Summer is the time of year for salads, and no one knows that better than Karen Akouri, the mind behind the inventive local dressing brand drench. We talked with Karen to learn more about her dressings, herself, and how she makes her summer salads sing.
What inspired you to create salad dressings?
The inspiration for my dressings came when I was reading labels on traditional store-bought dressings and couldn’t believe the ingredients! It sounded like I was reading a science project! It made me so angry. Why is this even allowed in our food? That’s when I said I will never buy these chemical-laden dressings again and I will make my own. My friends and family told me how much they loved them and this inspired me to bottle them.
How do you develop your recipes?
I like to create dressings that are on trend with current food trends and lifestyles. I’m a foodie and I love to create recipes and share them! Many of my recipes are available on my website, idrench.com.
In addition to fresh summer salads, what other suggestions do you have for using your dressings?
I love using our dressings as marinades! I love marinating chicken with our Mediterranean Lemon, it gets real tender and juicy. I love marinating fish, especially salmon, with our Citrus Honey Vinaigrette. Many have told me they love marinating their steaks with Balsamic Fig Vinaigrette!
I also use Mediterranean Lemon as a drizzle on our seven-layer Mediterranean dip (recipe at idrench.com) or drizzle it on avocado toast with microgreens or arugula. Our Balsamic Fig Vinaigrette is also great as a finishing sauce for roasted vegetables.
I love to experiment with my dressings and mix them! I created a light summer salad (shown) using Citrus Honey Vinaigrette and Balsamic Fig Vinaigrette with watermelon, cucumber, feta, mint, and greens. It was delish!
Sounds delicious! Where can our readers find your dressings?
You can find drench at most stores in Michigan including Whole Foods, Plum Market, Market Square, Nino Salvaggio, Fresh Thyme, Busch’s and Woodward Corner Market by Meijer. You can also order at idrench.com.
Tell us a little about your family, including any furry members!
My husband Jim and I have three kids, Annabella, Jimmy, and Angelina and they all help with the family business. I don’t know what I would do without them! They’re incredible! Our cat Boots was a gift to my daughter on her birthday. He is named Boots because he’s all gray but his paws are white and it looks like he’s wearing a pair of boots!
