Foodie Monday: Health Starts Here No Oil Salad Dressings by Cindy’s Kitchen Exclusively at Whole Foods

Yesterday, I walked into a brand new Safeway. This was a Safeway that a friend of mine was really excited about. As I walked up the shiny new aisles and looked around, I thought to myself, “Eh. A Safeway is just a Safeway. If this were a new Whole Foods, I’d be dancing.”

It is no secret that I love Whole Paycheck. Yes, it is expensive; however, if you look above and below eye level, you can find cool affordable whole trade ecologically conscious foods that constantly blow your mind. A trip to Whole Foods is like a field trip. I have to sniff, wander, explore, touch, pick up, and smile (or frown) over the things that I find. I love new things at Whole Foods. My friend can have all the Safeways. I’ll take Whole Paycheck any day!

I stumbled upon the Health Starts Here No Oil Salad Dressings by Cindy’s Kitchen about a year ago. Back then they were in large containers for $19.99. I was intrigued but not naïve or spendthrift enough to spend almost $20 on salad dressing! Later, when I saw them in smaller containers for less than $5, I almost shrieked out loud when I found they were all vegan. Initially, I hated the Vegan Caesar. Imagine my shock a couple of weeks later when I found myself craving it on my salad. I worked my way through the Vegan Caesar, Avocado Vinaigrette, and Sesame Ginger (the only one I have found that isn’t low-fat . . . so far). One day I went back for the Vegan Caesar and it was gone! I picked up a Carrot Ginger and Tangerine Vinaigrette instead.

The Vegan Caesar came back for a while. Then it was gone again! I had taken a picture of the ingredient list for reference. I decided to make my own! I nailed it on the first try in the NutriBullet. It was so good. Too bad I didn’t write down the recipe. I haven’t been able to replicate its divine umami since.

As I wandered around the produce aisle trying to desperately to only buy what was on my list, I stumbled across Tomato Basil, Pomegranate, and Fig Balsamic Vinaigrettes. I’ve accepted that I won’t always see my regular favorite dressings. The world won’t come crashing down if I have to try something new. The names are all so mouth-watering I find myself hard pressed to limit myself to 2 or 3 at a time.

I don’t use salad dressings in just plain salads. I toss them with pearl couscous, quinoa, avocado, steamed veggies, spread them on sandwiches, use them in wraps, or even as a dipping sauce. Yes, I could make my own. For under $4 a bottle why should I? Did I mention without the oil, they all have little to no fat? They are also low or no sodium! Ohhhhh yes. More reasons not to make my own. I rather spend my time baking and eating dessert anyway . . .