Classic French Dressing
Equipment
- Jar with lid
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, paprika, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic to a mixing bowl.
- Whisk until the dressing is smooth and fully emulsified.
- Pour the dressing into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Shake well before serving.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Refrigerating the dressing before serving allows the flavors to blend and creates a smoother taste. Shake or whisk the dressing well before each use, as natural separation may occur during storage. This dressing is delicious on green salads, Cobb salads, sandwiches, and as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables. Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.Wine Advice
A chilled dry Rosé complements the tangy and slightly sweet flavors beautifully. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is another excellent choice for salads served with this classic dressing.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Classic French Dressing is a timeless homemade salad dressing inspired by the famous Brown Derby recipe. Combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic creates a smooth dressing with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This versatile recipe is ideal for fresh green salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, and even as a dipping sauce for crisp vegetables.
Why You’ll Love Classic French Dressing
This homemade French dressing comes together in just a few minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Unlike many bottled dressings, you can adjust the sweetness, acidity, or seasoning to suit your own taste. If you enjoy making homemade condiments, be sure to browse our Dressing Recipes, Condiment Recipes, Sauce Recipes, Salad Recipes, and American Recipes.
Making Classic French Dressing at Home
Classic French Dressing requires no special equipment beyond a bowl and whisk. Simply combine the ingredients until smooth and refrigerate the dressing to allow the flavors to develop. The ketchup provides body and color, while vinegar adds brightness, Worcestershire sauce contributes depth, and paprika gives the dressing its characteristic flavor. After chilling, the dressing becomes even smoother and more balanced.
Serving Homemade French Dressing
This homemade French dressing is delicious over green salads, Cobb salads, pasta salads, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. It also works well as a sandwich spread or a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a Family Dinner, a Picnic, a Barbecue, or a relaxed Weekend meal, this dressing adds bright flavor to almost any dish.
Storage Tips for Classic French Dressing
Store Classic French Dressing in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake the jar well before each use because natural separation may occur. Keeping the dressing chilled allows the flavors to continue developing while maintaining freshness. For safe food storage recommendations, visit the FDA Food Safety website.
Once you try this homemade dressing, you’ll discover how easy it is to prepare a fresh, flavorful recipe that tastes better than many store-bought varieties and complements countless everyday meals.