My Mother-In-Law'S French Dressing

Prep: 5 min Cuisine: American

A classic homemade French dressing with a sweet and tangy flavor profile, perfect for salads and vegetable dishes. Its simple ingredients create a versatile and flavorful dressing that complements a variety of meals, making it a favorite for those who enjoy bold, homemade condiments.

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Ingredients

  • 7/8 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 cup Wesson oil
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a blender until well combined.
  2. Pour into a pint jar and store in the refrigerator.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter dressing, consider adding a bit more sugar or using honey as a substitute. If you prefer a tangier flavor, try using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. Blending the ingredients ensures a smooth consistency, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can whisk them together by hand. This dressing can also be adjusted to make a delicious dip for fresh vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful French dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads, especially a fresh garden salad or the renowned Pink Cherry Salad. It also makes a tasty marinade for grilled chicken or vegetables. Pair it with a light pasta dish or serve alongside Sesame Cookies for a complete meal. The dressing can elevate any simple dish, bringing extra flavor to your table.

Storage & Reheating

Store the dressing in a pint jar in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to two weeks. Be sure to shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it's best to discard it. This dressing can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of My Mother-In-Law'S French Dressing contains roughly 131 calories, with 2g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1141mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

131 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 0.2g
Carbs 31.3g 11% DV
Fiber 1.5g 6% DV
Sugar 21.3g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1140.7mg 50% DV
Potassium 362.1mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.4mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 11.6mg 13% DV
Calcium 40.9mg 3% DV
Iron 0.8mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 use a different type of oil in this dressing?

Yes, you can substitute Wesson oil with olive oil or avocado oil for a different flavor profile. Olive oil will add a richer taste, while avocado oil offers a mild flavor. Just keep in mind that the dressing's texture may vary slightly depending on the oil used.

Is this dressing suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely! This dressing is naturally vegan as it contains no animal-derived ingredients. It's perfect for those following vegan recipes and can easily be incorporated into a variety of plant-based meals. Enjoy it on salads or as a dip for veggies.

How can I make this dressing less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the dressing, simply decrease the amount of sugar used. You can also balance the sweetness by increasing the vinegar slightly, which will add more acidity. Tasting as you go will help you achieve the flavor you desire.

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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