romaine lettuce and croutons. However, its strong flavor can be overpowering for some.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Romano cheese, anchovy paste, garlic, egg yolk, and lemon juice.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Toss with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese for a classic Caesar salad.
6. Goddess Dressing $3.99/11 oz
The Goddess Dressing is a fan favorite, known for its creamy texture and savory blend of tahini, lemon, and soy sauce. It’s versatile and flavorful but ranked mid-tier due to its unique flavor that may not suit all palates.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Soy sauce, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and chives.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Perfect as a dip for veggies, a spread for sandwiches, or a dressing for grain bowls.
5. Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing $3.99/11 oz
This Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing offers a refreshing and light option with the tangy flavor of dill and a creamy texture. It’s perfect for those looking for a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30g)
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: less than 1g
Ingredients
Water, Cauliflower, Canola Oil, Almond Butter, Distilled Vinegar, Garlic, Parsley, Sea Salt, Lemon Juice, Shallot, Dill, Chive, Mustard Powder, Granulated Garlic, Granulated Onion, Black Pepper, Xanthan Gum.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Use it on salads, as a dip for fries, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.
4. Vegan Caesar Dressing $3.99/11 oz
The Vegan Caesar Dressing is a plant-based take on the classic Caesar, with a creamy texture and a rich, umami flavor that rivals its traditional counterpart. It’s a great choice for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Sugar: less than 1g
- Protein: less than 1g
Ingredients
Tofu (Water, Soybeans, Glucono-Delta-Lactone, Magnesium Chloride), Olive Oil, Water, Lemon Juice, Organic White Miso (Organic Soybeans, Organic Rice Koji [Organic Rice, Koji Spores {Aspergillus Oryzae}], Sea Salt, Water), Garlic, Organic Dijon Mustard (Water, Organic Mustard Seeds, Organic Vinegar, Salt, Organic Turmeric, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Ginger), Capers (Capers, Water, Salt, Distilled Vinegar), White Wine Vinegar, Sea Salt, Shiitake Mushroom Powder, Black Pepper.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Toss with your favorite greens, croutons, and vegan Parmesan for a delicious salad.
3. Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing $2.99/12 oz
Trader Joe’s Balsamic Vinaigrette is a staple for any pantry. Its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess makes it an excellent dressing for leafy greens or even as a marinade.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Drizzle over salads, roasted vegetables, or use as a marinade for chicken or tofu.
2. Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing $3.99/12 oz
The Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing is rich, nutty, and slightly sweet, making it a standout for Asian-inspired salads and dishes. Its complex flavor profile earns it the second spot on this list.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: less than 1g
Ingredients
Organic High-Oleic Sunflower Oil, Water, Organic Toasted Sesame Oil, Organic Brown Sugar (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Molasses), Organic Soy Sauce (Water, Organic Soybeans, Organic Wheat, Salt, Organic Alcohol), Organic Distilled White Vinegar, Organic Sesame Seeds, Organic Yeast Extract, Organic Black Sesame Seeds, Organic Dried Egg, Sea Salt, Xanthan Gum.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Excellent for drizzling over salads, noodle dishes, or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
1. Green Goddess Dressing $3.99/11 oz
The Green Goddess Dressing is the clear winner, offering unmatched freshness with its vibrant blend of avocado, green onion, and cold-pressed lemon juice. Its creamy, herbaceous flavor elevates any dish it touches, making it a must-try for salad lovers.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Calories: 20
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Water, Avocado, Apple Cider Vinegar, Green Onions, Lemon Juice, Chives, Parsley, Olive Oil Blend (Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil), Yellow Onion, Basil, Garlic, Sea Salt, Black Pepper.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use. Perfect for salads, as a dip, or even as a spread on sandwiches.
Final Say
Trader Joe’s offers an impressive selection of salad dressings that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. The Green Goddess Dressing stands out as the top choice, bringing a fresh and flavorful experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a fan of creamy, tangy, or nutty dressings, there’s a Trader Joe’s option that will take your salads to the next level.
