Dress to Thrill

Dress to Thrill

For a salad topper that’s hiding nothing but nutrients, whisk together one of these easy recipes.

Herb-Lime

⅓ cup fresh lime juice

2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar

⅓ cup olive oil

2 tsp sugar Dash each salt and pepper

1 Tbsp chopped fresh mint

1 Tbsp chopped fresh chives

PER SERVING (2 Tbsp): 120 cal, 12 g fat (1.5 g sat), 3 g carbs, 30 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein

Nutritional bonus: Vinegar can curb blood sugar spikes and cravings.

Drizzle it on: Fruittopped, grain, and lentil salads

Leftovers? Marinate chicken in it.

Sweet and Sour

¼ tsp orange zest

⅔ cup fresh OJ

1 tsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp honey

2 Tbsp sesame oil

1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger

1 Tbsp sesame seeds

PER SERVING (2 Tbsp): 70 cal, 6 g fat (1 g sat), 4 g carbs, 60 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 1 g protein

Nutritional bonus: In addition to taming upset tummies, ginger is linked to lower cholesterol.

Drizzle it on: Asian chicken salad

Leftovers? Use as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.

Maple Mustard

2 Tbsp grainy mustard

2 Tbsp real maple syrup

⅓ cup fig-infused balsamic vinegar

¼ cup grapeseed oil

Dash each salt and pepper

PER SERVING (2 Tbsp): 110 cal, 9 g fat (1 g sat), 7 g carbs, 30 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein

Nutritional bonus: Maple syrup has some sweet benefits, from immune enhancing zinc to anti-aging antioxidants.

Drizzle it on: Meat- and nut-topped salads

Leftovers? Try it as a sauce for chicken or pork.

Basil Vinaigrette

⅓ cup pesto

1 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar

1 tsp lemon zest

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

¼ tsp pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp water

PER SERVING (2 Tbsp): 110 cal, 11 g fat (2.5 g sat), 2 g carbs, 105 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein

Nutritional bonus: Basil is a proven anti-inflammatory that can help ward off disease.

Drizzle it on: Potato salad, pasta salad, or raw zucchini ribbons

Leftovers? Try it as pasta sauce or toss with grilled veggies.

Creamy Dill

⅔ cup reduced-fat buttermilk

2 Tbsp mayonnaise

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp garlic powder

2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill

2 Tbsp chopped fresh

Parsley Dash each salt and pepper

PER SERVING (2 Tbsp): 30 cal, 1.5 g fat (0.5 g sat), 3 g carbs, 85 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 1 g protein

Nutritional bonus: Buttermilk may improve digestion and boost immunity.

Drizzle it on: Cobb salad, coleslaw, or potato salad

 Leftovers? Try it as crudities dip, a burger topper, or with salmon.

—Allison Young

All Fitness ___ Dress to Thrill

—Allison Young