Think your salad is saintly? It’s probably close – toss in lots of veg and lean protein and you’re on to a good start. But if you’re overdressing your roughage in creamy, sugary dressings you might be adding some unnecessary SmartPoints to your lunch. Skip the smothering and try these lighter swaps instead.
Instead of Italian dressing, try… Cheat’s vinaigrette
Whisk together 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, a pinch of garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper until blended, then pour over your salad and serve. At 0 SmartPoints, you’ll save a massive 4 SmartPoints by ditching the Italian dressing at lunchtime.
Instead of Thousand Island dressing, try… Asian dressing
Forget your boring old mayo-based salad and kick it up a notch with more exotic flavours, instead. Stir together a big squeeze of lime juice, ½ tsp fish sauce, ½ tsp rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar and 1 red chilli (deseeded and finely chopped). It’s a big flavour boost and a zero hero, saving you 3 SmartPoints.
Instead of Caesar dressing, try… Creamy dressing
Get that tangy taste by whisking together 1 tbsp fat-free sour cream, a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of chilli powder, and freshly ground black pepper. You’ll get all the creaminess for 0 SmartPoints – compared with 3 SmartPoints for a traditional Caesar.
Or, skip it…
If you’d rather “spend” more on your salad and skip the dressing, go for it! You can still add loads of flavour with low SmartPoints toppings, such as olives or feta cheese. Add up to 4 anchovies for 0 SmartPoints on blue and purple or, best of all, try roasted veg, which is the perfect 0 SmartPoints addition.
Check out our recipe collection below if you are looking for even more SmartPoint friendly salad dressing ideas.