Costco (Kirkland Signature) Balsamic Vinaigrette

When Costco stopped carrying the Paul Newman balsamic vinaigrette, I was disappointed.  That was the best store-purchased dressing I had found.  

But I admit the new Kirkland Balsamic Vinaigrette tastes better.  

I remember when my Mother started buying salad dressing. I loved her homemade dressing. and I didn't understand why she would buy the obviously inferior manufactured dressing. I guess it's an age thing; I have the ingredients for making my own, but it's just easier to use a dressing that's already concocted.  Besides, I like this dressing so much I can drink it.

The Kirkland Signature (Costco) Balsamic Vinaigrette salad dressing comes with two 24 oz. bottles shrink wrapped together.  I paid $7.99 for the two.  

To me, Kirkland Balsamic wins a taste test with Newman's own - not too sweet, but a slight sweetness that cuts the sour.  The best part is the consistency. Many store dressings are gloopy, as though they've been thickened with corn starch.   I think the gloop is caused by the addition of gum arabic to keep the oil and vinegar emulsified. Kirkland dressing is the consistency of a homemade vinegar and oil dressing and separates like a homemade dressing.  I don't mind shaking the bottle if it means the dressing isn't that horrible gloopy texture.  (If you're interested in gum as a food additive, I found this chart that's kind of interesting.  The Kirkland Balsamic Dressing does not have added gum.)

I use the Kirkland Signature Balsamic Dressing on salads, marinades and roasted vegetables, and I hope fervently that Costco keeps this item.