I had a friend in high school who wore French clothes on everything, including Her pizza. I don’t understand why she likes it so much. My mom and my oldest son both loved it so I decided to get a nice homemade version.
French dressing?
French salad dressing as we know it today did not exist until recently. In the year Until the 1960s, the classic French vinaigrette was originally a healthy oil and vinegar dressing and that’s where we are now. Just call it vinaigrette. Vintage cookbooks list spices like black pepper and lemon juice, later adding shallots, garlic powder, Dijon mustard and other ingredients.
Over the years, ingredients like paprika (and ketchup) have been added to make the bright orange version popular today.
It may not be from France but it’s definitely an American favorite.
And until recently, French dressing ingredients were regulated by the FDA. Because it has been since 1920. Mineral oil (yes, from petroleum) became a popular substitute for olive oil. Mineral oil is non-digestible and acts as a thickener, so it has become a popular substitute in salad dressing for weight loss.
Eventually, processed food products such as Catalina dressing and creamy French dressing gave way.
Real food French dressing
This homemade version made me understand why people love French dressing so much. It’s simple and delicious with only real food ingredients and no vegetable oil or gobs of buried sugar. We love it on any food (except maybe pizza?). I tried to balance the original oil and vinegar base with a little sweetness reminiscent of the new version.
I use white wine vinegar, but red wine vinegar or Apple cider vinegar It works just as well (although they have a very strong taste). Tomato paste adds color and flavor without adding tons of sugar. And honey adds a little sweetness and acts as an emulsifier for the oil and vinegar.
My kids enjoy dipping fresh vegetables in this salad dressing (probably because it looks like homemade ketchup). If you’re a fan of French dressing (or maybe you’re not), try this healthy homemade version instead.
Healthy French dressing recipe
An easy and delicious homemade alternative to store-bought french dressing you can make at home in less than 2 minutes.
Nutrition facts
Healthy French dressing recipe
Serving Size (1 TBSP)
Calories 60
54 calories from fat
% Daily Value*
Fat 6 g9%
Saturated fat 1 g6%
Polyunsaturated fat 1 g
Monounsaturated fat 4 g
Sodium 24 mg1%
Potassium 18 mg1%
Carbohydrates 1 g0%
Fiber 0.1 g0%
Sugar 1 g1%
Protein 0.1 g0%
Vitamin A 20 IU0%
Vitamin C 0.3 mg0%
Calcium 2 mg0%
Metal 0.1 mg1%
* Percent daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Serve on a salad or use as a dipping sauce.
More salad dressing recipes
I love a good salad so I try to keep it fresh with different salad dressings. Here are some favorites.
What is your favorite thing to eat with French dressing? Leave a comment and let us know!
