Our 2019 Update! Ever wonder which salad dressings are the most popular? One of our most popular stories of all time is our Top Ten Most Popular Salad Dressing Flavors. Originally written in 2010, the flavors for 2019 include some perennial favorites from our original list, but show some definite expansion in boundaries as experimentation with on-trends flavors continues to dominate our experiences with food.
This list was originally based on a list provided by Mintel Menu Insights, which tracks salad-dressing popularity in restaurants. Since our original listing, we’ve expanded our sources to those flavors popular in retail grocery as well as those spotted by our behavior research partner, CultureWaves™.
All of these partners help inform our editorial staff and provide indications of which salad dressings are most popular overall. But, ultimately, it’s our editorial team that creates the Top 10 Most Popular Salad Dressing Flavor list, with a lot of research, a lot of tastings and outings to restaurants, and a little intuition.
The Top Ten Salad Dressings From 2019
You’ll find our original list from 2010 below. And if you keep scrolling, links to some of our favorite salad recipes, with dressing, of course.
- Ranch Dressing
- Caesar Dressing
- Buttermilk Dressing
- Elderberry Vinaigrette
- Bleu Cheese Dressing
- Balsamic Vinaigrettes
- Salsa
- Olive Oil
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Italian Dressing – both Creamy and Oil-Based versions of the dressing
Our Original Story: Our Picks For The Top 10 Salad Dressings in 2010
- Ranch Dressing
- Vinaigrette
- Caesar Dressing
- Italian Dressing
- Bleu Cheese Dressing
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Honey Mustard Dressing
- French Dressing
- Greek Dressing
Vinaigrettes, especially, have continued to expand in popularity over the years. Mintel reports that vinaigrette-style dressings are particularly appealing to restaurants because they offer the sweet-and-spicy flavor profiles customers like. The most popular flavor nuances in vinaigrettes this year include garlic, honey, lemon, raspberry and elderberry. You’ll also find more exotic variations like tarragon mustard, andouille sausage, Mandarin orange and endive/bacon.
For more insights and innovations check out CultureWaves™, our partner for the latest observations in the World Thought Bank—ideas and consumer-behavior trends in the areas of entertainment, design, technology, well-being and, yes, food. And, take a look at a few of our other Hot & Cool Trends.
If you’ve seen innovative products you believe will impact our food lives in the future, let the Editor know.
Some Favorite Salad Recipes
Darlington Fried Green Tomato and BLT Salad
Fried Green Tomato BLT Salad. Photo: Lance Mellenbruch.
This Southern BLT salad features golden, crispy fried green tomatoes layered over fresh spring greens, with crumbled bacon and ripe tangy-sweet summer tomatoes. Topped with a ladle of fresh-made buttermilk dressing. Recipe here.
Toasted Pecan, Quinoa and Mustard Maple Kale Salad
Toasted Pecan, Quinoa and Mustard Maple Salad. Photo: American Pecans.
This power-packed, vegan salad combines pecans, kale, golden beets, green beans, and quinoa. Topped with a maple mustard dressing, it makes for a delicious meal, wholesome appetizer or colorful side dish! Recipe here.
Spring Greens with Apple, Farro and Elderberry Vinaigrette
Spring Greens with Apple, Farro, and an Elderberry Vinaigrette. Photo: Runamok® Maple.
The combination of elderberry maple, topping a bed of greens with slices of fresh apple and the unique flavor and texture of farro, not to mention a sprinkling of feta is refreshing, is tart and yet sweet—with all flavors working together for a perfect bite. Recipe here.
Lobster Cobb Salad
Lobster Cobb Salad. Photo: ESquared Hospitality.
This Lobster Cobb Salad comes from Chef David Burke, the critically acclaimed culinary master behind BLT Prime by David Burke in Washington, D.C. Traditional Cobbs typically have chopped greens, chicken, tomatoes, boiled eggs, and bacon and cheese, topped with a vinaigrette. Recipe here.
Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons. Photo: Lance Mellenbruch.
Once you find a great Caesar dressing, like in this recipe, making a great Caesar salad is no problem. Here, the crunch of the romaine is highlighted by the crispy homemade croutons and creamy dressing. Recipe here.
See more salads and dressing recipes.
