Recipe: Flavorful, Low Fat Salad Dressings (Creamy Italian, Oriental and Tropical)

THE DRESSING ROOM - FLAVORFUL, LOW FAT SALAD DRESSINGS

CREAMY ITALIAN DRESSING
Makes about 1 1/4 cups

1 cup low-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon each grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and honey
1 clove garlic, minced
2 green onions, white parts only, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon each salt and ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate for 1 hour before using.

Store in an airtight container or jar with lid in the refrigerator. Will keep for 3 to 4 days. Shake well before using.

Per serving (2 tablespoons): 28 calories, 0.5 g fat, 0.3 g saturated fat, 1.7 g protein, 4.5 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 2 mg cholesterol, 108.1 mg sodium, % calories from Fat: 15

ORIENTAL DRESSING (tangy; good for Asian coleslaw)
Makes 1 cup

1/2 cup frozen pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon each reduced-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil
2 teaspoons grated gingerroot
1 tsp cornstarch
1 clove garlic, minced

Whisk together all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 1 minute, until slightly thickened.

Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Per serving (2 tablespoons): 51 calories, 1.8 g fat, 0.3 g saturated fat, 0.4 g protein, 8.1 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 76.9 mg sodium % calories from fat: 33*

*higher than our other recipes, but still very low in fat for salad dressing

TROPICAL DRESSING (for fruit salad)
Makes about 1 1/2 cups

3/4 cup diced kiwifruit
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 cup low-fat, vanilla flavored yogurt
2 tablespoons frozen pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 tsp coconut extract

For thick dressing, mash kiwi with a fork and stir together all ingredients in a medium bowl.

For thinner dressing, whirl all ingredients together in a blender.

Best if used within 24 hours.

Per serving (1 /4 cup): 49 calories, 0.2 9 fat, 0 g saturated fat, 1.2 g protein, 11.4 g carbohydrate, 1.2 g fiber, 0.4 mg cholesterol, 12.7 mg sodium % calories from fat: 3

Source: Crazy Plates by Janet and Greta Podleski