Kansas City Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A tangy, sweet, and savory Kansas City-style dressing with a hint of garlic and tarragon, perfect for salads and grilled vegetables, appealing to those who love bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bottle Heinz chili sauce
  • 1 pint Wesson oil
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic

Instructions

  1. Beat the sugar, water, Heinz chili sauce, lemon juice, tarragon vinegar, salt, paprika, dry mustard, and garlic cloves well in a bowl.
  2. Strain the mixture to ensure smoothness.
  3. Pour the dressing into two pint jars.
  4. Add a garlic clove to each jar, making sure the garlic does not fall into the salad when serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother dressing, make sure to strain it well to remove any garlic bits. You can substitute the Wesson oil with olive oil for a richer flavor, and if you prefer a tangier dressing, consider adding more tarragon vinegar. This dressing works wonderfully on salads, particularly with greens like romaine or arugula. For a twist, try using it in place of traditional dressings in vegan recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is perfect for drizzling over a fresh garden salad or using as a marinade for grilled vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Western Slaw for a refreshing meal. For an elevated dish, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, allowing the flavors to enhance your main course. Consider serving it with Aunt Hazel'S Sweet Pickles for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store the Kansas City Dressing in airtight pint jars in the refrigerator. It can last for up to two weeks. Always give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate over time. If the dressing thickens, you can thin it out with a little water or additional lemon juice when ready to serve.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kansas City Dressing contains roughly 558 calories, with 13g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1250mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

558 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13g 26% DV
Total Fat 20.4g 26% DV
Carbs 85.8g 31% DV
Fiber 6.5g 23% DV
Sugar 6g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1250mg 54% DV
Potassium 1232.6mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 63.6mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 59.7mg 66% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 107mg 8% DV
Iron 11.5mg 64% 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 make this dressing in advance?

Yes, this dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have melded for a day or two. Just remember to shake it well before using, as the ingredients may settle.

Is this dressing suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this Kansas City Dressing is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. The combination of ingredients creates a flavorful dressing that can enhance any salad or dish, making it a great addition to vegan recipes.

What dishes pair well with Kansas City Dressing?

This dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, especially those featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It also complements grilled meats and vegetables, making it a versatile choice for summer barbecues or picnics.

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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