I tried to make a salad dressing out of it and it was barely palatable. I really can't stand it.

hehehe...it doesn't taste like candy that's for sure. You didn't like it with Balsamic Vinegar husky guy? I make my salad dressing with udo's oil and balsamic vinegar and some spices and it tastes great.
I switched over to udo's from just straight flax cuz it's a better blend of oils plus it tastes better.
Just put a tablespoon in your mouth, and chase it back with something if you don't want to put it in your protein shakes or salad dressing.

put it in a protein shake

I will have to give it another try, it was a gag reflex to me. I will try to doctor it up enough so that I don't taste it.