We all know that salads are healthy and a great way to add more vegetables and nutrients to your diet. However, the dressing can turn a healthy-low calorie meal into a 1,000 calorie disaster!
Here are some tips for avoiding a salad dressing nightmare:
1. Use only balsamic vinegar or lemon on your salad, without oil. Adding herbs or spices to your salad will help enhance the flavor so it doesn't taste bland.
2. Instead of pouring oil onto you salad, use an olive oil spray to very lightly coat the lettuce before adding vinegar. Make your own dressing whenever possible because most bottled dressings (especially "low-calorie" ones) contain many unhealthy ingredients.
3. When ordering salad at a restaurants, order your dressing on the side. Use only as much dressing as you really need. You can pour 1/4 or 1/2 the amount of dressing onto your salad and still be satisfied. Better yet, don't pour any of the dressing! Instead, dip your fork into the dressing container before each bite. You will be amazed that your taste buds will not notice the difference and you will use a very small fraction of the dressing.
Now it's your turn. Tell us what you do to keep the calories in your dressing low, or post your favorite recipe for a low-calorie dressing.
I have to stick with my go-to sidekick (hot sauce). If I go to a restaurant or make a salad at home, I either only use hot sauce or use half the amount of dressing and use hot sauce as the remainder. Salsa is also a good way to add some extra oomph without adding the calories.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Beth! Flavor without calories!
ReplyDelete