In the ever-evolving world of Trader Joe’s offerings, salad dressings remain a staple for quick, flavorful meals.
For this 2025 taste test roundup, we evaluated over 20 dressings and ranked them from worst (#21) to best (#1).
Each was judged on flavor balance, versatility, texture, and overall appeal. Prices are approximate and may vary by location.
Let’s dive in and see which dressings truly stand out!
18. Balsamic Fig Dressing – $3.99/12 Fl Oz
- Introduction A sweet and tangy vinaigrette infused with fig for a fruity twist on classic balsamic.
- Taste Test Experience Users report a cloying sweetness that overpowers the balsamic notes, making it less versatile for everyday salads.
- Reddit user: “I was very disappointed… It had a somewhat ‘off’ taste.”
- Nutritional Facts Not widely available; similar to balsamic vinaigrettes with around 90 calories per 2 Tbsp, high in sugar from figs.
- Ingredients Balsamic vinegar, fig puree, olive oil, garlic, herbs.
- Preparation Instructions Shake well before use; no heating required.
- Comparison Sweeter than standard Balsamic Vinaigrette (#18), but lacks the depth of fruitier options like Cranberry Vinaigrette.
- Rating / Verdict 4/10 – Too niche; best skipped unless you’re a fig fanatic.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Drizzle over cheese plates or fruit salads for a dessert-like vibe.
17. French Vinaigrette – $2.99/12 oz
- Introduction A zesty, herb-infused vinaigrette with a French-inspired tang from Dijon mustard and shallots.
- Taste Test Experience Tangy and sharp, but some find it overly acidic without enough balance.
- Reddit user: “It’s a bit too zippy for my taste. I won’t buy again.”
- Nutritional Facts Approx. 100 calories per 2 Tbsp, 10g fat, 200mg sodium.
- Ingredients Olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, shallots, herbs.
- Preparation Instructions Shake vigorously to emulsify.
- Comparison More acidic than Romano Caesar (#12), but similar to Italian-style dressings.
- Rating / Verdict 5/10 – Serviceable but forgettable in a crowded field.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Ideal for Niçoise salads or as a marinade for potatoes.
16. Sweet Ginger Salad Dressing – $3.99/12 oz
- Introduction A sweet and spicy dressing blending ginger with honey or agave for an Asian-inspired kick.
- Taste Test Experience Mild ginger notes with sweetness, but lacks boldness for some.
- YouTube reviewer: “Sweet ginger salad dressing… The ginger flavor is fairly mild.”
- Nutritional Facts Around 80 calories per 2 Tbsp, 6g sugar.
- Ingredients Ginger, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, vinegar.
- Preparation Instructions Shake well; refrigerate after opening.
- Comparison Sweeter than Carrot Ginger Miso (#5), but less umami-rich.
- Rating / Verdict 5.5/10 – Decent for quick stir-fries, but not a standout.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Toss with noodle salads or as a dip for spring rolls.
15. Organic Ranch Dressing – $3.99/12 oz
- Introduction A creamy, organic take on classic ranch with herbs and garlic.
- Taste Test Experience Thick and garlicky, but overly tangy with an unpleasant aftertaste.
- Chowhound: “Almost overly tangy due to citric acid and lemon juice.”
- Food Republic: “Overwhelmingly bland… with a metallic taste.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 100 per 2 Tbsp, Fat: 10g, Sodium: 250mg, Carbs: 3g.
- Ingredients Organic milk, mayo, garlic, herbs, lemon juice.
- Preparation Instructions Shake well; refrigerate.
- Comparison Less flavorful than Buttermilk Ranch (#8), more organic-focused.
- Rating / Verdict 5/10 – Bottom-tier ranch; better options exist.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions As a dip for veggies or pizza.
14. Romano Caesar Dressing – $2.99/12 oz
- Introduction A cheese-forward Caesar with Romano for a bold, garlicky profile.
- Taste Test Experience Acid-forward and thin, more like a vinaigrette than creamy Caesar.
- Eat This: “Dijon mustard was the most pronounced, offering a sharp, tangy flavor.”
- Chowhound: “Reminiscent of Caesar, but distinctly acid-forward.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 160, Fat: 17g, Sodium: 200mg, Carbs: <1g.
- Ingredients Romano cheese, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, capers.
- Preparation Instructions Toss immediately for best coating.
- Comparison Thinner than Vegan Caesar (#6), but similar vegetarian appeal.
- Rating / Verdict 5.5/10 – Not true to Caesar form; pass if seeking creamy.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Romaine salads or as a sandwich spread.
13. Hot Honey Mustard Dressing – $3.49/11 oz
- Introduction A spicy-sweet blend of honey, mustard, and heat for a bold kick.
- Taste Test Experience Tangy with building heat, but not for everyone.
- Food Republic: “Detectable heat, honey, and mustard… heat builds on the back end.”
- Chowhound: “Punchy… balanced by sweet honey and a little spicy.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 110, Fat: 8g, Sodium: 180mg, Sugar: 5g.
- Ingredients Mustard, honey, vinegar, spices.
- Preparation Instructions Shake to distribute heat.
- Comparison Spicier than Goddess (#3), less versatile than peanut dressings.
- Rating / Verdict 6/10 – Niche appeal for spice lovers.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions With fried chicken or shrimp salads.
12. Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing – $3.99/11 oz
- Introduction A plant-based, dill-heavy dressing using cauliflower for creaminess.
- Taste Test Experience Grainy texture with fresh dill, but one-dimensional.
- Eat This: “Distinct… with almond butter initially notable, followed by lemony tanginess.”
- Reddit: “The consistency was grainier and the taste was way off.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 60, Fat: 6g, Sodium: 120mg, Carbs: 1g.
- Ingredients Cauliflower, almond butter, dill, lemon juice.
- Preparation Instructions Shake well to smooth out grit.
- Comparison Creamier than Green Goddess (#2), but less flavorful than ranch variants.
- Rating / Verdict 6.5/10 – Good vegan option, but needs more depth.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions As a dip for crudités or on potato salads.
11. Thai Style Peanut Dressing – $3.99/11 oz
- Introduction A nutty, sweet dressing with peanut butter and Asian flavors.
- Taste Test Experience Balanced peanut and ginger, versatile beyond salads.
- Food Republic: “Prominent peanut flavor… yum.”
- Reddit: “The peanut one is good.”
- Reddit: “Thai Peanut Dressing is Back!!!!! … The ginger flavor is fairly mild.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 90, Fat: 7g, Sodium: 220mg, Sugar: 4g.
- Ingredients Peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, agave.
- Preparation Instructions Stir if separated; warm slightly for sauces.
- Comparison Nut_tier than Organic Toasted Sesame (#7), similar versatility.
- Rating / Verdict 7/10 – Excellent for Asian-inspired dishes.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions With satay, spring rolls, or coleslaw.
10. Buttermilk Ranch Dressing – $3.99/11 oz
- Introduction A creamy ranch with buttermilk for tang and herbs for freshness.
- Taste Test Experience Cool and milky, with strong herb notes.
- Eat This: “Tangy with a coolness, milky flavor was too strong.”
- Sporked: “Complex flavors with dill, sour cream, and buttermilk tang.”
- Chowhound: “More present buttermilk… homey, scratch-made flavor.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 70, Fat: 7g, Sodium: 150mg, Carbs: 1g.
- Ingredients Buttermilk, sour cream, mayo, garlic, dill, chives.
- Preparation Instructions Refrigerate; shake before pouring.
- Comparison Thinner and tangier than Organic Ranch (#16).
- Rating / Verdict 7.5/10 – A staple, but divisive for non-ranch fans.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Spicy wings, grain bowls, or as a veggie dip.
9. Organic Italian Dressing With Romano Cheese – $3.79/12 oz
- Introduction An herby Italian vinaigrette elevated with Romano cheese for savoriness.
- Taste Test Experience Tangy and salty, with cheese overpowering for some.
- Eat This: “Tangy, salty… the sharp Romano cheese was overpowering.”
- YouTube: “We’ve reviewed… Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Dressing with Romano Cheese.”
- Chowhound: “Creamier mouthfeel, saltier flavor.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 80, Fat: 7g, Sodium: 460mg, Carbs: 2g.
- Ingredients Oil, vinegar, Romano cheese, herbs, sugar.
- Preparation Instructions Shake to blend cheese flakes.
- Comparison Cheesier than Balsamic Vinaigrette (#4), similar to Caesar.
- Rating / Verdict 7/10 – Good for cheese lovers, but high sodium.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Pasta salads or antipasto platters.
8. Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing – $3.99/12 oz
- Introduction A nutty, toasted sesame blend with soy and vinegar for umami.
- Taste Test Experience Creamy and toasty, balanced savory-sweet.
- Sporked: “Velvet creaminess and soft, toasty sesame flavor.”
- Eat This: “Not specified in detail, but part of taste test.”
- Chowhound: “Pleasantly nutty… balance of acid and umami.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 130, Fat: 13g, Sodium: 200mg, Carbs: 4g.
- Ingredients Sesame oil, seeds, soy sauce, vinegar.
- Preparation Instructions Shake; use as sauce too.
- Comparison Toastier than Thai Peanut (#12), great texture.
- Rating / Verdict 8/10 – Top-tier for texture enthusiasts.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Stir-fries, Asian salads, or noodle bowls.
7. Vegan Caesar Dressing – $3.99/11 oz
- Introduction A dairy-free Caesar using tofu and miso for creamy umami.
- Taste Test Experience Bold parmesan-like flavor with lemon tang.
- Sporked: “Addictive… thick, creamy consistency, and umami depth.”
- Eat This: “Pleasantly savory and zesty… creamy but with slight grittiness.”
- Aisle of Shame: “Dairy-free… creamy and tangy.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 70, Fat: 7g, Sodium: 260mg, Carbs: 1g.
- Ingredients Tofu, miso, capers, lemon juice, garlic.
- Preparation Instructions Shake well; thickens in fridge.
- Comparison Better than Romano Caesar (#15) for vegans.
- Rating / Verdict 8.5/10 – Leagues above non-vegan alternatives.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Grain bowls, wraps, or classic Caesar.
6. Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing – $3.99/11 oz
- Introduction A Japanese-inspired blend of carrots, ginger, and miso for sweet-tangy vibes.
- Taste Test Experience Sweet and tangy, with fresh ginger kick.
- Aisle of Shame: “Sweet and tangy taste perfect for salads and marinades.”
- Reddit: “The ginger carrot miso [is good].”
- Eat This: “Part of taste test, appreciated for uniqueness.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 60, Fat: 3g, Sodium: 200mg, Carbs: 7g, Sugar: 3g.
- Ingredients Carrots, ginger, miso, rice vinegar, sesame oil.
- Preparation Instructions Drizzle directly; no prep needed.
- Comparison Fresher than Sweet Ginger (#19), more complex.
- Rating / Verdict 8.5/10 – Versatile and flavorful.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Mixed greens with cucumbers or as tofu marinade.
5. Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing – $2.79/12 oz
- Introduction A classic blend of balsamic vinegar and olive oil with subtle sweetness.
- Taste Test Experience Balanced zing, creamy and not too oily.
- Sporked: “Smooth, creamy… perfect ratio.”
- Eat This: “Hit with a classic balsamic vinegar zing… tart yet sweet.”
- Reddit: “Super sweet and tangy… my new go-to.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 90, Fat: 6g, Sodium: 60mg, Carbs: 7g, Sugar: 6g.
- Ingredients Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey.
- Preparation Instructions Toss with greens; marinade option.
- Comparison Less sweet than Balsamic Fig (#21), more balanced.
- Rating / Verdict 9/10 – Hard to beat for classics.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Roasted veggies, feta salads, or grilled meats.
4. Goddess Dressing – $2.49/8 oz
- Introduction A tahini-based dressing with vinegar and parmesan for nutty creaminess.
- Taste Test Experience Peanutty and creamy, with earthy tang.
- Sporked: “Simple, peanutty, super creamy.”
- Eat This: “Savory and slightly tangy… notably salty.”
- Reddit: “Does anyone else think the Goddess dressing tastes funky?”
- Reddit: “It’s not bad… worth a try if you like thicker/creamy.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 120, Fat: 12g, Sodium: 290mg, Carbs: 2g.
- Ingredients Tahini, apple cider vinegar, parmesan, garlic, chives.
- Preparation Instructions Ideal for dipping; shake.
- Comparison Earthier than Green Goddess (#4), less vegetal.
- Rating / Verdict 8/10 – Polarizing but beloved by fans.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Raw veggies, grain bowls.
3. Green Goddess Dressing – $3.99/11 oz
- Introduction A vibrant, herb-packed dressing with avocado and basil.
- Taste Test Experience Bright and vegetal, punchy like a vinaigrette.
- Chowhound: “Bright and vegetal… earthy but bright on salad.”
- Sporked: “Basically jarred pesto… did not make the cut.”
- Food Republic: “Not specified in top, but ranked high for freshness.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 20 per 2 Tbsp, low sodium, no added sugar.
- Ingredients Avocado, basil, chives, garlic, apple cider vinegar.
- Preparation Instructions Use fresh; thin if needed.
- Comparison Lighter than Goddess (#5), more herb-forward.
- Rating / Verdict 9/10 – Healthy and flavorful standout.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Leafy greens or as a dip.
2. Balsamic Glaze – $2.99/8.5 oz
- Introduction A thick, reduced balsamic for drizzling, acting as a concentrated dressing.
- Taste Test Experience Luxuriously smooth and dense, low acidity.
- Chowhound: “Thick, glossy… tastes expensive.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 35 per Tbsp, Sugar: 6g.
- Ingredients Balsamic vinegar reduced with sugar.
- Preparation Instructions Drizzle sparingly.
- Comparison Thicker than Balsamic Vinaigrette (#6), more glaze-like.
- Rating / Verdict 8.5/10 – Elegant but sugary.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Caprese salads or cheeses.
1. Cilantro Dressing – $3.99/11 oz
- Introduction A creamy, herb-packed dressing with cilantro, lemon, and cotija cheese.
- Taste Test Experience Bold and versatile, with fresh cilantro punch.
- Food Republic: “Fresh, fun, unbelievably versatile… overflows with flavor.”
- Sporked: “Bold cilantro flavor doesn’t pull any punches.”
- Reddit: “The Cilantro Salad Dressing… tastes good. I use it on cabbage slaw for tacos too.”
- Chowhound: “Burst of herby cilantro… works better as a sauce.”
- Nutritional Facts Calories: 80, Fat: 8g, Sodium: 180mg.
- Ingredients Cilantro, Anaheim chiles, lemon juice, cotija cheese, mayo, pumpkin seeds.
- Preparation Instructions Shake; use as marinade.
- Comparison More versatile than any other, tops charts across sources.
- Rating / Verdict 9.5/10 – The undisputed champ for flavor explosion.
- Pairing / Serving Suggestions Mexican salads, tacos, fish, or pasta salads.
