Favorite Salad Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A sweet and tangy salad dressing with a rich, thick texture, perfect for enhancing fresh greens and vegetables, ideal for family dinners and potlucks.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon grated onion
  • 1/3 cup vinegar
  • 2 cup salad oil
  • 1/3 cup vinegar

Instructions

  1. Combine the sugar, dry mustard, salt, grated onion, and vinegar in a bowl and beat well using an electric mixer or egg beater.
  2. Gradually add the salad oil, then the remainder of the vinegar, and celery seed, beating continuously until the dressing is very thick.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier flavor, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. You can also reduce the sugar for a less sweet dressing. If you don't have dry mustard, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can work in a pinch. This dressing can be adjusted to suit vegan recipes by ensuring the salad oil is plant-based and omitting any non-vegan additions.

Serving Suggestions

This favorite salad dressing is perfect for drizzling over mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade for grilled chicken. It pairs beautifully with Fresh Fruit Ambrosia for a delightful contrast in flavors. Consider serving it alongside a hearty pasta salad or as a dip for fresh vegetables to enhance your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, give it a good shake, as it may separate over time. If the dressing thickens too much after refrigeration, simply whisk in a little water or additional vinegar to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Favorite Salad Dressing contains roughly 98 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1857mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).

98 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.7g 1% DV
Total Fat 2.3g 3% DV
Carbs 15.5g 6% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 11.9g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1857.3mg 81% DV
Potassium 152.6mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 2.2mg 2% DV
Calcium 31.6mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 salad dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dressing can be made a few days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before serving to ensure it's well mixed.

How can I make this dressing creamier?

To achieve a creamier texture, try adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the mixture. This will not only enhance the creaminess but also add a rich flavor that complements salads beautifully.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, this salad dressing is gluten-free as long as you ensure that your mustard and vinegar are free from gluten-containing ingredients. Always check labels to confirm that all products used meet gluten-free standards.

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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