This $4 Bottle Is the Absolute Best Salad Dressing You Can Buy at Trader Joe’s

I, like many, have always believed that a dressing can make or break a salad. I’ve never been a fan of ultra-simple vinaigrettes or plain olive oil as dressings, which is why discovering this crisp, verdant Trader Joe’s salad dressing changed the way I made and ate salads (and other foods, too!). 

When I was growing up, my favorite condiments were Caesar dressing and the avocado salsa from El Pollo Loco. Both were creamy, savory, and tangy, and made anything I ate them with — pasta, shrimp, chicken, and, yes, salads — taste a million times better.

For years I searched for a dressing that combined my two favorite condiments, which is why I was grateful to finally come across Trader Joe’s Green Goddess dressing in the refrigerated section next to the salad kits.

Although I am not vegan and don’t typically choose

vegan food products

My first time purchasing it, I figured it would go great with my carrot, kale, Parmesan, and almond salad. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it felt like the scene in Ratatouille, where Remy simultaneously takes a bite of a piece of cheese and a strawberry and experiences a transcendent flavor combination (complete with fireworks!). I knew I would never go back to any other salad dressing. With a mix of avocado, green onion, lemon juice, chives, basil, and garlic, this Green Goddess had all the savory, fresh, tangy, and creamy elements I was looking for. 

While this Green Goddess dressing is popular for salads, I have found that it works great as a sauce for grilled chicken or fish (much like my favorite fast food salsa), a dressing for a simple pasta salad, and as a dip for tortilla chips — just add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper for that much-needed spice.

Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Dressing, $3.99 for 11 ounces