If you're a salad lover, chances are you've tried different dressings for your salads. One of the most popular dressings out there is the house dressing. A serving size of 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of house dressing contains 160 calories. It's important to know the nutritional information of the foods you consume.

Apart from the calorie count, house dressing typically contains a variety of ingredients that give it its distinct flavor. But is it healthy? What are the alternatives? Keep reading to find out more.

In this article, we'll explore all you need to know about house dressing and how to incorporate it into your diet in a healthy way.

What is House Dressing?

House dressing is a type of salad dressing that is usually served in restaurants. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet and tangy taste. House dressings are typically made from a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and various seasonings. The ingredients used in house dressing vary from recipe to recipe, but it's usually a combination of fat, acid, and seasonings. It's a versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of salads or as a dipping sauce for veggies or chicken wings. If you're a fan of creamy dressings, house dressing is definitely worth a try.

How Many Calories in House Dressing?

A serving size of 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of house dressing contains 160 calories. This is from the combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar. House dressing is a calorie-dense dressing compared to vinaigrettes or low-fat dressings. If you're counting your calories, it's essential to be mindful of your portion sizes when using house dressing. Instead, you could opt for a lighter dressing like a balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon vinaigrette.

What Are the Ingredients of House Dressing?

The ingredients used in house dressing vary depending on the recipe, but here are some common ingredients:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Mustard powder

Some recipes might include buttermilk, lemon juice, or mayonnaise substituted with plain Greek yogurt. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking to create a customized taste.

Is House Dressing Healthy?

Due to the high content of mayonnaise and sour cream, house dressing is not considered the healthiest option for salad dressing. A serving of 2 tablespoons contains 16 grams of fat, which makes it calorie-dense. However, you can modify the recipe by using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to make it lighter. House dressing contains sugar, so it's essential to watch your portion sizes if you're counting calories. You can also make your own house dressing at home, which allows you to control the ingredients and the amount of sugar and fat that goes into the dressing.

Can You Make House Dressing at Home?

Yes, you can! Making your own house dressing at home is a great way to control the ingredients and the amount of sugar and fat in the dressing. Here's a simple recipe that you can try:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder

Mix all ingredients together in a jar and shake well. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

How to Store House Dressing?

You can store house dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It's best to avoid freezing the dressing as the consistency might change once it thaws. You might need to stir the dressing before serving as the ingredients might separate over time. If you've made your own dressing, make sure to label it with the date you made it so that you can keep track of the shelf-life.

What Dishes Can You Use House Dressing With?

House dressing is a versatile dressing that goes well with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions:

• Tossed green salad
• Cobb salad
• Grilled chicken salad
• Crudités (raw veggies like celery or carrot sticks)
• Buffalo chicken wings
• Sandwich wraps

You can also use it as a dipping sauce for your favorite veggies, chicken wings, or fries.

What are the Alternatives to House Dressing?

If you want to opt for lighter dressing options, here are some healthy alternatives to house dressing:

• Balsamic vinaigrette
• Lemon vinaigrette
• Olive oil and vinegar
• Greek yogurt dressing
• Honey mustard dressing

These options are usually lower in calories and fat and still pack a lot of flavor.

How Much House Dressing Should You Use?

The serving size for house dressing is usually 2 tablespoons (28 grams). If you're watching your calorie intake, it's crucial to be mindful of how much dressing you use. Instead, opt for a lighter dressing and use a smaller portion size. Another option is to drizzle the dressing over your salad instead of drowning it in dressing. If you've made your own dressing, you can customize the recipe to your liking and adjust the portion size accordingly.

Is House Dressing Suitable for Vegan and Vegetarian?

House dressing contains mayonnaise and sour cream, which are typically made from eggs and dairy. If you're a vegan or vegetarian, you can modify the recipe by using plant-based mayonnaise and sour cream substitutes. You can also use tofu or cashews to create a creamy texture. Another option is to opt for a lighter dressing like a vinaigrette or a lemon dressing, which are usually vegan and vegetarian-friendly.