I had a friend in high school who loved French dressing on everything, including pizza. I never understood why she loved him so much. Since both my mother and my oldest son love it too I decided to find a good home version.
French dress?
French salad dressing as we know it today did not exist until recently. Until the 1960s, the classic French vinaigrette was basically a healthy dressing of oil and vinegar and is what we now call vinaigrette. Vintage cookbooks list spices like black pepper and lemon, then add onion, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, and other ingredients.
Over the years ingredients like paprika (and even ketchup) have been added to make the bright orange version popular today.
He may not be from France at all, but he sure likes America.
Until recently, French dressing ingredients were regulated by the FDA. That’s because starting in the 1920s mineral oil (yep, petroleum) became a popular alternative to olive oil. Mineral oil is non-digestible and acts as a laxative so it has become a popular alternative to salad dressing for weight loss.
Eventually, processed food brands created self-serve options like Catalina dressing and creamy French dressing.
French Dressing for Real Food
This homemade version made me understand why people love French dressing so much. With only real food ingredients and no vegetable oil or processed sugar cups, it’s easy and delicious. We love it with almost every food (except maybe pizza?). I tried to balance the original taste of oil and vinegar with some sweetness reminiscent of the new version.
I use white wine vinegar, but red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar will also work (although they taste stronger). Tomato paste adds color and flavor without adding a ton of sugar. The honey adds a little sweetness and acts as an emulsifier for the oil and vinegar.
My kids enjoy adding fresh vegetables to this salad dressing (probably because it tastes like homemade ketchup). If you’re a fan of French dressing (or maybe even if you’re not), try a healthier version of the homemade version.
Healthy French Dressing Recipes
A simple and delicious homemade substitute for store-bought French dressing that you can make at home in less than 2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Healthy French Dressing Recipes
Amount Per Serving (1 TBSP)
Calories 60
Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated fat 1g
Monounsaturated fat 4g
Sodium 24 mg1%
Potassium 18 mg1%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 0.1g0%
Vitamin A 20IU0%
Vitamin C 0.3 mg0%
Calcium 2 mg0%
Iron 0.1 mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Add to a salad or use as a dip.
Many Salad Dressing Recipes
I love a good salad so I try to keep it fresh with different salads. Here are a few of our favorites.
What is your favorite thing to eat in French cuisine? Leave a comment and let us know!