Fats & oils

Salad dressing, buttermilk, lite

FDC 169895tablespoon (15 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 17 · -5 vs Fats & oils median

Lite buttermilk dressing lands at 17 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band result that puts it 41st of 60 in the fats and oils category. Its one notable credential is vitamin E at 11% DV, a modest showing for a bottled dressing built mostly around oil and stabilizers.

It gets spooned over salads, used as a dip for raw vegetables, or thinned into a marinade base, with a tablespoon as the realistic serving since dressings are used sparingly rather than by the cup. The plain caveat is sodium, at 1,120 mg per 100 g, which adds up quickly if you pour rather than measure it out.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around salad dressing, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 1.3 g · 2%Carb 21.3 g · 42%Fat 12.4 g · 55%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories202 kcal10%
Total fat12 g16%
Saturated fat1.3 g6%
Cholesterol16 mg5%
Sodium1120 mg49%
Carbohydrate21 g8%
Dietary fiber1.1 g4%
Sugars3.8 g
Protein1.3 g3%
Potassium132 mg3%
Calcium40 mg3%
Iron0.69 mg4%
Magnesium6 mg1%
Vitamin C0.6 mg1%
Vitamin A18 µg2%
Vitamin E1.6 mg11%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 169895

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Vitamin E11% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the fats & oils median

Nutrient density17 vs 22 median
Protein / 100 g1.3 vs 0 median
Fiber / 100 g1.1 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g1120 vs 0 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Oil, palmDensity 17 vs 17Fat, chickenDensity 18 vs 17Salad dressing, russian dressingDensity 19 vs 17

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Lite buttermilk dressing is a pourable, tangy dressing built on the creamy, slightly sour note of buttermilk with herbs and a lighter oil load than the full-fat version. In the kitchen it does double duty: drizzled over crisp green salads and wedges of iceberg, spooned as a dip for raw vegetables and wings, or thinned with a little milk to coat a pasta or potato salad. The flavor is cool and herby with a gentle acidity, and the texture is smooth and just thick enough to cling to leaves without weighing them down. It pairs well with sharp radish, cucumber, tomato, and anything fried where its tang cuts through richness.

Portioned by the tablespoon, about 15 g, it is meant to be used sparingly, and its per 100 g figures reflect a concentrated condiment: 202 calories, 12.4 g fat, 21.3 g carbohydrate and 3.77 g sugar, along with 11% of the Daily Value for vitamin E. The standout number is sodium at 1120 mg per 100 g, so a light hand goes a long way and you can skip extra salt on the salad itself. Keep the bottle refrigerated after opening, shake it before each use to recombine, and check the date since dairy-based dressings do not keep as long as oil-only ones. Measure by the spoon, toss rather than drown your greens, and let its tang stand in for some of the salt you might otherwise add.

Frequently asked questions about salad dressing

How is lite buttermilk dressing different from regular?

It uses less oil for a lighter texture while keeping the tangy buttermilk-and-herb flavor, so it pours and clings a bit more thinly.

Why should I use it sparingly?

It carries 1120 mg of sodium per 100 g, so a tablespoon or two seasons a salad without needing extra salt.

Does it need refrigeration?

Yes, because it is dairy-based it should be kept refrigerated after opening and used before its date.

View the USDA source record