Fern Weinhold'S Salad Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

A rich, savory salad dressing with smoky bacon, tangy vinegar, and a hint of onion, perfect for leafy greens and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Fry chopped bacon slowly until brown.
  2. Mix sugar with salt and cornstarch.
  3. Add beaten egg, vinegar, and water to the mixture.
  4. Add the mixture to the cooked bacon and fat in the pan.
  5. Cook until the dressing reaches the desired thickness.
  6. Chop a small onion and add it to the dressing before serving on greens.
  7. Serve on leaf lettuce.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoky flavor, use thick-cut bacon and fry it slowly to render more fat. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, try turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely and replace the fat with olive oil. You can adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar, and if you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the vinegar slightly. This dressing goes well with a variety of salads, including Greens, Peas And Cheese Salad.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is perfect for drizzling over leaf lettuce or mixed greens. Consider adding toppings like sliced cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or even crumbled cheese to enhance your salad. It also complements hearty dishes like Old-World Stuffed Pork Chops or Chuck Wagon, creating a well-rounded meal that balances flavors and textures.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The dressing may thicken when chilled; if so, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir well before serving again on fresh greens.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fern Weinhold'S Salad Dressing contains roughly 169 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1964mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).

169 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 6.8g 9% DV
Carbs 22.1g 8% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1964.3mg 85% DV
Potassium 140.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 16.9mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.4mcg
Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Calcium 15.6mg 1% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg

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 in advance. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to use it, you might need to reheat it gently, as it can thicken when cold.

What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?

If you're looking to avoid bacon, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a similar flavor profile. You could also use sautéed mushrooms for a savory depth or a touch of olive oil for a lighter version. This way, you can maintain a delicious dressing without the meat.

Is there a way to make this dressing vegan?

To make this dressing vegan, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit until it thickens). Substitute the bacon with smoked olive oil or liquid smoke for flavor. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your taste for a delicious vegan version!

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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