French Dressing is a tangy and sweet way to jazz up your salad and lots of other dishes. This homemade version is quick, simple, and far more flavorful than store-bought — you’ll love how easy it is to whip up this classic condiment in no time!
What Is French Dressing?
French dressing is a creamy, tomato-based salad dressing with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Made with ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and oil, it pairs perfectly with crisp greens, raw veggies, or even as a marinade for meats.
This dressing originated in the United States, despite its name. It gained popularity in the mid-20th century as an alternative to vinaigrettes. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of seasonings and spices.
Ingredients
This easy recipe comes together with pantry staples you likely already have handy!
- Vegetable Oil Or Canola Oil – Either of these oils can be used as the base of the dressing to give it a smooth consistency. You can also use extra virgin olive oil.
- Ketchup – This condiment adds a tomato-forward sweetness and the dressing’s signature color.
- Sugar – White sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and gives the dressing a touch more sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – This variety of vinegar brings a tangy kick and slight fruitiness to the table.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire adds a bit of umami.
- Onion Powder – This spice gives it a mild, savory onion flavor without overpowering the dressing.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic adds warmth and depth for a more complex flavor profile.
- Coarse Kosher Salt – Salt enhances all the flavors and ensures the dressing isn’t overly sweet.
Variations
This slightly sweet dressing is easy to adapt!
- Honey – Swap the sugar for honey for a more natural sweetness.
- Vinegar – Replace the apple cider vinegar with balsamic, red wine vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, sherry vinegar, or white wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Smoked Paprika – Instead of regular paprika, add this for a smoky twist.
- Dijon Mustard – Stir in a teaspoon of Grey Poupon or other Dijon for a little bit of sharpness and complexity.
- Heat – A dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper powder.
- Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice instead of vinegar for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Fresh Herbs – Stir in finely chopped parsley, dill, or chives for a fresh and herby take.
- Pepper – Sprinkle in some black pepper for mild heat.
- Consistency – Make a creamy French dressing by adding mayo, Greek yogurt, or sour cream.
- Fresh Garlic – For more garlicky flavor, add minced raw garlic or roasted garlic.
- Onion Flavor – Toss in some finely minced shallots for more onion flavor.
- Tomato – Add a little tomato paste for a more concentrated tomato flavor.
What to Serve With French Dressing
French dressing is perfect for drizzling over simple salads. Beyond salads, French dressing is excellent as a marinade for chicken or pork.
This dressing is also a great dip for veggies like celery sticks, bell pepper slices, or even roasted potato wedges. You can even use it as a spread for wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and paninis.
How to Make French Dressing
This homemade French dressing recipe couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps:
- Combine Ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a blender or small food processor. You can also add them all to a large bowl and whisk them instead of blending.
- Blend Until Smooth. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined and the dressing is smooth.
- Chill Before Serving. Transfer the dressing to a jar or container, cover it, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Storage and Freezing
Homemade French dressing is easy to store and keeps well for a couple of weeks.
Make Ahead
You can prepare this dressing a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until needed.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Give it a good shake or stir before serving.
Can I Freeze French Dressing?
We don’t recommend freezing French dressing — the texture may change when thawed.
Common Questions About French Dressing
Catalina dressing is similar but has a thinner consistency and a slightly tangier flavor compared to French dressing.
French dressing is typically a combination of oil. ketchup, an acidic element like citrus or vinegar, and seasonings.
No, these dressings are not the same. Thousand Island is creamier, thanks to the addition of mayonnaise, and it also typically includes pickle relish and diced red onion.
More Sauces for Salads and Dipping
On the search for the perfect sauce to drizzle over salad or dip into? These crave-worthy favorites are totally worth checking out!
French Dressing
Ingredients
- ¾ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine the oil, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder and salt in a small food processor and blend. Alternately, it can be whisked together.
- Cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
