Zesty Salad Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A vibrant, tangy salad dressing with a hint of sweetness and spice, perfect for adding zest to greens, vegetables, or seafood salads for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • Tabasco

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well except Tabasco.
  2. Add a few drops of Tabasco to taste.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter dressing, consider increasing the sugar slightly or using honey as a natural alternative. If you prefer a spicier kick, experiment with different types of hot sauces instead of Tabasco. You can also substitute the white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile. Be sure to finely chop the onion to ensure it blends smoothly into the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This zesty salad dressing pairs beautifully with Summer Sunshine Salad or as a drizzle over grilled vegetables. It's also fantastic with mixed greens and works well as a marinade for chicken or fish. Serve alongside Fried Apple Rings for a delightful contrast of flavors or use it to elevate Keepin' Slaw(An Oldie).

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, give it a good shake to recombine the ingredients, as they may separate over time. Do not freeze, as the consistency may change upon thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Zesty Salad Dressing contains roughly 146 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 597mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

146 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.4g 1% DV
Total Fat 15.7g 20% DV
Carbs 1.6g 1% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 597.4mg 26% DV
Potassium 28mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Calcium 3.8mg
Iron 0.3mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal

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, this dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing it to sit for a few hours or overnight can help the flavors meld together beautifully.

What can I substitute for the sugar?

If you're looking for a sugar alternative, you can use agave nectar or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that these options may alter the flavor profile slightly, so adjust to taste.

Is this dressing suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this zesty salad dressing is suitable for vegan diets as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan, as some brands may contain anchovies.

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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