Old Fashioned French Dressing

Prep: 10 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: French

A classic French dressing with tangy vinegar, garlic, mustard, and a blend of oils, perfect for salads and adding a flavorful touch to any dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon English mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 3 cups salad (vegetable) oil

Instructions

  1. Blend all the ingredients except the oils.
  2. Add olive oil and salad vegetable oil and mix well again.
  3. Chill the dressing.
  4. Shake before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a balanced flavor, adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness. If you want a milder dressing, consider using less garlic or omitting it entirely. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar for a different taste profile. This dressing can also be made vegan by ensuring the Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly or replaced with tamari.

Serving Suggestions

This Old Fashioned French Dressing is perfect for drizzling over mixed greens, grilled vegetables, or as a zesty marinade for chicken. It pairs beautifully with Simply Snappy Supper, enhancing the overall flavor. Use it as a dip for fresh veggies or as a topping for potato salad for a delicious twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will develop over time, making it even tastier. Shake well before using, as the oils may separate during storage. Do not freeze, as the texture may be affected.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned French Dressing contains roughly 73 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1308mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).

73 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 1.3g 2% DV
Carbs 13.9g 5% DV
Fiber 2.4g 9% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1308mg 57% DV
Potassium 240.7mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 0mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.3mcg
Vitamin C 16.8mg 19% DV
Calcium 38.7mg 3% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 different types of oil in this dressing?

Yes, you can experiment with different oils. While olive oil and salad oil provide a nice balance, you might try avocado oil for a richer flavor or even nut oils like walnut for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change with different oils.

How can I make this dressing less tangy?

To reduce the tanginess, you can decrease the amount of vinegar or add a bit more sugar. Another option is to add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity, creating a smoother flavor profile that might appeal more to those who prefer milder dressings.

Is this dressing suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dressing is great for meal prep as it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to shake it well before serving to recombine the ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to add flavor to salads throughout the week.

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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