Dressing For The Elite
A tangy, savory dressing with a hint of sweetness and spice, perfect for salads and grilled dishes, appealing to those who enjoy bold, complex flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed ⓘ
- 2 or 3 drops Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 cup catsup
- 1 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons capers ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon juice from capers ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer the first eight ingredients together. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Blend in the catsup, olive oil, capers, caper juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add garlic to the mixture. Cool the dressing at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Shake well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother dressing, blend all ingredients in a food processor instead of simmering them. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Tabasco sauce or use a different hot sauce. You can substitute white wine vinegar for red wine vinegar if desired. Consider using low-sodium catsup for a healthier option. This dressing pairs beautifully with Lo-Cal Company Salad for a refreshing meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing is perfect for drizzling over mixed greens, grilled vegetables, or as a zesty dip for crudités. It also works well as a marinade for chicken or fish. Serve it alongside dishes like Sherbet Tea Punch for a delightful meal. Try pairing with a light pasta salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to one week. Before using, give it a good shake or stir to recombine, as separation may occur. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture and flavor of the dressing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dressing For The Elite contains roughly 123 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (83% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 805mg per serving (35% 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, this dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and shake well before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, enhancing the taste.
Is there a way to make this dressing vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dressing vegan, simply ensure the catsup used is free from animal products and replace the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative or soy sauce for a similar umami flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dressing?
If you prefer a milder dressing, you can reduce the amount of Tabasco sauce or omit it entirely. For extra flavor without the heat, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika instead.
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).