Are you tired of bland store-bought dressings? Look no further! This creamy French dressing recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making it an irresistible topping for your favorite salads. And the best part? You can easily whip it up in just 2 minutes using basic pantry staples.
But wait, there’s more! French dressing isn’t just for salads. It also doubles as a fantastic barbecue sauce for chicken, pork chops, and even ribs. So the next time you fire up the grill, give it a try!
Watch How to Make French Dressing
Curious about the process? Check out this quick video to see exactly how to make French dressing:
What’s in French Dressing?
Wondering what goes into this mouthwatering dressing? Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
- Ketchup: While some recipes call for tomato paste or puree, I find that using ketchup creates a creamy and thick consistency that emulsifies beautifully with the olive oil.
- Honey: Instead of sugar, I prefer using honey in this recipe. It blends well, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and helping to thicken the dressing.
- Onion powder
- Apple cider vinegar: Although apple cider vinegar works best, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar.
- Light or regular olive oil: If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for light olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil. You can also use vegetable oil as a substitute.
- Paprika: Stick with regular paprika and avoid using smoked paprika.
- Celery seed: The addition of celery seed enhances the flavor, but if you can’t find it, feel free to substitute it with celery salt.
How to Make French Dressing
Making French dressing is a breeze! Simply add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender, and process until smooth. Alternatively, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, add the ingredients to a mason jar, and shake vigorously until emulsified.
Note: Making the dressing by hand may result in a slightly thinner consistency compared to using a blender or food processor.
How Long Does it Last?
If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this vinegar-based dressing can last up to 3 weeks. However, for the best flavors, it’s recommended to use it within a week. If you decide to substitute onion powder with fresh onion, consume it within 5 days.
Salad Pairings
While this dressing is perfect for any garden salad, here are a few variations worth trying:
- Grilled Romaine lettuce with blue cheese, tomatoes, and bacon
- Mexican taco salad: Give this sweet version a go instead of the usual chipotle ranch dressing. Surprisingly, it pairs perfectly with ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese!
- Spinach salad with tomatoes, boiled eggs, bacon, and red onion
- Grilled chicken salad
- Large, thick summer tomatoes and red onions
- Cobb Salad
- Arugula and endive lettuce: This dressing adds a delightful touch to these greens as well.
Other Homemade Dressings to Try
If you loved this French dressing recipe, why not experiment with some other homemade dressings? Here are a few suggestions:
- Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
- Greek Salad Dressing
- DIY Ranch Dry Seasoning Mix
- Creamy Parmesan Salad Dressing
- Copy Cat Olive Garden Salad Dressing
- Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Did you give this salad dressing a try? Let me know in the comments section below! I would love to hear your thoughts, and I’m sure my readers would too.
Also, don’t forget to share a picture of your French Dressing on Instagram or Facebook, tagging @aforkstale with the #aforkstale hashtag! I’ll be delighted to share it with my followers. xoxo!
