What Dressing Goes with Chef Salad? (11 Awesome Dressings)

If you’re trying to figure out what dressing goes with chef salad, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve got 11 delicious options for you that will take your salad game to the next level.

And trust me, your friends and family will be impressed.

So, whether you’re looking for a creamy dressing or something on the lighter side, read on for my top 11 picks.

What Dressing Goes with Chef Salad?

The best dressings for a chef salad are vinaigrettes, ranch, and blue cheese. For a healthier option, try balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. If you want something more indulgent, go for Thousand Island dressing or honey mustard.

Still looking for ideas?

Then just keep scrolling!

Here are 11 dressings that go with chef salad:

1. Greek Dressing

If you’ve been to Greece before, you know that the salads are some of the best in the world.

This Greek dressing is my go-to when I’m making a salad at home.

It’s simple, yet so flavorful, and it goes well with just about anything.

To change things up, you could:

• Add some diced feta cheese for extra creaminess.
• Try a different type of vinegar, like red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
• Add a tablespoon of honey for sweetness.
• Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for tanginess.

2. Honey Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing

A little sweet, a little tangy, and oh-so creamy, this honey dijon vinaigrette dressing is the perfect addition to any salad.

And it’s so easy to make! Just whisk together a few simple ingredients and you’re done.

If you’re looking for something a little different, you could:

• Add a teaspoon of sriracha or diced jalapeño for some spice.
• Mix in some chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or chives.
• Use white balsamic vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a sweeter flavor.
• Swap out the honey for agave nectar or maple syrup if you’re vegan.

3. Ranch Dressing

Ah, ranch, the dressing of our childhoods.

This creamy, flavorful dressing is the perfect addition to any salad.

And while it’s delicious on its own, there are a few ways you can change things up to keep things interesting.

Try adding:

• A tablespoon or two of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• A diced avocado for creaminess and extra nutrients.
• A few tablespoons of BBQ sauce or salsa for a smoky, tangy flavor.
• A handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil.

4. Olive Garden Salad (Copycat Version)

Don’t tell me that you haven’t tried to replicate the Olive Garden salad at home.

I’m willing to bet that you’ve even googled “Olive Garden salad dressing recipe” at some point in your life.

Well, today is your lucky day because I am sharing my very own copycat version of the popular salad dressing.

This recipe is so easy to make and it tastes just like the real thing!

To change things up, you could:

• Add some diced avocado to the salad for extra creaminess.
• Swap out the Romaine lettuce for spinach or kale.
• Add a protein, like chicken, shrimp, or tofu (See Also: What Goes with Teriyaki Tofu?).
• Use any type of cheese you like in place of the Parmesan.
• Try a different type of olive oil or vinegar in the dressing.

5. Thai Peanut Dressing

I love Asian cuisine, and this Thai Peanut Dressing is one of my favorite ways to enjoy it.

It’s creamy, peanut-y, slightly sweet, and has just the right amount of spice.

It’s perfect for salads, but also makes a great dipping sauce for chicken or veggies.

To change things up, you could:

• Add more or less chili paste to adjust the level of spice.
• Swap out the rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
• Use natural peanut butter instead of regular for a healthier option.
• Add a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness.

6. Green Goddess Dressing

Why not add some color and zing to your salad with this vibrant green goddess dressing?

It’s made with fresh herbs, tangy yogurt, and a touch of mayo for creaminess.

And it’s so easy to make – just throw everything in a blender and blend until smooth.

If you want to change things up, you could:

• Add some diced avocado or hard-boiled eggs for extra creaminess and protein.
• Swap out the yogurt for sour cream or buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
• Use all fresh herbs, or a mix of fresh and dried.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.

7. Sweet and Spicy Mango Salad Dressing

Sweet, spicy, and tangy, this mango salad dressing is the perfect addition to any chef salad.

It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, and comes together in just minutes.

If you want to change things up, you could:

• Add some diced avocado to the salad for extra creaminess.
• Swap out the mango for pineapple or strawberries for a different flavor.
• Add some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
• Make it spicier by adding more chili flakes or a diced jalapeño.

8. Balsamic Vinaigrette

Tart, tangy, and slightly sweet, this balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect addition to any salad.

I love it on a simple green salad, but it would also be delicious on a fruit salad or even as a marinade for chicken or fish.

This dressing is so easy to make – just whisk together all of the ingredients and you’re done!

If you want to change things up, you could:

• Use a different type of vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar) in place of the balsamic vinegar.
• Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
• Mix in a diced shallot or garlic clove for extra flavor.
• Thicken with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

9. Thousand Island Dressing

The king of dressings is here to take your salad to new heights.

Thousand Island dressing is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a creamy texture that will have you coming back for more.

See Also: What Salad Goes with Thousand Island Dressing? (13 Salads)

Try it on your next chef salad, or use it as a dip for fresh veggies.

To change things up, you could:

• Add a tablespoon of hot sauce for some heat.
• Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten things up.
• Mix in some chopped dill or chives for extra flavor.
• Add a couple tablespoons of ketchup or BBQ sauce for sweetness.

10. Lemon Garlic Tahini Dressing

Garlicky, lemony, and slightly sweet, this Lemon Garlic Tahini Dressing is an incredibly versatile salad dressing or sauce.

Use it as a salad dressing, a dipping sauce, or a sauce for roasted vegetables.

It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and Whole30 compliant.

To change things up in terms of taste and texture, you could:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Swap out the tahini for almond butter or peanut butter.
• Use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
• Add a tablespoon of honey for sweetness.

11. Homemade Catalina Dressing

If you like tomatoes and onions in your salad, you’ll love this Catalina dressing!

It’s a bit sweet, a bit tangy, and has just the right amount of creaminess.

I like to make my own salad dressings at home because I can control the ingredients and make them healthier.

This Catalina dressing is no exception – it’s made with healthy olive oil and Greek yogurt.

You can use it as is, or thin it out with a little water or milk to make it more pourable.

To change things up, you could:

• Add some diced avocado to the dressing for a creamy twist.
• Stir in some chopped fresh herbs like basil or cilantro.
• Mix in a tablespoon or two of BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.

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