French Red Dressing

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: French

A sweet and tangy French Red Dressing with a smooth texture, perfect for salads and meats, offering a balanced combination of sugar, onions, and vinegar flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup onions
  • 3/4 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 cup catsup

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Beat on high with a mixer for 15 minutes until well combined and smooth.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother dressing, finely chop the onions or use onion powder as a substitute. You can adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar amount or using honey for a more natural sweetener. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using avocado oil instead of vegetable oil. This dressing can also be made vegan by ensuring that the catsup is free from animal products.

Serving Suggestions

This French Red Dressing is fantastic as a dip for fresh vegetables or as a zesty dressing for salads. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Aunt Jane Ashe's German Slaw or drizzled over a classic garden salad. Use it to enhance grilled meats or as a marinade for a Pork Loin Marinade for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will meld and deepen over time. Before serving, give it a good stir or shake, as the ingredients may separate. Avoid freezing this dressing, as it may change the texture when thawed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of French Red Dressing contains roughly 379 calories, with 1g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

379 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 32.1g 41% DV
Carbs 22.7g 8% DV
Fiber 2.1g 7% DV
Sugar 10g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 502.5mg 22% DV
Potassium 208.5mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 32.4mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 495.3mcg 55% DV
Vitamin C 17mg 19% DV
Calcium 29.1mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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 use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute the vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor or red wine vinegar for a more robust taste. Each type of vinegar will impart its own unique hint to the dressing, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite variation.

How can I make this dressing spicier?

To add some heat, mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also try incorporating diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the quantity according to your heat preference to ensure it complements the sweetness of the dressing.

Is this dressing suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this dressing can easily fit into vegan diets, as it primarily consists of plant-based ingredients. Just ensure that the catsup you use does not contain any animal products. You can also explore homemade catsup recipes for a fully vegan option.

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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