- This salad dressing from Trader Joe’s makes vegetables crave-worthy.
- It’s creamy, rich and flavorful, but still low in calories and saturated fat.
- You can use it on top of salmon, grain bowls and salads, or as a dip.
I never thought a salad dressing could change my life, but here we are. As a dietitian, I know the importance of eating more veggies, but let’s be honest: raw carrots and plain greens don’t exactly scream excitement. So when I impulsively tossed Trader Joe’s Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing into my cart one day, I wasn’t expecting much. Little did I know, that unassuming bottle would become my go-to for making vegetables something I actually crave.
It didn’t just surprise me, it completely changed the way I think about eating veggies. And trust me, as someone who spends her days talking about food, that’s saying something.
Trader Joe’s. Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Why I Love This Dressing
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a vegan, cauliflower-based dressing. To be honest, it sounded … questionable, in my humble opinion. But my initial skepticism disappeared the moment I took my first bite. The texture is silky and smooth, thanks to a clever blend of cauliflower and almond butter, and it has all the satisfying richness of a traditional creamy dressing. And the real dill adds a fresh burst of flavor that is truly craveable.
Usually, creamier dressings are heavier, loaded with saturated fat and calories, but this one is completely free from saturated fat, it’s relatively low in calories (60 calories per 2-tablespoon serving), and it’s free from preservatives and emulsifiers. And, dare I say, it’s even more satisfying than the OG creamy dressings. It’s proof that you don’t need heavy ingredients to create something indulgent and delicious.
And the flavor? It’s perfect. Just the right amount of dill gives it a fresh, herby kick without being overpowering. For me, anything with dill brings back memories of my grandma, who used it in everything from soups to salads. The smell alone takes me back to her kitchen, and this dressing feels like a little nod to her. Even if you don’t have a nostalgic connection to dill, I think you’ll love it.
For me, the real magic is how it makes eating nutrient-dense food feel effortless and exciting. Raw veggies become an irresistible snack. A simple piece of baked salmon transforms into a restaurant-worthy dish. It’s the kind of flavor boost that makes healthy eating easy and enjoyable.
Beyond its flavor and versatility, there’s one ingredient I know some people might question: seed oils.
This dressing is made with canola oil, and while there’s a lot of chatter about whether seed oils are “good” for you, I’m not concerned. From my professional standpoint, the benefits of eating more veggies far outweigh any theoretical concerns about the oil. Plus, canola’s neutral flavor is the perfect match for the delicate dill, which is why I prefer it sometimes over heavier oils like olive oil.
But this dressing isn’t just about what’s in it, it’s about how it transforms everyday meals into something special.
Creative Uses for Trader Joe’s Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing
This dressing is far too versatile to be confined to just salads. It has become my go-to secret ingredient for adding a pop of flavor to all sorts of dishes. Here are a few of the ways it regularly shows up on my table:
- Elevate Tuna or Chicken Salad: I swap out most of the mayonnaise for this dill dressing when making tuna or chicken salad. I mix a can of tuna with a few tablespoons of the dressing, some chopped celery and a pinch of black pepper for a quick and satisfying lunch. Sometimes, I’ll add sliced hearts of palm, olives and artichokes too.
- Drizzle over Roasted Vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables like broccoli, carrots and potatoes. A generous drizzle of this dressing right after they come out of the oven takes them to the next level. The cool, tangy dill contrasts beautifully with the warm, caramelized veggies.
- Create a Quick Grain-Bowl Sauce: Grain bowls are a staple in my house for fast weekday lunches (I work from home but these could be made ahead and packed). I use this dressing as an instant sauce to tie everything together. I’ll start with a base of quinoa or brown rice, top it with chickpeas, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes and some grilled chicken, then finish it with a liberal pour of dill dressing.
- Use as a Dip for Crudités and More: Forget boring dips. I serve this dressing in a bowl alongside a platter of fresh-cut vegetables like carrot sticks, bell pepper strips and snap peas. It’s also fantastic as a dipping sauce for air-fried chicken nuggets or sweet potato fries.
- Top Baked Salmon or Potatoes: A simple baked salmon fillet becomes something special with a spoonful of this dressing on top. The dill and lemon notes are a classic pairing with fish. It’s also a fantastic, lighter alternative to sour cream or butter on a baked potato.
The Bottom Line
Trader Joe’s Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing isn’t just a condiment—it’s a game-changer. It’s versatile, delicious and makes healthy eating feel effortless. Whether I’m drizzling it over roasted veggies, mixing it into tuna salad, or using it as a dip for crudités, this dressing transforms simple ingredients into crave-worthy meals.
As a dietitian, I love that it helps me and my family reach for more veggies with a smile. It’s proof that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. Sometimes, all it takes is the right dressing to turn everyday meals into something you can’t wait to eat.
