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French Dressing

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posted: 09/24/24

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

French Dressing is a classic for a reason. This delicious tomato based dressing is slightly sweet, slightly sour, and fantastic over so many different kinds of salads.

Jar of homemade French Dressing with bowl of salad and baguette sitting in background

My husband loves French dressing. It’s his very favorite. So recently, when he asked if I would make him a homemade version, I jumped at the chance. By simply looking at the back of a major brand’s ingredient list, I whipped together ingredients until I got a dressing that tasted better than the bottled store-bought version I was imitating.

French Dressing Ingredients

A great thing about this homemade dressing is that it is made with simple ingredients. For the full list of ingredients and their measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Tomato paste: This is the base of your dressing, giving it a rich, tangy flavor and a classic reddish-orange color. While some French dressing recipes use ketchup, I chose to use tomato paste because it offers a richer, more concentrated flavor without the added sweetness and extra ingredients found in ketchup. This allows for better control over the sweetness and acidity, resulting in a more authentic and well-balanced dressing.
  • Water: Helps to thin out the tomato paste and create the perfect consistency for your dressing without changing the taste.
  • Vegetable oil: Adds a smooth, creamy texture and helps the flavors meld together.
  • Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato paste and gives the dressing a slightly sweet flavor.
  • White vinegar: Adds a sharp, tangy kick that complements the sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor.
  • Onion powder: Brings a subtle savory note to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering it.
  • Salt: If you are using table salt, rather than kosher salt, start with half of what the recipe calls for and adjust to fit your taste preferences.
overhead of bowl of lettuce salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and homemade French Dressing. Jar of french dressing and baguette sitting beside

How to Make French Dressing

Here is a brief overview of how this homemade French dressing comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  • Combine the tomato paste and water. Whisk them in a bowl until combined.
  • Add the other ingredients. Whisk in the remaining ingredients, taste the dressing, and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  • Serve over salad and enjoy.
hand pouring jar of homemade French Dressing onto a bowl of lettuce salad with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers

Storing Homemade Salad Dressings

French salad dressing can be kept in an airtight container, like a mason jar, in the refrigerator for up to one week. Pour as much as you desire on your salad and return the dressing to the fridge. You may need to give it a stir if you see some separation.

overhead of bowl of lettuce salad with tomato slices and french dressing

How to Use French Salad Dressing

What is French dressing without a delicious salad to serve it with? While this salad dressing can be served with many salads (including just a bed of lettuce), here are a few ideas:

If you make this French dressing recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d be so grateful if you came back and told me how you enjoyed it.

Jar of homemade French Dressing with bowl of salad and baguette sitting in background
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French Dressing

Serves: 12 servings
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
French Dressing is a classic for a reason. This delicious tomato based dressing is slightly sweet, slightly sour, and fantastic over so many different kinds of salads.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Whisk together the water and the tomato paste.
    1/4 cup water, 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Then whisk in the remaining ingredients. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed.
    3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Serve over salad and enjoy. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Serving: 1tablespoon Calories: 44kcal (2%) Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) Protein: 0.2g Fat: 3g (5%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Trans Fat: 0.02g Sodium: 274mg (12%) Potassium: 42mg (1%) Fiber: 0.2g (1%) Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 61IU (1%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 3mg Iron: 0.1mg (1%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: asian
Jar of homemade French Dressing with bowl of salad and baguette sitting in background

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French Dressing

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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