The Mayfair Dressing is one of my all-time favorite dressings. It’s a creamy, tangy blend that perfectly balances the richness.
Contents
Mayfair dressing recipe
Mayfair dressing is a rich and flavorful salad dressing that originated at the Mayfair Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, around 1935. It was created by Chef Fred Bangerter and is distinguished by its creamy texture.
The Mayfair Hotel, known for its luxury and exceptional dining, popularized this dressing as a signature dish in its restaurant, The Mayfair Room. Over time, it has become a beloved staple in St. Louis, with many local restaurants offering their own variations of the original recipe.
Mayfair dressing is frequently compared to Caesar dressing but stands out for its thicker, creamier texture. It was made with the umami richness of anchovies with creamy elegance, while the garlic and mustard enhance the bold flavor profile. This creamy, anchovy-based dressing established a new standard for American salad dressings.
Here’s how to make the Mayfair salad dressing:
Mayfair dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp anchovy paste or 2-3 anchovy fillets, mashed
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt optional, depending on taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar.
- Add the anchovy paste (or mashed fillets) and minced garlic.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more vinegar for tang or more mustard for kick.
- Serve immediately over a salad or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
How to serve and pair
Explore creative ways to incorporate Mayfair salad dressing into your favorite dishes for added rich flavor.
1. Salad Pairings
- Green salads: Romaine hearts, butter lettuce, mixed greens
- Mayfair salad with romaine lettuce, julienned ham, Swiss cheese, and croutons
- BLT salad with romaine lettuce, crispy bacon, Roma tomatoes, and croutons
- Club salad with romaine lettuce, crispy bacon, turkey, bacon, and other ingredients.
- Mixed into potato salads
2. Vegetable Pairings
Fresh Crudités:
- Belgian endive spears
- Rainbow carrot sticks
- Sugar snap peas
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber rounds
Cooked Vegetables:
- Grilled Options:
- Asparagus spears
- Zucchini planks
- Bell pepper strips
- Portobello mushrooms
- Roasted Selections:
- Brussels sprouts
- Root vegetables
- Winter squash
- Cauliflower florets
3. Protein Pairings: Allow proteins to rest before applying dressing
Cold Proteins:
- Poached chicken breast
- Grilled shrimp
- Smoked salmon
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Tuna steaks
Warm Proteins:
| Protein Type | Serving Suggestion | Temperature Note |
| Grilled Chicken | Serve alongside | Warm or room temp |
| Seared Fish | Use as sauce | Warm |
| Steak | Light drizzle | Warm |
4. Sandwiches: It can be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps
5. Complementary Elements: To create a complete dish, consider adding:
Texture Elements:
- Toasted nuts
- Crispy croutons
- Seed medley
- Crispy fried shallots
Fresh Herbs:
- Delicate Herbs:
- Chervil
- Dill
- Tarragon
- Chives
- Robust Herbs:
- Basil
- Parsley
- Cilantro
variations
Different ingredients can transform traditional Mayfair dressing into unique flavor profiles.
1. Light Version
- Using Greek yogurt base
- Incorporating fresh herbs
- Reducing oil content
2. Dietary Accommodations
Alternative versions cater to different dietary needs:
| Dietary Need | Modification |
| Vegetarian | Capers replace anchovies |
| Gluten-free | Natural thickeners used |
| Low-sodium | Fresh herbs enhance flavor |
3. Curry Mayfair Dressing: This unique variation combines curry powder for an exotic flavor, making it perfect as both a salad dressing and a vegetable dip.
- Curry Powder: Brings warmth and spice to the dressing.
- Liquid Smoke: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
