Mom'S French Salad Dressing

Prep: 5 min Cuisine: French

A tangy and sweet French salad dressing with a balanced blend of vinegar, catsup, and spices, perfect for fresh salads and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons catsup
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2/3 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Shake well before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If you're out of vegetable oil, olive oil or grapeseed oil can work as substitutes. You can adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar, or replace it with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile. This dressing can also complement dishes like Kasha Varnitchkes or a simple salad.

Serving Suggestions

This French salad dressing is perfect drizzled over mixed greens or a classic Caesar salad. It pairs beautifully with a Broccoli-Cauliflower-Carrot Medley or can be used as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables. For a twist, try it on a pasta salad or as a zesty topping for Squirrel Cakes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The dressing may separate over time, so be sure to shake it well before each use. It can also be used as a marinade for grilled vegetables or chicken, adding great flavor to your meals.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S French Salad Dressing contains roughly 220 calories, with 7g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

220 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 8.4g 11% DV
Carbs 34.9g 13% DV
Fiber 7g 25% DV
Sugar 6.7g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 317.7mg 14% DV
Potassium 672.2mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 0.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.6mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 36.3mg 40% DV
Calcium 560mg 43% DV
Iron 14.4mg 80% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dressing a few days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. The flavors will meld and improve over time, making it even tastier when you serve it.

Is this dressing suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this dressing is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. You can enjoy it on salads, as a dip, or even as a topping for vegan recipes without any concerns.

What types of vinegar work best for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for regular vinegar, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar for a milder taste or red wine vinegar for a bit more complexity. Each type will give the dressing a unique flavor profile, so feel free to adjust based on your preference.

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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