Photography by Kate Munsch
Even when St. Louis’ Italian restaurants are closed, they’re making money, thanks to bottled salad dressings. We made salads at home with four of them. Here’s how they compare.
The Pasta House Co.’s Famous Salad Dressing
Chowing down on the house salad at The Pasta House could certainly be considered a rite of passage for St. Louisans. The vinegar-and-oil dressing tastes like home. It’s tangy from red-wine vinegar and not overly sweet. When a crouton drowns in the dressing, it dies a happy death. pastahouse.com.
Pietro’s Sweet and Tangy Original Recipe
With plenty of mustard and cider vinegar, Pietro’s dressing is a kissin’ cousin to a honey-mustard dressing. With its thick, ochre-yellow appearance, this leaves The Hill behind to explore less traditional regions. pietrosdining.com.
Valenti’s Market & Catering Co.’s
Sweet & Creamy House Dressing Valenti’s Market, a main-stay in St. Peters, represents the creamy Italian and garlic interests with a salad dressing that’s loaded with garlic and herbs. With egg yolks and Worcestershire sauce, this one tips its Borsalino to a Caesar as well. valentismarket.com.
Zia’s Sweet Italian Oil & Vinegar
Zia’s salad dressing represents the Great Salad Divide on The Hill: Do you like it sweet or vinegary? The distinctive pink color indicates the former (sugar is the No. 2 ingredient), but it’s also tangy—perfect for the St. Louis Italian salad with iceberg and romaine lettuces, topped with ropes of Provel. zias.com.
