Fat Free French Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A fat-free French dressing with tangy vinegar, sweet onion, and savory spices, perfect for light salads and health-conscious meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
  • 1 c. diet ginger ale
  • 2/3 c. white vinegar
  • Artificial sweetener to equal 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 c. catsup
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 1/2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 c. grated sweet onion

Instructions

  1. Dissolve gelatin in diet ginger ale in a blender.
  2. Add vinegar, artificial sweetener, catsup, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and lemon juice.
  3. Blend at high speed until thoroughly mixed.
  4. Pour into a glass jar.
  5. Add onion and garlic.
  6. Shake well and refrigerate.
  7. Let stand 3 hours before using.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker dressing, you can add more gelatin or reduce the amount of ginger ale. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to adjust the artificial sweetener to taste. You can also experiment with different vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar, for a unique twist. This dressing works well as a lighter alternative to Aunt Bessie'S Salad Dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This fat-free French dressing is perfect for drizzling over fresh salads, particularly mixed greens or a Minnesota Layered Salad. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables or as a dip for fresh vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Oven Roasted Carrots or a light protein like grilled chicken.

Storage & Reheating

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time. If you find the dressing too thick after refrigeration, you can thin it out with a little extra ginger ale or water before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fat Free French Dressing contains roughly 287 calories, with 9g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2089mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

287 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 7.9g 10% DV
Carbs 48.6g 18% DV
Fiber 4.4g 16% DV
Sugar 4g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2089.5mg 91% DV
Potassium 588.4mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 6.6mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.3mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 23.4mg 26% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 97.8mg 8% DV
Iron 5.5mg 30% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 naturally vegan since it doesn't contain any animal products. Ensure that the gelatin you use is plant-based, such as agar-agar, to maintain its vegan status.

How can I adjust the level of sweetness in the dressing?

You can easily modify the sweetness by adjusting the amount of artificial sweetener. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired sweetness. Remember, some sweeteners are sweeter than sugar, so taste as you go.

Is it necessary to use gelatin in this recipe?

Gelatin helps to stabilize the dressing and gives it a thicker consistency. However, if you prefer to omit it, you can blend the ingredients without it, keeping in mind that the dressing may be thinner and require shaking before use.

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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