Quick French Dressing

Prep: 5 min Cuisine: French

A vibrant, tangy French dressing with lemon and honey, ideal for salads and vegetables, offering a perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and savory sesame flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup oil
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons ground sesame seed
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon tahini
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well in a blender or jar.
  2. Chill before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a bit more tahini. If you're out of lemon juice, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes. Adjust the sweetness by varying the honey amount based on your preference. This dressing is versatile and can also enhance grilled vegetables or salads, making it a great addition to vegan recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This quick French dressing is perfect over mixed greens or as a zesty dip for fresh vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken dishes, such as Grilled Honey Soy Chicken. For an exciting twist, try drizzling it over grilled fish or seafood salads to elevate their flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will meld and improve over time. If the dressing separates, simply give it a good shake or stir before using. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick French Dressing contains roughly 592 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1785mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

592 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.8g 12% DV
Total Fat 46.6g 60% DV
Carbs 43.1g 16% DV
Fiber 8.2g 29% DV
Sugar 5.6g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1784.7mg 78% DV
Potassium 539.1mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 30.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 11.7mg 13% DV
Calcium 202.8mg 16% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Sesame

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?

Absolutely! This dressing can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. The flavors will intensify as it sits, making it even tastier. Just remember to give it a good shake before serving.

What can I substitute for honey?

If you're looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar can be excellent substitutes for honey. They will provide a similar sweetness while keeping the dressing plant-based. Adjust the amount to taste, as both can be sweeter than honey.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dressing?

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of paprika. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference for the perfect balance.

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).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →