Sweet Southern Salad Dressing
Sweet Southern Salad Dressing offers a rich, tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness and crunch, perfect for elevating salads and side dishes for gatherings or family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the sugar, mustard, salt, chopped onion, and apple cider vinegar in a blender or food processor; blend until smooth.
- In a steady stream, pour in the vegetable oil and continue to blend until thick.
- Add poppy seed or chopped pecans and blend briefly to combine.
- Keep covered in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the vegetable oil with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a different flavor, try using white wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar based on your taste. Blending the ingredients in a food processor helps achieve a smoother texture, ensuring the dressing is well combined.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Southern Salad Dressing is perfect for drizzling over mixed greens, fruit salads, or even as a dip for fresh vegetables. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Corn And Mashed Potatoes or as a topping for grilled chicken. For a refreshing summer meal, serve it alongside grilled shrimp or fish for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before serving, give it a good shake or stir, as the ingredients may separate over time. If it thickens too much, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of water or vinegar until you reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Southern Salad Dressing contains roughly 170 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 640mg per serving (28% 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 vegan?
Yes, this dressing can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based oil and ensuring the mustard is vegan-friendly. This dressing is versatile and can complement a variety of vegan recipes, making it a great addition to your cooking.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
You can adjust the sweetness by decreasing or increasing the amount of sugar based on your preference. Start with less sugar and add more gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance for your palate.
What can I substitute for poppy seeds?
If you don't have poppy seeds on hand, chopped pecans are a great alternative that adds a lovely crunch. Other options include sunflower seeds or even finely chopped nuts, which can enhance the texture and flavor of the dressing.
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).