Men's Fitness

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Salad Dressing Taste Test

Going green at lunch? Make sure you top your salad the right way

by Brandon Guarneri with Elizabeth M. Ward, M.S., R.D.

Hidden Valley Ranch Light
Per serving: 80 calories, 0 g protein, 3 g carbs, 7 g fat, 0 g fiber

We loved the rich sour cream and onion flavor.

Our Expert: "With nearly 90% of its calories from fat, Hidden Valley isn't quite as light as it sounds — although it is an improvement over regular. Eat it if you must, but stick to a one- or two-tablespoon portion."

Wish-Bone Light Blue Cheese
50 calories, <1 g protein, 6 g carbs, 2 g fat, 0 g fiber

Universally despised! Think weak, faux-blue-cheese flavor — sort of like powdered milk with a pungent, chalky aftertaste.

Our Expert: "This dressing is loaded with sodium, which can make you look more puffy than buff. At least it's low-fat — for a blue cheese."

Ken's Healthy Options Caesar Vinaigrette
50 calories, 1 g protein, 2 g carbs, 4 g fat, 0 g fiber

We like the Romano cheese bite, which is paired with plenty of pepper and a good amount of vinegar to counter the creaminess.

Our Expert: "The calorie level is reasonable, and so is the fat content. There's even a gram of protein. It's a great option."

Annie's Naturals Lite Raspberry Vinaigrette
40 calories, 0 g  protein, 4 g carbs, 3 g fat, 0 g fiber

Definitely our favorite, thanks to a combo of fresh raspberry flavor, a bit of tartness, and a slight satisfying sweetness.

Our Expert: "This is my top pick. There's a good balance between fat and carbs. And it supplies about one-quarter the sodium of the others."

Newman's own Lighten Up Italian Dressing
60 calories, 0 g protein, 0 g carbs, 6 g fat, 0 g fiber

Newman wasn't Italian. Neither is this potent, lemon-flavored tangy mess. Most MFers thought there were way too many flavors going on here.

Our Expert: "The ingredient list is a bit shorter than most dressings, but watch out: It still has six grams of fat per serving."

Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Fat-Free Wasabi Dijon
35 calories, 0 g protein, 11 g carbs, 0 g fat, <1 g fiber

We liked it, but with such a strong honey-mustard flavor, and barely any wasabi, it's just your typical Dijon.

Our Expert: "Salad dressing or dessert topping? With 11 grams of carbs, it's the equivalent of eating two and a half level teaspoons of sugar."

Kraft Free French Style Dressing
45 calories, 0 g protein, 11 g carbs, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber

The weird, glowing orange color creeped us out. Worse: Some said the sickly sweet flavor reminded them of duck sauce.

Our Expert: "It's only 45 calories per serving, but they're all carbs. You'd be better off eating a small whole-grain roll."

All nutritional information per 2-tbsp serving.