Salad dressing: Difference between revisions

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'''Salad Dressing''' is a type of [[sauce]] used to enhance the flavor and texture of [[salad]], a dish consisting primarily of mixed [[vegetable]]s. Salad dressings are typically based on a mixture of [[oil]] and [[vinegar]], but can also include a variety of other ingredients such as [[herbs]], [[spices]], [[dairy products]], and [[sweeteners]].
Salad dressing


== History ==
[[File:Salad_dressing_(cropped).jpg|thumb|right|A variety of salad dressings]]


The use of salad dressing dates back to ancient times. The [[Ancient Romans]] and [[Ancient Greeks]] are known to have dressed their vegetables with simple dressings of oil and vinegar. The concept of salad dressing has evolved over the centuries, with different cultures introducing their unique blends and flavors.
Salad dressing is a type of sauce used to enhance the flavor and texture of [[salad]]s. It is typically a mixture of [[oil]], [[vinegar]], [[herbs]], and other flavorings. Salad dressings can be [[emulsion|emulsified]] or non-emulsified, and they come in a wide range of flavors and consistencies.


== Types of Salad Dressing ==
==Types of Salad Dressings==


There are many types of salad dressings, each with its unique flavor profile and ingredients. Some of the most popular types include:
Salad dressings can be broadly categorized into several types based on their ingredients and preparation methods.


* '''[[Vinaigrette]]''': A mixture of oil, vinegar, and often mustard, used as a basic salad dressing or marinade.
===Vinaigrette===
* '''[[Ranch dressing]]''': A type of salad dressing made of buttermilk, salt, garlic, onion, herbs, and spices mixed into a sauce based on mayonnaise or another oil emulsion.
[[File:Salad_dressing_(cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Vinaigrette dressing]]
* '''[[Caesar dressing]]''': A dressing made of lemon juice, olive oil, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper, traditionally used in Caesar salad.
Vinaigrette is a simple salad dressing made from a mixture of [[oil]] and [[vinegar]], often flavored with [[herbs]], [[spices]], and other ingredients such as [[mustard]] or [[garlic]]. The typical ratio of oil to vinegar is 3:1, but this can vary according to taste.
* '''[[Thousand Island dressing]]''': A salad dressing and condiment based on mayonnaise and can include olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, cream, chili sauce, tomato purée, ketchup, or Tabasco sauce.


== Health Considerations ==
===Creamy Dressings===
Creamy dressings are typically made with a base of [[mayonnaise]], [[sour cream]], or [[yogurt]]. Popular creamy dressings include [[Ranch dressing|ranch]], [[Caesar dressing|Caesar]], and [[blue cheese dressing]]. These dressings are often thicker and richer than vinaigrettes.


While salad dressings can enhance the flavor of vegetables, they can also add significant amounts of fat and calories. Some dressings, particularly those based on mayonnaise or cream, can be high in saturated fat. However, dressings based on olive oil or canola oil can provide healthy monounsaturated fats. It's also possible to make low-fat or fat-free salad dressings using vinegar, herbs, and spices.
===Other Dressings===
Other types of salad dressings include:
* '''[[Thousand Island dressing]]''': A creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and other ingredients such as pickles and onions.
* '''[[Italian dressing]]''': A vinaigrette-style dressing with herbs and spices, often including [[oregano]] and [[basil]].
* '''[[French dressing]]''': A sweet and tangy dressing made with oil, vinegar, and ketchup or tomato paste.


== See Also ==
==Preparation==
Salad dressings can be prepared by whisking or shaking the ingredients together until they are well combined. Emulsified dressings, such as vinaigrettes, require vigorous mixing to combine the oil and vinegar into a stable mixture. Creamy dressings may require blending to achieve a smooth consistency.


* [[List of sauces]]
==Uses==
* [[List of condiments]]
Salad dressings are primarily used to flavor and moisten salads, but they can also be used as marinades for meats, dipping sauces for vegetables, and toppings for sandwiches and wraps.
 
==Related pages==
* [[Salad]]
* [[Salad]]
* [["hold the mayo" blue cheese salad dressing (recipe)]]
* [[Vinaigrette]]
* [[:Category:Salad dressings|Salad dressings]]
* [[Ranch dressing]]
[[Category:Condiments]]
* [[Caesar dressing]]
[[Category:Sauces]]
 
[[Category:Salads]]
[[Category:Salad dressings]]
{{food-stub}}
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File:Salad_dressing_(cropped).jpg|Salad dressing
File:Salad_dressing_(cropped).jpg|Salad dressing
</gallery>

Revision as of 14:10, 21 February 2025

Salad dressing

File:Salad dressing (cropped).jpg
A variety of salad dressings

Salad dressing is a type of sauce used to enhance the flavor and texture of salads. It is typically a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, and other flavorings. Salad dressings can be emulsified or non-emulsified, and they come in a wide range of flavors and consistencies.

Types of Salad Dressings

Salad dressings can be broadly categorized into several types based on their ingredients and preparation methods.

Vinaigrette

File:Salad dressing (cropped).jpg
Vinaigrette dressing

Vinaigrette is a simple salad dressing made from a mixture of oil and vinegar, often flavored with herbs, spices, and other ingredients such as mustard or garlic. The typical ratio of oil to vinegar is 3:1, but this can vary according to taste.

Creamy Dressings

Creamy dressings are typically made with a base of mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt. Popular creamy dressings include ranch, Caesar, and blue cheese dressing. These dressings are often thicker and richer than vinaigrettes.

Other Dressings

Other types of salad dressings include:

Preparation

Salad dressings can be prepared by whisking or shaking the ingredients together until they are well combined. Emulsified dressings, such as vinaigrettes, require vigorous mixing to combine the oil and vinegar into a stable mixture. Creamy dressings may require blending to achieve a smooth consistency.

Uses

Salad dressings are primarily used to flavor and moisten salads, but they can also be used as marinades for meats, dipping sauces for vegetables, and toppings for sandwiches and wraps.

Related pages