French Salad Dressing

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: French

A rich and tangy French salad dressing with a sweet and savory flavor profile, perfect for elevating green salads and vegetable dishes. Its bold taste combines ketchup, vinegar, and onion for a distinctive finish that complements a variety of fresh ingredients and meal styles.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 quart oil
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups vinegar
  • 1/4 cup instant onion

Instructions

  1. Put all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
  2. Mix on low for 15 minutes until well combined.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother dressing, blend the ingredients instead of mixing by hand. You can substitute part of the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a more natural sweetness. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This dressing also works well in salads featuring fruits or grains, and you can explore vegan recipes by using plant-based oil.

Serving Suggestions

This French salad dressing is perfect for drizzling over mixed greens, pasta salads, or even as a dip for fresh vegetables. It pairs beautifully with a classic garden salad or can enhance a quinoa salad. For a unique twist, try it alongside Lime-Sweet Pickles to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before using, give it a good shake or stir, as the ingredients may separate over time. This dressing is great for meal prep, allowing you to have a quick salad option ready to go.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of French Salad Dressing contains roughly 1128 calories, with 6g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 865mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

1128 kcal 56% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.5g 13% DV
Total Fat 80.8g 100% DV
Carbs 101.5g 37% DV
Fiber 10.8g 39% DV
Sugar 36.8g 74% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 865.1mg 38% DV
Potassium 978.1mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.4mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 90.8mg 100% DV
Calcium 103mg 8% DV
Iron 2.6mg 15% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 reduce the sugar in this dressing?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar to your taste. Start with half the amount and adjust as needed. Keep in mind that the sweetness balances the acidity of the vinegar, so make sure to taste as you adjust.

Is there a way to make this dressing spicier?

Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a spicy kick. Adjust based on your heat preference, and remember that it can complement salads with robust flavors well.

How can I use this dressing in other recipes?

This dressing can be used in various ways, such as a marinade for grilled vegetables or chicken. It also serves as a flavorful topping for cold pasta dishes. Feel free to get creative and incorporate it into your favorite salads or even as a dip!

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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