I’ve always loved French dressing for its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. It’s one of those dressings that instantly elevates a simple salad with its rich, slightly creamy texture and zesty kick.
Contents
French dressing recipe
French dressing originated as a classic vinaigrette in French cuisine, traditionally made with oil and vinegar. However, the sweet and creamy version known today is more of an American twist. Initially, this dressing referred to a basic vinaigrette, with roots in France that go back centuries.
In the early 20th century, the U.S. popularized a new version by adding ingredients like ketchup, sugar, and paprika, giving it the familiar sweet, creamy texture. While Americans still call it “French dressing,” it’s actually a uniquely American creation, distinct from the simple vinaigrette that remains popular in France.
French salad dressing differs from traditional French vinaigrette in several key aspects. While both are oil-and-vinegar-based, their flavor profiles and ingredients diverge significantly.
American-style French dressing has a sweet and tangy flavor. It contains ketchup or tomato puree, sugar, and various spices. It has a creamy texture and orange-red color. On the other hand, the French vinaigrette has a sharp, tangy flavor with a thin, translucent appearance. It consists of oil, vinegar, mustard, herbs, and shallots.
Here is how to make the French dressing in both ways:
French dressing
Nutrition
Ingredients
American Style
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Classic French vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
American-style French dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Slowly pour in the vegetable oil, whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Classic French vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Gradually add the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle over your favorite salad or use as a marinade.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better blending
- Add the oil slowly while whisking continuously
- Employ an immersion blender for ultra-smooth results
- Include an emulsifier like mustard or egg yolk for stability
Similar Recipes:
This salad dressing has inspired many other dressings in American cuisine. Its success led to the creation of several related sauces, including:
- Catalina dressing is a sweeter, more tomato-forward variation.
- Russian dressing is often confused with French salad dressing. It typically includes mayonnaise and pickle relish.
- Thousand Island dressing is similar to Russian dressing but with additional ingredients like olives or hard-boiled eggs.
Pairing suggestions
French dressing pairs perfectly with classic green salads, Cobb salad, and fresh veggies as a dip. The dressing also enhances savory ingredients like bacon, eggs, and roasted chicken.
Beyond salads, this dressing can be used as a marinade for chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf, adding moisture and zest. It also works as a breading substitute for meats or in unique recipes like “Copper Pennies” salad with carrots, onions, and peppers.
Variations
Variations of French dressing include a wide array of adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Some popular variations include:
- Creamy White French salad dressing adds mayonnaise or heavy cream to the classic recipe. This variation results in a richer, more luxurious texture that clings beautifully to salad greens.
- Low-fat version uses less oil and incorporates yogurt for creaminess.
- Spicy variant adds hot sauce or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Honey French salad dressing substitutes honey for sugar for a more natural sweetness.