My Mom'S Clear French Dressing
A light and tangy French dressing with a blend of mustard, vinegar, and garlic, perfect for salads and served with casual or elegant meals alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or processor.
- Blend until smooth and well mixed.
- For milder garlic flavor, leave the garlic clove whole, marinate overnight, then remove before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more balanced flavor, consider using half olive oil and half vegetable oil. If you want to enhance the tanginess, try adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. You can substitute the celery seed with dill for a different taste. Remember to adjust the amount of vinegar based on your preference for acidity. This dressing can also be used as a marinade for grilled vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing is perfect drizzled over fresh greens, such as mixed salad greens or a classic Caesar salad. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. For a twist, try it over roasted vegetables or as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies. It also complements dishes like Spiced Oranges(Dessert For Two) beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will meld over time, so it's best to give it a good shake before serving. If the dressing thickens, whisk in a little water or additional vinegar to reach your desired consistency. Do not freeze, as it may separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Mom'S Clear French Dressing contains roughly 147 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1883mg per serving (82% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dressing a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator enhances the flavors. Just remember to shake or stir it well before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients.
What type of vinegar works best for this recipe?
While white vinegar is commonly used, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor or red wine vinegar for a more robust taste. The choice of vinegar will affect the overall flavor, so choose one that you enjoy.
Is it possible to adjust the garlic flavor?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder garlic taste, leave the clove whole as instructed and remove it before serving. For a stronger flavor, mince the garlic and blend it into the dressing. Adjust according to your garlic 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).