Country Garden Salad Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A sweet and sour salad dressing with a tangy blend of onion, celery seed, catsup, vinegar, sugar, and oil, perfect for fresh garden salads and casual meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. celery seed
  • 1/3 c. catsup
  • 1/3 c. white vinegar
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 c. vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
  2. Keep refrigerated and stir well before serving if it separates.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother dressing, ensure your onion is finely chopped before blending. If you're out of celery seed, you can substitute with finely chopped celery or omit it altogether. Adjust sugar according to your taste preference; you can use honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile. This dressing works well in American recipes, especially as a topping for salads like the classic Country Garden Salad.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle this tangy dressing over a fresh garden salad or use it as a dip for fresh vegetables. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Wacky Cake(A.K.A. Three Hole Cake) for a delightful meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled chicken or seafood. This versatile dressing can elevate any summer picnic spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If it separates, simply give it a good shake or stir before using. For longer storage, consider freezing in small portions, then thawing in the refrigerator when needed. Avoid reheating as it is best served cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Country Garden Salad Dressing contains roughly 330 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2346mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

330 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 32.1g 41% DV
Carbs 12.6g 5% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 4.8g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2346.4mg 100% DV
Potassium 180.3mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 32.4mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 501.8mcg 56% DV
Vitamin C 11.1mg 12% DV
Calcium 22.5mg 2% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal

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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dressing a few days in advance. Just blend all the ingredients, store it in the refrigerator, and give it a good shake before serving. This allows the flavors to meld nicely, enhancing the overall taste.

Is this dressing suitable for vegan diets?

Absolutely! This dressing is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. You can enjoy it on salads or as a dip without any concern about dietary restrictions.

What can I serve this dressing with?

This dressing is perfect over mixed greens, but it also complements grilled vegetables, pasta salads, and as a topping for sandwiches. It adds a zesty flavor that enhances the overall meal, making it a versatile addition to any table.

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).

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