# What's your salad dressing? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 19, 2015, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837 "2015-12-19T05:58:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Ponch8](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponch8/32/9883_2.png) [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2015, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/41 "2015-12-20T18:57:14Z")
I picked Italian, but French is very close. Ranch is dead-ass last place in the world-famous **Ponch8 Salad Dressing Rating System**. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2015, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/42 "2015-12-20T19:44:00Z")
> [@Ponch8](#): > > Ranch is dead-ass last place in the world-famous **Ponch8 Salad Dressing Rating System**. Agreed. But _BBQ Ranch_ dressing is delicious. Amazing what adding a little BBQ sauce can do to a dressing. Add black beans and corn to your standard salad, dress with BBQ Ranch and top with tortilla strips for a Southwest Salad that’s a meal. ---
**Author:** ![Emtar\_KronJonDerSohn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/58956e/32.png) [@Emtar\_KronJonDerSohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emtar_KronJonDerSohn)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2015, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/43 "2015-12-20T20:53:42Z")
I like the sesame ginger dressing you get with sushi. I think Trader Joe’s has a similar dressing as well. My wife makes a Thai peanut dressing that’s really good, too. ---
**Author:** ![stillownedbysetters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/41988e/32.png) [@stillownedbysetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stillownedbysetters)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2015, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/44 "2015-12-20T22:38:54Z")
I quite often make my own at home, too. But when it comes to bottled, call me a deviant, but I enjoy a Russian dressing. (Sorry, that joke is so hoary I think I first heard it in grade school, but I just hadda.) And I actually do like that particular salad accoutrement. ---
**Author:** ![dracoi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@dracoi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dracoi)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2015, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/45 "2015-12-20T22:43:51Z")
I alternate in what I have. If you look at my refrigerator right now, you’ll find six different dressings, but I make my own Thousand Island from ketchup, mayo and relish. Since the poll makes me pick one, it’s usually blue cheese, especially if I’m “being served” a salad (such as at a restaurant). If I make it myself, I’m more likely to take one of the other options. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2015, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/46 "2015-12-20T22:47:49Z")
> [@Emtar\_KronJonDerSohn](#): > > I like the sesame ginger dressing you get with sushi. When I make [aspara nikumaki](http://japanesefood.about.com/od/holidaytraditionalfood/r/Beef-and-Asparagus-Rolls-Aspara-Nikumaki.htm), I make the dressing from mayonnaise, mirin, and soy sauce. It works as the dipping sauce and the salad dressing. I might try putting some sesame oil in it next time. ---
**Author:** ![Hopeful\_Crow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/da6949/32.png) [@Hopeful\_Crow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hopeful_Crow)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2015, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/47 "2015-12-21T00:07:24Z")
I was a solid Thousand Islander for many years until, while on a diet, I discovered Balsamic Vinaigrette. Oh, yum! What a kick to the taste buds! Especially the raspberry variety. Then I discovered Blue Cheese. If it has big chunks of the cheese in it, it’s very tasty. If not, it’s not as good but I still like it. Now I will usually go for that if it’s available. If not, or if I’m in the mood for it, I’ll go for the Vinaigrette. I don’t think I’ve had Thousand Island in nearly ten years now and don’t really miss it. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2015, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/48 "2015-12-21T00:21:29Z")
Because I’m on Christmas Break and have that kind of time on my hands, I tallied the dressings on the roughly last 11 salads I’ve had. Dorothy Lynch - 4 Western - 2 (Wishbone) French - 2 (Wishbone Creamy and Sizzler Industrial) Thousand Island - 2 (Bob’s Big Boy and whatever they serve at the local Mexican place) Blue Cheese - 1 (Emeril’s Wisconsin Buttermilk Blue Cheese at Delmonico, in fact.) ---
**Author:** ![Mudshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Mudshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mudshark)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2015, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/49 "2015-12-21T03:18:52Z")
I voted Italian/Vinaigrette. My favorite is raspberry vinaigrette, with Balsamic Vinaigrette a close second. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2015, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/50 "2015-12-21T04:46:49Z")
A nice Italian or vinaigrette with blue cheese (I’ll pay the extra buck!) sprinkled over. Perfect! I really really hate ranch, and now the pizza place down the street is sending pizza and wings with cups of ranch instead of creamy blue cheese. Ick! Ranch must be a lot cheaper. ---
**Author:** ![JpnDude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/838e76/32.png) [@JpnDude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JpnDude)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2015, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/51 "2015-12-21T06:58:37Z")
I chose **Caesar** but in Japan, I usually use [ponzu (ポン酢)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponzu) even though it’s technically a sauce, not a dressing. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2015, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/52 "2015-12-21T12:19:02Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Dorothy Lynch A weeks worth of penicillin will clear Dorothy right up. First I’d ever heard of this [Nebraskan French Dressing.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Lynch) ---
**Author:** ![Torontonian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/45deac/32.png) [@Torontonian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Torontonian)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2015, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/53 "2015-12-21T14:59:40Z")
Vinegar ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2015, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/54 "2015-12-21T16:05:40Z")
I suppose it depends on where and what kind of salad. I only eat two kinds of salad, so it makes it way easier. Tossed or garden salad at home, usually Ranch. Second choice would be Italian (or vinaigrette - whatever - sometimes just straight red wine vinegar). Out, it would be ranch, creamy Italian, or creamy garlic if they have it. Wilted lettuce salad, the warm bacon/vinegar/onion/sugar that goes with it. And that’s a strictly at home salad anyway. ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2015, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/55 "2015-12-22T04:09:42Z")
Hooray! I chose the winning horse! For a serving of lettuce and tomatoes good for two: put half a table spoon of strong balsamic vinegar into a ladle, sprinkle salt, dissolve the salt by whisking with a fork, dribble over the veggies. Add three tablespoons of olive oil. Toss. ---
**Author:** ![Mixolydian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2015, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/56 "2015-12-22T04:52:19Z")
I had been on a ranch kick for years, especially homemade with Hidden Valley powdered mix, along with sour cream and mayo (about a 3:1 ratio), but my gut issues point to that being a problem…I voted “other” because lately I’ve been going with Italian dressing along with a generous helping of blue cheese crumbles. A well-made Caesar is hard to top though. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2015, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/57 "2015-12-24T16:42:07Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Agreed. But _BBQ Ranch_ dressing is delicious. I agree. I also really like black pepper ranch. I’m currently on a raspberry vinaigrette kick at home. At a restaurant it’s either blue cheese or Italian depending on my mood. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2015, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/58 "2015-12-24T16:44:53Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > I agree. I also really like black pepper ranch. > > I’m currently on a raspberry vinaigrette kick at home. > > At a restaurant it’s either blue cheese or Italian depending on my mood. Do you prefer a creamy bleu, or do you like it chunky? ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/59 "2015-12-30T04:13:14Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > I could eat big chunks of blue cheese out of hand, without crackers. And by ‘could’, I mean I do whenever I have the chance. Make mine Stilton. > [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > I’m a little surprised at the relatively poor showing by Ranch. I’ve never understood the fascination with ranch dressing. One day I’d never heard of it; the next day (back around '75, I think) the stuff was everywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837/60 "2015-12-30T04:29:30Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > When I was a kid, it was pretty common to have Roquefort dressing available. I don’t know if it was made with genuine Roquefort cheese or it was just synonymous with bleu cheese, but you don’t see that much anymore. Yeah, I remember having the option of Roquefort in years past as well. My brother worked in a restaurant in the 80s, and I remember him saying that if anyone asked for Roquefort, they just got blue cheese. When I was in my teens and twenties, I’d ask for Roquefort sometimes, but I haven’t bothered in years. Anyway, when I’m at a restaurant, I _always_ ask for blue cheese dressing. This was one of the foods (like butter pecan ice cream, or raw radishes with salt) that I started eating to emulate my dad. Dad knew what was good. At home, I usually just make up a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, shallots, and some salt and pepper. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-salad-dressing/740837.md?page=4)