Salad dressing is usually poured and then tossed, and spraying changes the distribution rather than the quantity.
Why Pouring Goes Wrong
Poured dressing lands in one place and has to be distributed by tossing, which bruises delicate leaves and never quite works.
The leaves at the bottom end up soaked and the ones on top stay dry.
A fine mist coats the surface of every leaf with a small amount, which is what a restaurant kitchen achieves by tossing in a large bowl with practice.
The Technique
- Dry the leaves thoroughly first, since dressing does not stick to wet ones
- Spread them out rather than leaving them in a pile
- Spray in layers, tossing lightly between
- Less than you think, and taste before adding more
- Dress immediately before serving, not in advance
Sprayers specified for thin oils and vinegars, of the kind described at https://flairosol.us.com/, handle an oil and vinegar dressing provided it is thin and free of particles.
Emulsified Dressings Do Not Spray
The limitation. Anything thickened with mustard, egg or honey is too viscous for a fine nozzle.
It will block the mechanism and be difficult to clear. Creamy dressings are poured, not sprayed.
Oil and acid, kept separate or lightly shaken, is what works.
Spray Oil and Acid Separately
A technique worth knowing. Oil first to coat and protect the leaves, then acid, then seasoning.
It gives more control than a pre-mixed dressing and avoids the emulsion problem entirely.
Dry Leaves Matter More Than Dressing
Water on leaves dilutes dressing and prevents it adhering, which is why a salad spinner earns its space.
Wash the Bottle After Vinegar
Acid left in a mechanism affects seals over time.
Season at the End
Salt draws water out of leaves and wilts them.
Dress at the Table
Which keeps leftovers usable.
Dry the Leaves First
Dressing does not adhere to wet leaves and dilutes on contact.
Spray in Layers
Tossing lightly between, rather than all at once.
Wash After Vinegar
Acid left standing affects seals.
Dress at the Table
Which keeps leftovers usable the next day.
Emulsions Do Not Spray
Anything thickened with mustard, egg or honey blocks a fine nozzle and is hard to clear.