Aunt Bessie'S Salad Dressing
A tangy and sweet homemade salad dressing with a tarragon and onion flavor, perfect for adding zest to greens, vegetables, or as a dip for various dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a blender.
- Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender.
- Blend until smooth and thick.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, finely chop the onion before blending. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute the sugar with honey or a sugar alternative. You can also replace the tarragon vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the lemon juice to your taste for more acidity. This dressing can also serve as a marinade for pork chops, enhancing the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Bessie's Salad Dressing is perfect for drizzling over mixed greens or as a dip for fresh vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Minnesota Layered Salad for a delightful meal. Try it on grilled chicken or as a zesty topping for baked potatoes. This versatile dressing can elevate simple salads or even act as a condiment for sandwiches, adding a delicious twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will meld and improve over time. If the dressing separates, simply give it a good shake before using. It's best served cold, so there's no need to reheat it, but you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for easier pouring.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Bessie'S Salad Dressing contains roughly 662 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (83% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 649mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dressing vegan?
Yes, this dressing is already vegan-friendly! The ingredients used, including oil, ketchup, and vinegar, are all plant-based. Just ensure that the ketchup you choose doesn't contain any animal products, which most store-bought brands do not.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
To adjust the sweetness, start by reducing the amount of sugar to 1/4 cup and taste the dressing. You can always add more sugar gradually until it reaches your desired sweetness level. Alternatively, you can use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor.
What can I use if I don't have tarragon vinegar?
If you don't have tarragon vinegar, you can easily substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both options will provide acidity and a slight tanginess, though the flavor will differ slightly. If you have dried tarragon, you can steep it in warm water and mix it with regular vinegar for a homemade tarragon vinegar substitute.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).