Crystal Salad
A crisp, tangy salad with a sweet and sour dressing, perfect as a refreshing side dish for summer meals or potlucks, offering a delightful balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and dry mustard in a saucepan and heat to boiling.
- Cook for 1 minute on medium heat.
- Cool the mixture.
- Stir in salad oil and onion juice.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the sugar slightly or substitute with honey or agave syrup. This dressing can also be enhanced with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for additional flavor. If you want a creamy texture, try blending in some Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Crystal Salad dressing over mixed greens or as a dip for fresh vegetables. It pairs beautifully with a light salad featuring fruits or nuts, or even drizzled over grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Charcoal Grilled Steaks or a refreshing Lemon Lime Rainbow Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Crystal Salad dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, give it a good shake, as the ingredients may separate. This dressing is not suitable for freezing due to its vinegar and oil base, which may change in texture when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crystal Salad contains roughly 29 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dressing a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator, and give it a good shake before serving as the ingredients might separate over time. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier.
Is this dressing suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, the ingredients in this Crystal Salad dressing are all plant-based, making it a great option for vegan recipes. Just ensure that the salad oil you use is vegan-friendly, and you can enjoy this dressing with a variety of salads.
What salads work best with this dressing?
This dressing works wonderfully with a variety of salads, especially those featuring crisp greens, fruits, and nuts. It complements a simple garden salad or a more elaborate mixed salad with ingredients like avocado or crispy chickpeas, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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).