Is Your Salad Dressed for Success?

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Feeling downright virtuous for ordering that dinner salad? Before you get too big for your britches, be sure the dressing drizzled over that bowl of greens isn't helping you do just that -- get too big for your britches!

There's no doubt about it: tossing together lettuce, crunchy vegetables and even lean meats can be one of the healthiest, most diet-sensible meals out there (not to mention one of the simplest to prepare).

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However, you might be unwittingly reversing your salad's righteous reputation by topping it with a fat- and calorie-heavy dressing. Check out the numbers on some popular bottled dressings:

All Dressed Up with Fat and Calories (Nutrition information per 2 tablespoons)

Whether you prefer creamy dressings such as Caesar, tangy honey Dijon or a classic vinaigrette, your choice of commercial dressings could be packing much more than that favorite flavor. Can't find your pick here? Always compare labels before purchasing.

Newman's Own Caesar: 150 calories, 16 grams fat
Wish-Bone Creamy Caesar: 170 calories, 18 grams fat
Better Bottled Bet: Cardini's Low-Fat Caesar (80 calories, 7 grams fat)

Kraft Honey Dijon: 150 calories, 7 grams fat
Marzetti Honey Dijon: 140 calories, 12 grams fat
Better Bottled Bet: Good Seasons Honey Dijon (60 calories, 3.5 grams fat)

Cardini's Balsamic Vinaigrette: 100 calories, 8 grams fat
Marzetti Balsamic Vinaigrette: 100 calories, 9 grams fat
Better Bottled Bet: Marzetti Light Balsamic Vinaigrette (50 calories, 3 grams fat)

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