Salad Dressing 2009

Outstanding Salad Dressing 2009: Lucini Italia Co. Delicate Cucumber & Shallot Artisan Vinaigrette

Creating a bottled salad dressing that tastes homemade is no easy feat. Lucini Italia has done just that with its Delicate Cucumber & Shallot Artisan Vinaigrette, made in small batches from fresh ingredients including locally grown garlic, parsley and milk. “We worked with a [James Beard Award-winning] chef who helped us develop the recipes,” says Owner David Neuman. “We had to develop all-natural ingredients that would provide the taste and texture we desired, without use of artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.”

Lucini is committed to supporting domestic production and sustainable local farming. All of the products are fresh, and don’t contain dried herbs or refined sugars. “We use organic evaporated cane juice to offset the acidity and help achieve the perfect pH so we can maintain nine months of shelf stability without preservatives,” says Neuman. Additionally, Lucini uses premium oils, including extra virgin olive oil, high oleic sunflower, hazelnut and walnut oils. Many of its products have been endorsed by celebrity chefs, such as Giada De Laurentis, Mario Batali, Charlie Trotter, Jamie Oliver, Emeril Lagasse and health-and-wellness expert Dr. Andrew Weil.

Neuman suggests using the vinaigrette as a salad dressing, sandwich topping or marinade to add depth to meats and poultry. Try it as a dipping sauce for spicy chicken wings instead of blue cheese dressing, on top of a stuffed baked potato in lieu of sour cream, as a raita with Indian curries or Moroccan tagines, in coleslaw or as a light sauce served over grilled or poached salmon. Suggested retail price: $5.99/8.5-ounce. lucini.com.–D. Shoukas