Herb Onion Salad Dressing
A vibrant herb onion salad dressing with a tangy, sweet, and herby flavor profile. Perfect for salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade, appealing to those who enjoy bold, fresh tastes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 large onion, cut in wedges ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon celery seed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed rosemary ⓘ
- 2 cups vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- In a blender, combine cider vinegar, sugar, and onion wedges and process until smooth.
- Add seasonings: salt, celery seed, ground mustard, basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme, pepper, and crushed rosemary. Cover and blend well.
- Gradually add vegetable oil in a steady stream while blending until the dressing thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother consistency, ensure the onion is finely chopped before blending. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute half the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. You can also adjust the sweetness by using less sugar or substituting with a natural sweetener like honey. This dressing pairs wonderfully with salads featuring fresh greens and roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This herb onion salad dressing is perfect for drizzling over mixed greens or as a marinade for grilled vegetables. It also complements dishes like Maraschino Cherry Bars and Snappy Bean Dip beautifully. Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or using it to dress a pasta salad for a flavorful 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 or stir, as the ingredients may separate over time. If the dressing thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of vinegar or water to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Onion Salad Dressing contains roughly 182 calories, with 5g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1782mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time. In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and remember to give it a good shake before using.
Is there a vegan alternative for the vegetable oil?
Absolutely! You can use any light oil such as grapeseed or avocado oil as a vegan alternative. These oils are neutral in flavor and will blend well with the other ingredients, maintaining the intended taste of the dressing.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, fresh herbs can be used instead of dried ones. Just remember that fresh herbs are more potent than dried, so you may want to increase the quantity slightly. For instance, use about three times the amount of fresh herbs to achieve a similar flavor profile.
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).